Last month, USA Today ranked all 30 pitching rotations in baseball and it wasn't pretty.
The Braves came in dead last.
Ted Berg has now switched to offense and the Braves didn't fare much better. He cautions that plenty still can and will change before opening day as roster changes can affect lineups, prospects could emerge as true major leaguers, and hitters get into rhythm.
Say this for the Braves' hitting: It'll probably be better than their pitching. Franchise stalwart Freddie Freeman remains an elite offensive first baseman, and Ender Inciarte — acquired in the deal that sent Shelby Miller to the Diamondbacks — appears a nice addition. Beyond that, the Braves will take chances on a bunch of veterans looking to revive their careers while they wait for the proverbial rebuilding tree to bear fruit.
He adds:
The race between the Braves and Phillies for the bottom of the NL East should be heated.
That stings a little. What do you think, is he far off? Do you see the Braves' offense getting better this season?
Pitchers and catchers report next week to Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Full squad workouts begin Thursday, Feb. 25.
