Atlanta Braves need changes to contend in 2018, here's one many are overlooking

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Arodys Vizcaino #38 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at SunTrust Park on August 22, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Can the Atlanta Braves be serious contenders in the NL East rather than just spoilers in 2018. The roster and rotation are young so any challenge would require additions. Is the newly minted front office ready to do that?

Alex Anthopoulos is correctly hesitant to make any moves that would deplete the minor league system before he personally gauges the prospects potential. Meanwhile Atlanta Braves fans are being tested more than most – okay maybe not as much as the Pirates but more than the rest – this offseason. Heck Alan even asked – almost begged for AA to make us contenders this year.

I’ve said for a while that three players in key spots makes us a serious threat in the NL East. Now Craig Edwards over at Fangraphs agrees with and echoes what I’ve said – with one minor exception but I’ll take that as an over looked detail on his part.

"There’s a pretty good argument,. . .(the Braves) should consider accelerating their timeline . . . with the right moves . . . Atlanta could assemble a winning team (this year) . . .the Braves’ depth chart reveals three clear positional holes: one in left field . . . one in right field . . .(and) one at third base.”"

Edwards believes our rotation can do it because he thinks Brandon McCarthy and Scott Kazmir will both pitch. I don’t trust Kazmir at all and McCarthy might or might not stay healthy; I believe we need a starter. Our needs still number three because I count right field as the future home of Ronald Acuna – by June. That aside his thoughts are worth discussing.