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Home , Atlanta Braves, Dellin Betances, Howie Kendrick, Matt Joyce (baseball), Ryan Zimmerman, Will Harris

NATIONAL REVIVAL

BRAVES FACE STERN CHALLENGE IN COMPETITIVE N.L. EAST

BY MATT GRILLI

The story of the last two Braves teams Suddenly, the young talent, some of the most have been well-documented. The 2018 dynamic in the game, became supplemented club, coming off three consecutive 90-loss with a who’s who of veteran All-Stars. There seasons, had too much unproven talent in the is no one the Braves will sneak up on in 2020. eyes of many national pundits. Ninety wins But in a division featuring the reigning World and a East title later, those Series Champions and three other clubs same pundits thought ’s success was who aggressively enhanced their rosters unsustainable, with a roster that was bound this winter, these Braves will encounter their to show its youth. Ninety-seven more wins. toughest challenge yet. Another division title – and one that was not The oft-said phrase “if it ain’t broke, in doubt over the season’s final three months. don’t fix it” could certainly apply to the

ATLANTA BRAVES GAMEDAY 3 GAMEDAY 4 , who won a dramatic season-low 11 games under .500 on July 12, Wild Card Game last year and carried that ripped off wins in 46 of their final magic throughout October to capture the 71 games, narrowly missing the . franchise’s first . Stephen The Mets, like the Nationals, are led by a Strasburg, the former No. 1 overall pick who dominant rotation. They added length to that delivered two electrifying performances in starting staff by signing former the Fall Classic to win World Series MVP, winner Rick Porcello and All-Star Michael re-signed for one of the most lucrative Wacha. While both may be past their contracts by a in history. prime, they are established veterans capable Also reupping with the Nationals were five of giving New York innings in the rotation other key pieces from their championship or out of the bullpen. The depth additions team, including playoff hero paid early dividends for new skipper Luis and franchise icon . Even Rojas, when it was revealed in late March though Washington that flame-throwing lost their middle-of- right-hander Noah the-order slugger Syndergaard was in lost for the season free agency, they after undergoing supplanted him with “” a pair of All-Stars surgery. – infielder Starlin While the Mets Castro and right- bullpen struggled handed reliever last season, posting . Still, the one of the worst roster opens the ERAs in the National season with a look League, the signing largely similar to the of four-time All-Star one that won 86 of Dellin Betances its final 129 games from the crosstown last season. Yankees fortifies a If the Nationals ‘pen that includes were baseball’s strong bounce-back hottest team to candidates Edwin close 2019, the Mets Díaz and Jeurys were not far behind. Familia. Augmenting After falling to a the pitching is

5 ATLANTA BRAVES GAMEDAY ATLANTA BRAVES GAMEDAY 6 a group of position players headlined by As the Braves embark on a emerging superstars and Amed quest for a third consecutive Rosario. The Mets are poised to challenge division title, the additions by for their third division crown since the turn of the century. the four other teams should

Don’t leave the Even though neither the Phillies or Marlins make the N.L. East the most finished above .500 last season, both stand competitive division in baseball, TV on for him. to improve. Philadelphia, one year after providing for a riveting season. signing to the largest free agent contract in baseball history, added Smyrna, Even if he is Ga. native to the rotation and shortstop . Philadelphia a majors-worst .375 slugging percentage your best friend. will also see right-hander Jake Arrieta and last season. Adding veterans Jesús Aguilar, Andrew McCutchen return from Corey Dickerson and , as well Be smart. Live efficiently. season-ending surgeries. The Phillies most as former Braves and valuable offseason addition, however, might , to a youthful core should give have come in the , hiring World Series- Miami’s offense more life and make the club Let's face it. When you leave the TV on for your dog, more competitive. it costs energy and money. And that’s money you could winning skipper , who tries to lead be spending on more important things for you and your Philadelphia back to the postseason for the As the Braves embark on a quest for a third pup. For more tips and programs to help make your home first time since 2011. consecutive division title, the additions by the more efficient, visit georgiapower.com/efficiency. Yes, even the 57-win Marlins from a year four other teams should make the N.L. East ago look capable on paper. CEO the most competitive division in baseball, strengthened an offense that finished with providing for a riveting season. ATLANTA BRAVES GAMEDAY 7 ATLANTA BRAVES GAMEDAY 8 SPOTSPOT THETHE DIFFERENCEDIFFERENCE FIND THE 5 DIFFERENCES IN THE PHOTO

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WHEREWHERECAN YOU FIND ISIS BLOOPER BLOOPER?BLOOPER? IN THE CROWD?

WHERE YOU TAKE HIS Children’s at Scottish Rite hospital. FRACTURE MATTERS

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Injuries to teen athletes require special care that they can only get at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Our team of experts knows how to diagnose and treat injuries to help get him back on the field. It’s why where you take them matters, it’s why you take them to Children’s.

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Truist Bank, Member FDIC. © 2020 Truist Financial Corporation. Truist, BB&T, SunTrust, the Truist logo and Truist Purple are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation. ATLANTA BRAVES GAMEDAY 14 Color Blooper’s face and then cut around the Color Blooper’s face and dottedthen cut around line theto make your dottedown line Blooper to make your mask! own Blooper mask!

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