The Atlanta Braves wrapped up the first half of the 2017 season with a 42-45 record and soon-to-be-pressing questions regarding multiple pieces of the roster.
The improving Braves sit 9 1/2 games back of the Washington Nationals in the National League East race entering the All-Star break — and 22 days shy of the non-waive trade deadline. Here are three observations from the first half and what lies ahead.
At various points in 2017, the optimism surrounding the Atlanta Braves' improvement has shifted into well-intentioned hyperbole.