Midseason outlook
Where things stand:
1) Atlanta is #1 in the east by 6 games
2) Atlanta is #2 in the NL behind the Dodgers by 5.5 games and leading the Cubs by 7 games
Reasons to be optimistic for a Braves fan
1) Hitting is rock solid
2) The Phillies and Nationals look to beat themselves out of the NL East Crown with 8 games to go
3) Most of the more difficult games have to come through Suntrust in which the Braves hold a 28-19 advantage
4) The NL Central race and the lack of a race in the NL East is making a home field series in round 1 more likely
5) The Dodgers limped into the All Star Break at 5-5 giving a slightly more realistic chance for the Braves to fight for 1st place.
Reasons for concern:
1) Pitching is all over the place. Aside from Dallas, Soroka, and Minter there are no totally reliable SP, LRP, MRP, and CPs on the roster
2) The Nationals are on a tear 8-2 in the last 10.
3) The Phillies and Nationals both hold a series advantage over the Braves, and have the lionshare of remaining home games in the season series.
4) Dumb losses and the Braves usually go together at some point of a season
5) The Braves cant afford to not winning the NL East.
Going for a 1 game season and having the Dodgers waiting is not a good thing to look forward to.