Peach Tree Times

Hall of Fame hurler John Smoltz knows the look of a winner, and the 1995 title-winner likes what he sees from this year’s Atlanta Braves.

“When I look at the National League, two of the better teams [Dodgers or Giants] are going to knock themselves out one way or another,” Smoltz told MLB.com as the Braves prepared to battle the Milwaukee Brewers in the other NLDS Division series.  “L.A. and San Fran are either going to get eliminated or eliminate one or the other. If you get past Milwaukee, I think [the Braves] have better than a fighting chance; I really do.”

With a 2-1 edge in the best-of-five series, Smoltz isn’t the only one increasingly liking the Braves’ chances.

Fellow team legends Tom Glavine and Chipper Jones also told MLB.com that they believe the Braves have hit their stride after a slow start that saw them floundering under .500 until the month of August.

In the end, the team’s late-season charge following the trade deadline acquisitions of the likes of Adam Duvall, Jorge Soler and Eddie Rosario helped them ride to their fourth consecutive NL East title, MLB.com said.

“They hit their stride at the perfect time,” Smoltz said. “I mean, after alternating wins and losses at the end of July, they have had one of baseball’s best records. It’s amazing they are in this spot.”

Glavine looks at the Braves and sees many of the things Smoltz insists he does.

“First and foremost, I like their top three guys [Charlie Morton, Max Fried and Ian Anderson] in the rotation,” he told MLB.com. “I think all of those guys are capable of going out there any given night and pitching a gem. I think those three guys could certainly match up with anybody. When you have three guys like that in the rotation, that's a huge luxury.”

On offense, Jones argues the team doesn’t have many weaknesses.

“I think you could argue all four infielders – Freddie Freeman, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley and Dansby Swanson – could win the Silver Slugger this year,” he told MLB.com.  “I don’t think that’s a stretch at all. It probably won’t happen that all four of them will win, but it’s the most dynamic infield I’ve ever seen. That’s saying something; I’ve been around the game for a long time.”

Smoltz said the Braves’ bullpen could be there to close the deal.

“If they get good work from their bullpen – just if they’re decent – they’ve got a chance for a long run,” he said. "I really believe it. If Will Smith gets outs with his fastball, good things will happen.”