Atlanta Braves: 10 Bold Predictions for Jason Heyward in 2012

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Jason Heyward was thought of as the "Next Big Thing" when the Atlanta Braves drafted him with the 14th overall pick in the 2007 draft.

After a stellar rookie season in 2010 in which he hit 18 home runs, drove in 72 runs, was named an All-Star and finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting, Heyward regressed in his sophomore campaign, to the groan of many fans.

And, it had those fans asking, "Is this Jeff Francoeur Part Two?"

This year, Heyward knows he has a lot to prove. Not just in terms of his numbers, but in terms of how he's viewed by his teammates, the media and fans.

To be a team leader, one must play through minor injuries and not allow himself to be replaced in the starting lineup due to his lack of hitting.

With that said, here are 10 bold predictions for Jason Heyward in the 2012 season.

Heyward Will Start out Fast...

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Just like he did in his rookie season, I believe Heyward is going to hit a home run on Opening Day.

With a lot to prove, I wouldn't be surprised if he did it again in his first at-bat, although I'm sure most Braves fans don't care when it comes in the first game.

Heyward has the ability to hit the ball to all parts of the park, and is primed to start off 2012 with a bang.

Then Run into Trouble...

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Inevitably, every player has a slump each season. Heyward will be no different.

His slump will come in May where after a good April, he'll try to do too much and get himself into trouble. He'll strikeout and ground out at an alarming rate.

During this time, many Braves fans will become frustrated with him, and some will actually call for the team to trade him.

The Braves Will Dangle Him as Trade Bait

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After getting frustrated with Heyward's slump in May, Braves GM Frank Wren will dangle Heyward as trade bait under the table.

Although it won't be known "officially," Heyward will be available for trade at the right price.

However, no team will meet Wren's asking price, and the Braves will pull him off the block when...

Come June, J-Hey Will Be Back

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By the time the All-Star break rolls around, Heyward will be back in form and will garner an All-Star selection from either the National League manager, or will be the final player voted in by the fans.

After a slump last year saw Heyward take long to recover from, this year will be a lot different, especially knowing that the Braves have Jose Constanza waiting in the wings if he doesn't.

By the time the Braves reach the All-Star break, Heyward will have at least 15 home runs and 50 RBI, setting himself up for a nice second-half run.

30+ Home Runs, 100+ RBI

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There, I said it.

Jason Heyward will hit 30-plus home runs and drive in 100-plus runs, becoming everything the Braves thought he would be. And, it will be just in time as begins to step into the role as a team leader with it likely being Chipper Jones' last year in Atlanta.

Heyward will take this year on as a challenge, becoming exactly what the Braves' brass thought he could be.

Hitting in the Heart of the Order

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With Martin Prado still on the team, the No. 2 slot is taken, with Dan Uggla and Freddie Freeman firmly entrenched somewhere between three and five, that leaves Brian McCann or Chipper Jones in the other spot, with the other taking No. 6, and Heyward being No. 7.

Jones and/or McCann will spend some time on the disabled list this year.

Step in J-Hey, who will fill nicely into the heart of the order, as Freddi Gonzalez likely won't mess with McCann's or Chipper's position in the order.

This will be Heyward's chance to prove that he is ready to take the reins of the team at the plate.

Five Game-Winning or Walk-off Hits

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Heyward will step to the plate many times this year with a chance to put his team ahead on the road or win the game at home, in his final at-bat.

At least five times this year, Heyward will come through with the game-winning hit in the ninth inning or later to win the game for the Braves.

Lofty goals, but again, he has a chip on his shoulder and will be looking to prove that he can be the next face of the Braves franchise.

Staying off the Disabled List

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I predict that Heyward will stay healthy all year and play at least 150 games, with the occasional day off.

Now, that may be hard for fans to believe, especially since he only played in 128 games last year and 142 the year before, but again, he'll play through minor injuries and be a fixture in the Braves lineup.

Doing so will help him gain that leadership role in the clubhouse.

Winning the Division Title

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Come Oct. 3, Heyward and the Braves will be putting the finishing touches on a National League East title by defeating the...Pittsburgh Pirates?

Yes, that's right. The Braves don't go into the final series having to face the Philadelphia Phillies. In fact, they have the Miami Marlins, New York Mets and the Pirates as their final three series, with a trip to Philadelphia scheduled before that.

You know what that means? No Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels waiting to put a dagger into the hearts of all Braves fans on the last three days of the season.

Going to the NLCS

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Heyward and the Braves will play in the divisional round of the playoffs and win (against whom, I'm not sure), and will make it all the way to the NLCS.

Then, just like they've done in years past, the Braves will break fans' hearts and lose to a team like the Los Angeles Dodgers or Cincinnati Reds.

However, there will be much optimism for Heyward and Braves fans heading into 2013, with a legitimate shot of winning the World Series.