Atlanta Braves: Jason Heyward's Bounce Back Continues as Playoffs Approach

The old cliche' proved true: Jason Heyward fell victim to a sophomore slump.

After a good-as-advertised rookie season where he hit .277 with 18 home runs and 72 RBI, he followed that up with the very subpar second season where he batted .227 with 14 homers and 42 RBI.

The young fella has bounced back nicely this season; his numbers resemble those of his rookie season.

He is batting .270 with 54 RBI and already has 18 home runs. Although we have been saying it for years, Heyward finally looks like he has lived up to his very high hype and potential.

His bounce back coincides with the Atlanta Braves' bounce back as a team. They are all trying to make sure a repeat of last season's tailspin doesn't happen again.

As a team, the Braves put together solid, professional at-bats. Their .257 team batting average is a testament to that.

Heyward is one of the most patient hitters in the game. Dan Uggla, despite his struggles, is still making sure he sees plenty of pitches in every plate appearance.

If Uggla can turn his season around and have the kind of August and September he had last season, this offense will be that much more potent.

Heyward and the Braves have been on a roll; they just need to keep playing at this high level down the stretch.

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