Why the Atlanta Braves can be considered as one of the top teams in the MLB?

The Atlanta Braves (52-36) approach the All-Star Break as one of the four teams in the entire league that have posted 50+ wins. The only other teams in the MLB that have accomplished that feat to this point are the Phillies (55), Yankees (51), and the Red Sox (51). Early in the season, the Braves struggled out of the gate due to many key injuries to players such as Jair Jurrjens and Jason Heyward. Despite the early injuries, Jair Jurrjens came off of the disabled list and leads the majors with the most wins as a pitcher (12) and the best ERA to this point (1.87) and will be making his 1st career All Star appearance. Jair Jurrjens is a part of an Atlanta Braves pitching staff that leads the majors with the best ERA (3.02) and also have one of the best bullpens in the Majors who is tied for the most saves in the league with the San Francisco Giants (30).

       The Braves pitching staff could get a major boost when Kris Medlen returns later this season and could only make this team a bigger threat during the stretch to the postseason. In the Braves bullpen, the success story of relief pitchers Jonny Venters and rookie closer Craig Kimbrel have not received a lot of credit by the national media. Jonny Venters, have been a huge relief pitcher for the Braves posting a 1.53 ERA and holding all of his opposing hitters to a combined batting average of  .173 and he also was recognized as a National League All-Star for the 1st time in his young career. Craig Kimbrel, who many felt was snubbed from making the All Star Game is doing an exceptional job in his first season as a closer by posting 26 saves. Kimbrel is also leading the majors with strikeouts among relievers and tied with only Heath Bell of the San Diego Padres with the most saves in the majors. Kimbrel was recently voted NL Rookie of the Month in June and tied Jonathan Papelbon for the most saves by a rookie closer before the All Star Break.  The pitching staff still consists of Tim Hudson and Derek Lowe who are key components to the five-man rotation that have pitched outstanding for most of the season.

              The Braves offense lead by All-Star catcher Brian Mccann had a inconsistent stretch early in the season, but in the month of June, the Braves won the 2nd most games in the Majors (21-10) and they are 12-3 in their past 15 games pitching a 2.57 ERA. Also, the Braves have won 8 of their last 10 games with their offense averaging four runs of more during this span. Atlanta trails the Philadelphia Phillies by 3 games in the NL East despite having many injuries and players going through a slump such as Dan Uggla and Alex Gonzalez. With Martin Prado returning soon, this Braves lineup will be one of the deepest and strongest lineups in the Majors and will look to dethrone the Phillies of the NL East crown in 2011.



          One of the key players for the Braves offense during the 1st half is rookie first baseman Freedie Freeman. Freeman, who is gaining respect among the Braves fans and the rest of the majors, have been on a good stretch lately. Over the past 22 games, Freeman have 7 HRS and 17 RBI's and have continued to be a huge factor in the Braves successful run in June and the start of July. Freeman also is 3rd on the team in homers with 12, behind Brian Mccann (14) and Dan Uggla (13) and ranks in the top 3 of National League rookie categories with 80 hits,18 doubles, 21 multi hit games, and 12 homers. Freeman will be considered as NL Rookie of the Year as the season progresses. Brian Mccann, who have received a lot of praise from the Majors have without a doubt been the Braves MVP of the 1st half. Mccann have a .314 batting average, 14 homers, and 48 RBI's and 89 hits which ranks in the Top 3 or leads all catchers in the MLB. Brian Mccann, without a doubt, is the best catcher in the Majors today. With the All-Star Break approaching, the Braves are getting healthier and watching as Dan Uggla and Jason Heyward begins to hit the ball more and this team will be a threat to keep your eyes on down the stretch and on the run to the playoffs in the 2nd half. GO BRAVES!!!!