Know Your Enemy: Atlanta Braves

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Braves won 96 games in 2013 en route to the National League East crown in their first season since 1995 without future Hall of Famer Chipper Jones at third base. The Braves run came to an end in the division series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, 3 to 1.

The only acquisition the Braves made was starting pitcher Gavin Floyd, who is coming off an injury. They signed Freedie Freeman, Craig Kimbrel, Julio Teheran, and Andrelton Simmons but saw catcher Brian McCann head to the New York Yankees for big money. Second-year catcher Evan Gattis will replace McCann, during his rookie season Gattis hit .243/.291/.480 with 21 home runs.

Brandon Beachy will return for his first full season since he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2012 along with left-hander Alex Wood making his first full season in the majors. Wood, 23, was recalled from Triple-A in mid-July in 2013 for his only major league experience.

Projected Lineup
Jason Heyward OF
Justin Upton OF
Freddie Freeman 1B
Evan Gattis Catcher
Chris Johnson 3B
Andrelton Simmons SS
Dan Uggla 2B
B.J. Upton OF

Projected Starters
Kris Medlen
Julio Teheran
Mike Minor
Brandon Beachy
Alex Wood

Schedule
Cubs @ Braves May 9-10-11
Braves @ Cubs July 11-12-13

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