Ranking Atlanta Braves All-Star Squads Since 2010
By Seth Carter
We rank the last 11 Atlanta Braves All-Star groups in order of a subjective calculation of awesomeness.
Despite a sub-.500 season thus far, the Atlanta Braves are sending three players to the All-Star game. It always gives me hope to see the Braves well represented at the Mid-Summer Classic.
Today, we will rank the All-Star squads the Braves have put together since the 2010 season. I ranked them based on objective awesomeness.
You may disagree with me in the comments, but you are wrong. 🙂
11. 2015 Atlanta Braves All-Stars: Shelby Miller
In 2015, Braves fans did not have a lot to root for. Expectations were not high as the Braves followed up a 96-win 2013 with a disappointing 79-83 injury-ravaged season. General Manager Frank Wren was terminated mid-season.
The young core we thought we had in 2013 was mostly traded away, leaving Freddie Freeman, Andrelton Simmons, and a few scraps. Jace Peterson, Alberto Callaspo, Kelly Johnson, and Eric Young were Opening Day starters for the 2015 Braves while Evan Gattis, Craig Kimbrel, Both Uptons, Dan Uggla, and Jason Heyward were all gone.
That offseason, the Braves signed Nick Markakis to a four-year deal and acquired Shelby Miller in a deal with the Cardinals that sent Heyward to the Red Birds. For Braves fans, it was yet another dagger. Just a few short years after Heyward and all of his hype burst into the major leagues, he was gone.
Shelby Miller was the part of the deal that could provide the Braves with some major league pitching in 2015 and beyond. The 24-year-old hurler came to the Braves with a 26-18 record and a 3.33 ERA.
Miller gave Braves fans something to root for in 2015. He finished the first half of the season with a 2.38 ERA while opposing hitters were batting just .209 against him.
His stellar first half also included a May 17th outing against the Marlins that fell one out shy of a no-hitter (thanks a lot, Justin Bour!).
Watch: Shelby Miller One Out Shy of No-Hitter
Ultimately, Miller finished the season with a spectacular 3.02 ERA and earned the only All-Star nod of his career. While the Braves were struggling, Miller looked to be more than a solid starting pitching piece, but a true ace for 2015 and beyond.
Of course, the Braves ended up dealing him to the Diamondbacks in a very lopsided trade that brought Ender Inciarte and prospects Dansby Swanson and Aaron Blair.
Despite leading the league in losses with a 6-17 record, 2015 was Miller’s best season. It was the only season he exceeded 200 innings pitched and the 3.02 ERA was his best.
In the years since, Miller has only pitched 185 innings and struggled to a 7.15 ERA as injuries have taken their toll.
All-Star Credentials: Miller found himself among league leaders with a 2.38 ERA and .227 BAA. He had two shutouts entering the break and posted a 0.95 ERA in May.
All-Star Game Stat Line: Miller did not play.