Blue Jays Series Preview: Atlanta Braves ripe for the picking

Sep 1, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) celebrates with teammates after scoring a run against the Miami Marlins in the eighth inning at Turner Field. The Marlins defeated the Braves 7-1. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Across the Diamond: The Atlanta Braves

The offenses in this series are as lopsided as possible. Number one versus number thirty. The Braves rank dead last in MLB team scoring with 517 runs, a few behind the 790 that Toronto has accumulated in 2015.

Power has been a real issue for the Braves, with just 88 home runs on the season (last in MLB). Atlanta’s cumulative team average of .251 ranks them 21st in the league while a .314 OBP puts them 17th.

Freddie Freeman is the biggest offensive threat that Atlanta boasts, but his issue in 2015 has been staying on the field. Now healthy, Freeman has continued to hit well with an average of .282 and 16 home runs in 367 at bats. Outfielder Nick Markakis has led the way in hits with 164, good for a .296 average in his first year with the club.

Outside of those bats, the secondary offense on the Braves will be provided by Cameron Maybin, hitting .268 with 10 home runs, and Andrelton Simmons, now hitting .264 with 56 runs scored. You’ll also see some A.J. Pierzynski, Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher, but they’re no longer the players they once were.

Next: Game 1 Preview: Buehrle's biggest start of 2015?