The Atlanta Braves look just about done with their 2013 roster though they continue to search for a left-fielder. As the new season rolls around, it looks as if the Braves will be competing for second place against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Yes, the same Phillies that finished 81-81 in 2012 and missed the playoffs will likely give the Braves problems in 2013. Why is that? Because they will begin the season healthy.
Last season, the Phillies missed the production of Chase Utley and Ryan Howard. These guys didn't return until late June and early July. They are the heart and soul of the Phillies and the reason why they were so successful following the end of the Braves' reign in the N.L. East.
The interesting part about the Phillies' season in 2012 was that they played better after trading everyday players like Shane Victorino and Hunter Pence during last year's deadline.
The Phillies once sat in the last spot of the N.L. East boasting a 45-71 record on July 29. This prompted the trades since the Phillies figured they wouldn't go anywhere. However, they closed out the year 36-24 bringing their record to .500 finishing just seven games out of the final Wild Card spot.
Now, the Phillies have one of the best infields in the game, though they are aged veterans. The addition of Michael Young gives them a consistent bat and somebody who can play third base. What they need the most is help in the outfield and this might ultimately hold them back.
The Braves have threats up and down their lineup, once you get past Young, who will likely get plugged in the fifth spot of the lineup, there's really nobody to be afraid of in the Phillies lineup.
No matter how the lineup is set, the Braves have Jason Heyward, Freddie Freeman, Dan Uggla, newly acquired B.J. Upton and Brian McCann who will swing at everything and provide pop. Martin Prado can handle the bat as well and the Braves hope Andrelton Simmons can become their everyday shortstop.
When looking at the pitching matchup, the Phillies undoubtedly have the power pitching, but they lack depth in comparison to the Braves.
Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels were the anchors of the pitching rotation as Roy Halladay battled through injuries in 2012. They don't have Vince Whorley anymore and even he spent time in the disabled list during the 2012 season.
The Braves proved to have the deepest pitching in baseball when they turned to a six-man rotation featuring Tommy Hanson, Tim Hudson, Paul Maholm, Kris Medlen, Mike Minor and Ben Sheets.
Hanson and Sheets are gone, but either Randall Delgado or Julio Teheran are expected to battle for the fifth spot in the rotation. Most of these guys are young, which is why the Braves possess a lot of hope in 2013.
Though the Phillies might look like the weaker team, it should be a good battle throughout the season. The Braves will go into the season as the favorite to take second place because, let's not be silly, the Washington Nationals, barring injuries, have the best team in the National League or maybe even the majors.
The Braves shouldn't take anything for granted in 2013 since Charlie Manuel and those guys in Phillies still know a thing or two about winning.
