We wrote yesterday about what you should be excited for this season. The Braves probably won't be in contention this summer, and that can be attributed to numerous holes on the roster. Help is on the way from the minor leagues, but until the kids are ready for the bright lights of Cobb County, things may be a bit rough. Here are the biggest issues facing the Braves in 2016:
Freddie Freeman's wrist is a problem (again)
Anyone who has ever dealt with an injured wrist knows how painful it can be. Even worse, there's little that can be done to relieve the pain other than rest or surgery. Freeman decided to avoid surgery in the offseason, and now we'll hope that he can make it through 162 games without the wrist issues flaring up again.
There was already one scare this spring, though it turned out to be nothing.
Freeman is the key piece in the lineup, and an extended absence would present even more of a challenge offensively. We all saw what happened last year when Freddie wasn't playing 100 percent or was on the disabled list. The club's offensive output should be improved in 2016, though Freeman's health will play a big role in it.
The rotation is going to be really bad
Even the most optimistic Braves fan has to realize this year's starting rotation is going to struggle. It may be the worst in baseball. Even if Julio Teheran bounces back, there are still big questions with the 2-5 spots in the rotation.
Bud Norris hasn't been good in years. Matt Wisler needs to figure out left-handed hitters and is about to take on his first full season in the big leagues. The 4th and 5th starters to open the season will be some form of Manny Banuelos, Jhoulys Chacin, John Gant, Williams Perez and Mike Foltynewicz. Help is on the way, but there are going to be rough patches.
Third base will be a mess
Perhaps Adonis Garcia surpasses expectations, makes 140 starts and clubs 20+ homers while playing serviceable defense. John Coppolella will be heralded as a hero and godsend if this is the case.
On the chance Garcia can't handle the position every day, which is likely, there is little help on the roster. Kelly Johnson is better suited as a situational guy. Gordon Beckham and Emilio Bonifacio are not good. Jace Peterson could see time at the hot corner, though that opens a hole at second base.
With the Braves fully committed to Hector Olivera being an outfielder, there are few options on the roster. Austin Riley and Rio Ruiz have potential, but they are at least a year away (and 2-4 years away in Riley's case).
Little help behind the plate
AJ Pierzynski was surprisingly good last year, but Father Time isn't on his side. A repeat of 2015 would be surprising.
Tyler Flowers was a bad hitter in Chicago, which generally plays as a hitter-friendly park. Now he has to hit in Turner Field and deal with the heat.
For as deep and talented as the farm system is, it's pretty thin at catcher. There's a good chance the Braves try to add someone in free agency or by trade in the next year because there are few serviceable options now.