The Braves are 4-13. They have three homers through 17 games, and only one of them has come since the 4th inning of opening day. Games have been blown by the bullpen. Starting pitchers have struggled to survive more than four innings. There have been injuries. There have been suspensions. The first three weeks of the season went as poorly as possible.
With Aaron Blair's debut on Sunday afternoon, we have reached the light at the end of the tunnel after 18 months of rebuilding. This is the first step towards a better tomorrow. No one wanted to rebuild, but it was a necessary evil. We have made it through the worst part. Now comes the fun part.
This isn't to say Atlanta is going to make a sudden charge with Blair leading the way. The Braves will still be bad. There is a good chance the club finishes with a bottom-three record once again.
But with Blair, Matt Wisler and Mallex Smith now on the big league roster, and Dansby Swanson, Ozhaino Albies, Rio Ruiz, Mike Foltynewicz, Lucas Sims, Sean Newcomb, Tyrell Jenkins, John Gant (and others) soon to follow, a new era has seemingly begun. It's what John Hart and John Coppolella have worked towards from the day they took over in the front office.
This season's saving grace has been the farm system. The minor league recaps have been far more enjoyable than the big league ones. With arguably the best system in the game, it's hard not getting excited. Blair will provide some excitement Sunday afternoon, and hopefully it's the first of many successful starts for the next wave of Braves.