2011 MLB Predictions: How Much Success Will Atlanta Braves Find in 2011?

2011 MLB Predictions Wonder Whether Braves Are Ready to Contend Now As They Enter Next Youth Movement

The Atlanta Braves seem to have finally done it: they've entered the club's next big youth movement. With headlining stars like 21-year-old Jason Heyward, Freddie Freeman, Tommy Hanson, and Craig Kimbrel, the Braves have a plethora of young talent already in the club, with more coming before the season is over. 

But is there enough talent in Atlanta to compete this season, or are the Braves a year away from hitting their stride? 

The pitching staff is easily the strength of this team, thanks to a plethora of talented arms. Veterans Derek Lowe and Tim Hudson are as effective as ever (even if Lowe's ERA was a little high last season), and give Atlanta's young arms someone to look up to. 

But, it's those youngsters that make this staff so dangerous. Tommy Hanson emerged as a bona fide ace in 2010, while a healthy Jair Jurrjens gives the Braves four elite starters. Rookie Brandon Beachy has looked promising this spring, and if he can deliver on that promise, teams won't be scoring many runs on the Braves' staff. 

The bullpen is solid, although it remains to be seen whether fireballers Craig Kimbrel and Johnny Venters can be effective closers. They have the potential, but there's enough depth here that new manager can cobble together a strong season out of the 'pen if they struggle. 

The issues come on offense, where questions abound. We all know that Jason Heyward and Brian McCann can hit, but can the Braves get enough pop from the rest of their offense to stay competitive again? Does Chipper Jones have enough left in the tank to deliver one final strong season? 

There's plenty of potential for runs to be scored in Atlanta, but until we see them do it, it's hard to be fully convinced they can get the job done. Maybe new first baseman Freddie Freeman can deliver some pop, or perhaps shortstop Alex Gonzalez can get the job done.

If they do, this is a serious contender, but if they don't, Atlanta will find themselves falling short until the prospects arrive.

Prediction: The Braves have got to find someone to help Heyward and McCann offensively if they want a World Series title, but even if they don't, the pitching staff is good enough to keep the Braves competitive. Look for them to compete for the Wild Card, or even the division crown, if the offense comes around. 

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