Here's what I'll say. I actually think the Braves are 1-2 position players away from being contenders and I maintain that if Freeman hadn't gotten hurt we would be in the division race. The starting rotation is good enough to get to the playoffs and Teheran, Wood, and Miller are all signed for 3-4 more years and we've already seen what Wisler, Perez, and Banuelos can do. I like Freeman, Peterson, and Simmons. I like Markakis and I like Maybin. But we DESPERATELY need a RH power bat. Whether that person plays LF or 3B, we need to get someone who can bring power from the right side. Bullpen needs fixing and we've been making moves to try and do that.

If I'm the Braves, I hold pat at the deadline and look to make some moves in the offseason because I believe the Braves can compete next year. Have to keep Maybin, and I think he will stay because he's close to home and is gelling with Seitzer. But we've got to get a power RH bat and we've got the pitching prospects to do it. Package a couple pitchers together and see who bites. We will also have to address catcher because I'm not sure Bethancourt can hit at a high enough level to be effective. He's got to hit and so far he hasn't been able to do that. I think we can piece together 3B with Chris Johnson and Uribe for next year. But if we can get a legit LF, address catcher, and get a lefty in the pen not named Avilan, I think we've got a chance next year.