The Atlanta Braves. The Webster dictionary definition of mediocrity. After winning (I mean dominating) the NL East for 14 of 15 years from 1991 to 2005, the Braves have failed to make the playoffs since. This makes me unhappy. I am a huge Braves fan, and every year my high expectations are beaten to death by most recently the Philadelphia Phillies (who may have the dumbest mascot in MLB history). This year they were expected to be the 'wild card' of the National League both in my heart and the voices of many experts. I was completely embarrassed when the 'wild card' started behind everyone in the NL East including the nation's punching bag (Nationals) and contributed to the Rockies first no hitter.
That was a week ago. The Braves are currently at 21-20 after today's miraculous comeback against the Reds (one of the most exciting baseball highlights I've seen in a while). A major part of this ascent back to .500 and this team's new vigor is the best rookie in the league. Jason Heyward. No one can deny that this kid is a beast. Sure, he acts like a rookie (26 strikeouts in first 75 at bats), but he's adapted well to the game. In May, his walk to strikeout ratio was an amazing 9:3 in 38 at bats. He does well under pressure and in clutch situations as many of us have witnessed. The Braves have been criticized much lately for trading many of their star players to other teams and keeping 'liability' players such as Chipper Jones, but they have done well in finding and developing the best rookie and one of the top players in this league. He not only adds playability, but he is also the new figurehead for the team and a major source of motivation. He may only make the Braves a 'wild card' team this year, but I believe he is the future of the Braves.
PS. HE'S A BEAST
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