What can the 2017 Atlanta Braves learn from the 2016 Chicago Cubs?

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Jul 7, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jason Hammel (39) talks to Atlanta Braves catcher Tyler Flowers (25)after he was hit by a pitch during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

Comparing Cubs part-time players to Braves part-time players

I’m going to spare the list of part-time players for both teams and just get to the nitty-gritty:

Batting Average: Cubs .249 to Braves .238 [-11 points]
On-Base Percentage: Cubs .329 to Braves .290 [-39]
Slugging Percentage: Cubs .368 to Braves .354 [-14]
On-Base+Slugging (OPS): Cubs .697 to Braves .634 [-63]

That’s a HUGE difference. The Cubs take the Braves to the cleaners in every single category (though yes – the fourth one combines the middle pair). As Brandon said, they are a complete team.

Their bench is deep. It has no weakness. Each player on their bench can hit. Each player on their bench can field. And many on their bench can play multiple positions. Joe Maddon is a fantastic manager but even I could manage a team with this much offensive and defensive flexibility.

So what could the Braves do to mirror the Cubs of 2016 for their inaugural year at SunTrust Park? Let’s take a look, shall we? It’s likely not as complicated as one might think.

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