Atlanta Braves: 5 Predictions for the End of the Season

By (Correspondent) on July 16, 2011

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ATLANTA - JULY 15: Jason Heyward #22 of the Atlanta Braves dives in to third base against the Washington Nationals at Turner Field on July 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

Fresh off the All-Star break, the Braves are primed to continue their chase of the Philadelphia Phillies.

While they're bats have been cold, they're pitching has been red hot as they boast one of the best staffs in all of baseball.

Read ahead as I peer through my crystal ball and make predictions about the end of the year.

1. Dan Uggla Will Finish the Year Above .215

SAN DIEGO, CA - JUNE 25: Dan Uggla #26 of the Atlanta Braves connects for a three-run homer during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on June 25, 2011 in San Diego, California. The Braves won 10-1.  (Photo by De
Denis Poroy/Getty Images

Though Dan Uggla's offensive struggles are well documented, he's been showing signs of improvement.

Uggla is currently riding a seven game hitting streak and has raised his average eight points in that span.

He will continue to warm up and finish the year well above the Mendoza line.

2. Craig Kimbrel Will Beat out Freddie Freeman to Win NL Rookie of the Year

ATLANTA - JULY 7: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Atlanta Braves pitches against the Colorado Rockies at Turner Field on July 7, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

Craig Kimbrel leads the majors in saves this season and shows no signs of slowing down.

His biggest competition will be from teammate Freddie Freeman, who's also having a stellar year.

Kimbrel's numbers are just too good.

3. Hunter Pence Will Lead the Braves in RBI

PHOENIX, AZ - JULY 12:  National League All-Star Hunter Pence #9 of the Houston Astros hits a single in the seventh inning of the 82nd MLB All-Star Game at Chase Field on July 12, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona.  (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Christian Petersen/Getty Images

After being dealt to the Braves at the trade deadline, Pence will pick up exactly where he left off in Houston.

He'll drive in 100 runs for the first time in his young career.

4. The Braves Win Their First Division Title Since 2005

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 08: Dan Uggla #26 of the Atlanta Braves throws to first base after forcing out Jimmy Rollins #11 of the Philadelphia Phillies at second at Citizens Bank Park on July 8, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  The Phillies won 3-2 in t
Drew Hallowell/Getty Images

It will come down to the final series of the regular season, but the Braves will eek out the division title over the Phillies.

The biggest reason why?

See previous slide.

5. When the Playoffs End, Chipper Jones Will Announce His Retirement

ATLANTA - JULY 6: Chipper Jones #10 of the Atlanta Braves hits a 3rd inning home run against the Colorado Rockies at Turner Field on July 6, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

Chipper Jones has been one of the greatest Braves of all-time.

He's the only switch hitter with a career average above .300 whose also hit 400 homers, and a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Thanks, Chip.

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