The Braves have endured criticism for a relatively quiet offseason, but they’re confident that returning mostly the same group will pay off.
Third baseman Josh Donaldson and catcher Brian McCann were the team’s offseason additions. Donaldson arrives with high expectations, hoping to rebound from injury and add another dynamic to the lineup. McCann is thrilled with his homecoming and already chattering about World Series contention.
Tyler Flowers, with whom McCann will split catching duties, feels even with the minimal external help, the Braves can be better than the 2018 edition that surprised with 90 wins and a postseason berth.
“I think we can be a better team than we were last year,” he said. “A lot of experience last year, a lot of young guys coming up, a lot of success and a lot of failure. So a lot was learned throughout the season.”
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Reliever A.J. Minter said “when” rather than “if” in reference to winning the uber competitive National League East. The Braves dominated their division a season ago, but pundits are skeptical of a repeat performance given the East’s wide-ranging improvements.
Outside questions won’t impact the Braves. They’re motivated by last year’s postseason ousting - Los Angeles beat them in four games - and want the chance to redeem themselves on the national stage.
“We’re out right now, short-term, to win the division again,” manager Brian Snitker said. “I don’t think there’s a man in the clubhouse who doesn’t think we can do that.”
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