The season got away from Atlanta late in the year. With a poor second half and terrible September, the Braves are out of the playoff chase. However, a sour ending to the season does not mean there's nothing to build on for 2015.
The Braves did a number of things really well this year, namely on the pitching side. Other than those hurling asterisks who pitch at Petco Park, Atlanta pitchers have allowed the second-fewest runs in the National League, trailing only the Washington Nationals.
Their starters also lead all of baseball in quality starts on the season.
Of course, not all of these starters will be back in 2015. Both Ervin Santana and Aaron Harang were on one-year deals and will become free agents. An abundance of questions remain pertaining to Mike Minor and his role in the rotation next season as well.
Returning from injury will also be arms like Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy. It remains to be seen how Atlanta will use these guys and how much faith it has in them long-term.
The only rotation spots seemingly not up for grabs will be held by Julio Teheran and Alex Wood. Both young hurlers have been very good this year and don't become free agents until 2020.
After them, the possibilities are vast.
//from Bleacher Report http://ift.tt/1my8sFf
via IFTTT September 21, 2014 at 05:58PM
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