ATLANTA -- The Braves made major roster alterations in the offseason. Some people assumed that this meant the Atlanta club would fall off the face of the earth.
It is too early for a last laugh, but the Braves get at least an interim chuckle at this point. They have been competitive, and then some. After Wednesday night's 4-1 win over the Padres and 59 games into their season, Atlanta is two games out of first place in the NL East.
There is no question that the Braves still have some shortcomings in middle relief.