A stunning lack of offensive production was the catalyst of the Atlanta Braves epic collapse last season in which they went from the division leaders to a final record of 79-83. The Braves finished the 2014 season with a rank of 29th for run production, 26th for batting average, 28th for OPS, and 22nd for home runs. The putrid offense wasted a fine year by a pitching staff that ranked fifth for earned run average and first for quality starts. In fact, the Braves had their lowest run total since 1969. But Braves fans had better brace themselves as the worst could yet be to come.
Addition by Subtraction?
As bad as their offense was last year, the Braves are now missing the few assets that they could boast in the lineup. Jason Heyward, Justin Upton, and Evan Gattis have all departed in trades. In return, the Braves gained a significantly improved farm system. It’s nice to have prospects, for sure, but the Braves moves did not address the immediate concern of the 2015 season.
Upton and Heyward were moved in anticipation of their probable exit from Atlanta in 2016 and Gattis was considered a defensive liability.
“It wasn’t a perfect offense last year, and it’s not a perfect offense now,” said Atlanta’s President of Baseball Operations John Hart. “I still fell like we’re going to be a real competitive club. We weren’t going to be picked as the favorites had we kept all of those guys.”
And the Braves certainly won’t be picked as a favorite for 2015.
More Moves to Come?
Hart is still trying to acquire a left fielder either by trade or from what is left of the free agent market. Jonny Gomes and Nori Aoki are two free agents that are still available.
Hart was trying to package B.J. Upton in his deal that sent Gattis to Houston. Perhaps it was fortunate that Upton could not be moved as he will be the only right hand hitter in the lineup that hit more than 10 home runs last year. And Freddie Freeman is only other player that could boast more than 10 home runs in 2014. Freeman is considered to be a 20-plus home run man, but with a lack of quality support in the lineup, he may be pitched around and have limited opportunities as a result.
Yes, it CAN get Worse
For those who think that the Braves offense reached rock bottom last year it would be good to think again. Heyward, Upton, and Gattis accounted for half of the Braves home run total in 2014 and are now gone. And there are no immediate proven replacements. It looks like hitting coach Kevin Seitzer will be working overtime this year.
