2011 MLB season in review: Atlanta Braves
The 2011 Atlanta Braves finished the season 89-73 and wound up in second place in the National League East. They went 36-36 against the four other teams in their division. Of course, they went just 18-18 against the Washington Nationals and New York Mets, but did beat up on the Florida Marlins going 12-6 against them. The main problem here is they only went 6-12 against the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Braves scored 641 runs on 1,345 hits. The team batting average was .243 and that was the fourth worst team BA in the NL. Not including home runs this team ranked last in extra base hits, but in the home run category, we see that they hit the third most dingers in their league. Not one of heir regular nine had a BA over .300 so this looks to be a team that needs guys to get on base, and then get their heavy hitters to knock them in. They had the third least stolen bases so they may also need some speed on the base paths. They had the fourth most strikeouts with 1,260, and drew the eighth least walks. Some patience at the plate and some guys who can work counts seem to be among their chief off-season needs.
The pitching staff gave up 605 runs on 1,332 hits. The staff ERA was 3.49 and was the fourth best team ERA in the senior league. Age and injuries are a concern among the starting five, but they do have some younger guys getting valuable experience at the back of the rotation. The bullpen looks strong and their closer did covert 46 saves. They were first in innings pitched, and strikeouts. They issued just 521 walks so this is a staff that can throw strikes and get hitters out. They also gave up the third least home runs.
All in all this looks to be a very strong team that can compete in the here and now. Tim Hudson and Derek Lowe's age are a bit concerning and we have to see how Jair Jurrjens develops. I would say that with a few minor tweaks to the lineup that they could do very well in 2012.
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