Fansided

2016 MLB season: NL East Preview

By Josh Barnhill

Mar 18, 2016; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) connects for an RBI double during a spring training game against the Washington Nationals at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) connects for an RBI double during a spring training game against the Washington Nationals at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 24, 2016; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) hits a long fly to right field allowing Braves right fielder Ender Inciarte (not pictured) to advance to third base during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2016; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) hits a long fly to right field allowing Braves right fielder Ender Inciarte (not pictured) to advance to third base during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Braves

The Braves tread water for a while last year until they finally gave in and played some very poor baseball in the second half….because they were a very poor baseball club.

Projected Lineup

CF Ender Inciarte
SS Erick Aybar
1B Freddie Freeman
3B Adonis Garcia
RF Nick Markakis
LF Hector Olivera
C A.J. Pierzynski
2B Jace Peterson

Now they’ve lost their ace, Shelby Miller. Also their shortstop, Adreleton Simmons, who is considered one of the greatest all-time defensively. Mid-rotation starter Mike Minor and Cameron Maybin who was a decent CF in 2015 are gone too.

Julio Tehran will once again attempt to be the team’s ace. Long-time Angels shortstop Erick Aybar will take over for Simmons and Ender Inciarte will be in CF.

Projected Rotation

RHP Julio Teheran
RHP Matt Wisler
RHP Bud Norris
RHP Jhoulys Chacin
RHP Mike Foltynewicz

Freddie Freeman will still anchor the lineup but that’s about it. Hitting will be down and pitching will be down. The Braves might tread water for a month or two but the levee on this team will break pretty soon.

That’s all part of the plan, however, as Braves management has been focused on stockpiling their farm system since Frank Wren was fired as general manager after the 2014 season. By many accounts, they’ve succeeded and have the best core of future talent in MLB….but it won’t show up in time to save 2016.

Next: Philadelphia Phillies

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