Atlanta Braves: What's Wrong with the Bats? Will They Make a Bold Move?

The 2011 Atlanta Braves are beginning to look a lot like the 2010 version. The only difference thus far being this team’s starting rotation may even be better than last year’s.

Some of the same problems persist in 2011 that plagued the Braves in 2010: spotty defense, inconsistent hitting and injuries.

The offseason acquisition of second baseman Dan Uggla was supposed to solve the Braves’ power woes. The Braves were seemingly loaded from the left-handed side so acquiring a right-handed slugger was of the utmost importance.

Only problem is, Uggla is hitting .177 as of this writing, but he does have 11 home runs. Imagine if he were hitting .250? Uggla would be among the league leaders in home runs. Uggla has never been known as a great contact hitter. He was acquired for his power. But he has also never been this far under the Mendoza line this deep into the season.

Some of Uggla’s problems are the same as many of his teammates: he strikes out far too often. Uggla has struck out 69 times while walking only 25 times. The Braves as a team have struck out 592 times while only drawing 253 walks. Those are astonishing numbers.

While the Braves’ power numbers have improved this season, they still have a problem manufacturing runs. The Braves are 25th in MLB with a .239 batting average. Part of that problem is a lack of production from the leadoff position.

While Martin Prado is one of the Braves’ top hitters, he doesn’t belong in the leadoff spot. His bat is better suited for the second spot in the order. He makes consistent contact and has above-average power. Since Prado landed on the disabled list, the Braves’ bats have gone into a deeper funk.

Saying Prado doesn’t belong in the leadoff spot is not a knock on him, it is just his skills are better suited for another part of the order. What the Braves need is someone at the top of the order who can work the count, make contact and provide speed.

Young outfielder Jordan Schafer has provided plenty of speed since being called up a few weeks back. But Schafer is only hitting .222 with an OBP (on-base percentage) of .295. Those numbers are unacceptable from the leadoff position.

A part of the Braves’ problems pertain to the aforementioned Uggla, but second-year phenom Jason Heyward hasn’t been the same player either. Heyward spent some time on the disabled list, but he hasn’t been spectacular while he was on the field. While getting out to a quick start with seven home runs, Heyward hasn’t hit the ball with quite the same authority as he did in his rookie year.

Outside of Prado and perennial all-star catcher Brian McCann, the Braves offense has been inconsistent. Chipper Jones has proven that while he’s not the player he used to be, he is still a capable player. Rookie first baseman Freddie Freeman looks to be a keeper. But they haven’t been consistent.

The Braves’ pitching staff is another story. They currently lead MLB with a team ERA of 3.07. They have gotten outstanding production from their starting pitchers and bullpen. The bullpen, led by Jonny Venters, Eric O’Flaherty and closer Craig Kimbrel has been lights out for the most part.

Starters Jair Jurrjens and Tommy Hanson are two of the best starting pitchers in the National League. Jurrjens currently leads the National League in ERA. Veteran Tim Hudson has been stellar in recent starts, but the same cannot be said for fellow veteran Derek Lowe.

The Giants proved in 2010 that pitching still wins championships. The Braves certainly have the pitching but their bats are going to have to be more consistent. They have a lineup full of capable hitters but will they look outside the organization for help.

The Giants acquired help before the trade deadline in 2010 and those moves paid off. Acquisitions such as Pat Burrell and Cody Ross paid dividends for the Giants and were proof you don’t have to give away your best prospects to improve your team

The best hope for the Braves right now is to keep winning with pitching and wait for Martin Prado to get back. Prado should be back around the all-star break, and that will give GM Frank Wren plenty of time to see if another bat or two is needed before the trade deadline.

Meanwhile, expect another tough week for Braves hitters. On Monday, they face a rejuvenated Erik Bedard, on Tuesday they face rookie sensation Michael Pineda and Wednesday they face reigning Cy Young winner Felix Hernandez. All three pitchers average around nine strikeouts per nine innings.

The great thing about this series is the Braves will take their MLB-leading ERA into Seattle to face the league’s worst hitting team. Maybe things aren’t so bad after all.