Atlanta Braves: 5 Bold Predictions for 2012

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The Atlanta Braves had a relatively quiet offseason, and that has some fans worried. While other teams in the National League East made big moves, the Braves had no moves that would be even remotely considered "blockbuster."  

So here is my "way too early" short list of predictions for this coming season.

Jason Heyward Rebounds

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His first career swing resulted in an Opening Day home run in 2010, a year that would make him an All-Star and put him in position to be a serious Rookie of the Year contender. Jason Heyward's second season, however, was nowhere close.

He spent most of the second half of the 2011 season on the bench and was replaced as a starter with a platoon effort. I predict Heyward rebounds. He's just too good folks, plain and simple.  

Freddie Freeman Stays Hot

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Freddie Freeman will stay hot in 2012, and I don't just mean at the plate. Freeman has a world class glove at first base to go along with his heavy hitting.  

The only thing that stood in the way of a Rookie of the Year award for Freddie was a teammate, Craig Kimbrel. I don't think we'll see a Heyward-like sophomore slump this season.  

Braves Struggle Against the Marlins

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The newly named Miami Marlins have a new home, a new manager and a few new faces for 2012. The Braves struggle against the Marlins when they had none of this, and could barely break even for the year, so what makes us think the Bravos would be able to consistently beat the fish now?  

Something tells me that Ozzie Guillen will make a drastic culture change to go along with his new, shiny stadium. With new toys like Jose Reyes and Heath Bell, the Marlins have a chance not only to make Atlanta miserable, but to actually contend for the division.  

Braves Settle for the Wild Card, If That

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If the Braves make the playoffs this season it will again be as a Wild Card contender. The first time the Braves ever won the Wild Card was for 2010, which was Bobby Cox's final season. They should have won it in 2011, but an epic late season choke-fest put an end to that dream.  

This year, the two-man race in the NL East becomes a three-man race with the Marlins primed to join the Braves and Phillies as a serious contender. Either way, the Braves won't win the division crown. 

Chipper Finally Hangs It Up

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Chipper Jones is a sure-fire Hall of Famer. He's possibly the greatest switch-hitter of all time, with only the great Mickey Mantle a serious contender in the argument. One thing Jones is not though, is durable.  

He has been plagued with injury after injury for his entire career. He's still managed to have an incredible career, but he's hung around far too long and now he's just getting greedy.  

The Braves need a serious, consistent producer at third base, and Jones has been sitting on a valuable roster spot, as well as a large chunk of payroll for years past his prime. This year injuries will finally catch up with Larry Jones, and he will decide it's time to go.