The Atlanta Braves have jumped as one of the favorites in the National League. With a new looking lineup and the same pitching staff, there is a lot awaiting in 2013 as Opening Day is here. Check out the predictions for this season's Braves team. 

There is no doubt that the addition of B.J. and Justin Upton has made the Braves team a lot better in 2013. The Braves are expected to strikeout a lot in 2013, but they are also expected to hit a lot of home runs in the upcoming year. Let's just put it like this, they have Juan Francisco as the backup third basemen and he's expected to hit some jacks along with 27-year-old rookie, Evan Gattis. Dan Uggla will be hitting in the seventh hole and he is expected to hit at least 25 home runs. 

Tim Hudson is healthy and backed up by the young arms of Kris Medlen, Mike Minor and Julio Teheran. The bullpen should be one of the best in baseball as Craig Kimbrel comes back as the team's closer. The addition of Jordan Walden should make it even a better bullpen as Jonny Venters sits out for the beginning of the season. 

The Washington Nationals will be the Braves' biggest competition this year as their pitching is loaded in 2013. Pitching wins ballgames, but the Braves have scrappy, power hitters in their lineup that can make noise and give pitchers a lot of trouble. 

Expect the Braves and Nationals to battle it out for the top spot of the N.L. East. When examining that division, the other teams look weak in comparison to these two powerhouses. With the Braves' improved hitting, however, they get the edge over the Nationals. 

In 2012, the Braves hitting was simply average, but now it's improved and they bring back the same pitching rotation, minus a struggling Tommy Hanson that was shipped to Los Angeles in exchange for Walden. 

Worse comes to worse, the Braves will finish in second place and have another crack at winning the Wild Card game, though hopefully this time around the umpires understand the definition of the infield fly rule. 

Check out the rumors that filled Braves camp this offseason in the 'Related Articles' section right underneath this story. It was a pleasure covering the Braves over the offseason since the fans were so responsive to the rumors as the Braves looked to fill in their holes in the 2013 season. 

Also good to point out, this will be the first time the Braves will be without Chipper Jones to start a season since 1995.