Arodys Vizcaino Is Atlanta Braves' Key To Success In 2016

The Atlanta Braves‘ front office is already looking forward to 2017. They traded away Shelby Miller for top prospect Dansby Swanson and Ender Inciarte to prepare for 2017. There is only one player that can carry them to playoff contention.

In order to be competitive, the Braves need Freddie Freeman and Hector Olivera to provide power. They just need to do their jobs. The same goes for Erick Aybar and Nick Markakis. They need to get on base and provide plus defense because that is what they are on the team to do. These four players are not the key success to the Braves in 2016. If they do not do their jobs, the Braves will have an awful season. If they do their jobs, the Braves have a chance to be successful.

With a rotation led by Julio Teheran and Bud Norris and backed by talent, starting pitching should continue to be a strength of this team. Moving Mike Foltynewicz to the rotation adds a third high end talent to the rotation with Norris and Teheran. Norris could be a bust, but again the veterans need to do what they do just for the Braves to be decent.

That leaves a weakened bullpen. Foltynewicz could be a great setup man, but is better utilized in the rotation. Unfortunately that means that closer Arodys Vizcaino is alone in the bullpen. Castaways Jim Johnson, Ian Krol, and Jason Grilli join a cast of youngsters auditioning to set up for Vizcaino. For the Braves to be successful, Vizcaino must be his own support system. The Braves must use him whenever they have the lead and try to save him whenever they don’t. Occasionally using Krol and Grilli in the ninth may be in order as well. The more high-leverage outs that Vizcaino gets, the better off the Braves will be. The Brave may even need apply some sabermetrics here. Whenever the Braves have a chance to win and a high-leverage situation, Vizcaino needs to be the guy.

Vizcaino is the key to the Braves’ success in 2016. If they can use him innovatively, they may just contend for a wild card spot. If Vizcaino falters or is misused, the Braves fans should start asking to see what Swanson can do before the end of 2016.