Atlanta Braves: 5 Comeback Players That Will Make the Braves 2012 Winners

After the Atlanta Braves' September collapse, some fans are questioning whether Atlanta can still compete during the 2012 season.

Can Atlanta afford to possibly stand pat? I believe so. In fact, this is the same team that was only 2.5 games behind Philadelphia in July, and that was with Uggla's horrid first half and before the acquisition of Michael Bourn.

Even so, Atlanta still could have competed in the playoffs if it weren't for other players' injuries and struggles down the stretch. Here is a list of five players that I believe will rebound and make a difference for the Braves in 2012. 

Jason Heyward: Recovering from the Sophomore Jinx

After tearing up the league in his 2010 debut, Jason Heyward fell victim to the Sophomore Jinx along with a combination of injuries.

In April, he batted .263 with a .354 on base percentage and a 525 slugging percentage. He also hit seven homers that month before a stretch on the disabled list. After that stint, he failed to produce or find his form. However, during the final month, he performed better than the majority of players and began making the proper adjustments to pitchers.

So far in the offseason, he has dropped roughly 15 pounds and will soon begin working with new hitting coach Greg Walker. If Heyward lives up to his potential, he could easily have a 30 home run season and add more depth to Atlanta's middle of the lineup.

Either way, it will be very difficult for him to repeat his lackluster performance in 2011. I'm expecting great things from the 22 year old.

Martin Prado: Returning to Form

As many times as Martin Prado's name has shown up in trade rumors this offseason, it is still no surprise to me that he is still a part of the Braves. Actually, it is very hard to see a legitimate acquisition that would justify trading him.

Before his stint on the DL with a staph infection, his numbers were similar to previous years. However, in the last two months of the season, he batted .219 and .236.

For a hitter that had never batted under .300 in a season, that was a complete aberration of his normal stats. Others speculated that the acquisition of Michael Bourn hurt Prado, because he became less aggressive in the No. 2 spot. I think that it was a combination of both.

However, I believe that Prado will fix his mistakes and return to form. 

Brian McCann: Rediscovering His Stroke

Watching Brian McCann struggle in the final months was puzzling, and again, his struggles occurred after a stint on the disabled list. Considering that he batted .306 during the first four months, followed by .180 in the final two months, one can only conclude that he will turn it around. He is arguably the Braves' best hitter, and he carried Atlanta during the beginning months.

If Atlanta can get him performing consistently the entire season, along with Heyward, Uggla and Freeman, then Atlanta may have one of the best lineups in baseball.  

Kris Medlen: The Most Underrated Pitcher

The Braves do not seem to be too worried about their pitching staff. They sport one of baseball's best and deepest rotations. However, Kris Medlen is oftentimes forgotten in the bunch. He has been incredibly valuable for them, especially during 2010 whenever Jair Jurrjens landed on the DL.

As a middle reliever/starter, he may be able to give Atlanta the depth that they lacked last season. With Medlen, Arodys Vizcaino and Cristhian Martinez as bullpen options, Atlanta will not be as likely to overuse their top three relievers: Craig Kimbrel, Jonny Venters and Eric O'Flaherty. 

Tyler Pastornicky: A Hidden Gem?

Although Pastornicky never played in a game, he was called up late September. Offensively, he can't be much worse than Alex Gonzalez.

Last season was Pastornicky's breakout season in the minors. He batted .314 with 27 steals between AA and AAA. Hopefully he can translate that season into a productive major league season. He brings solid defense, above average speed and solid hitting.

He seems like a wild card, but he could really benefit the team this season.