The Atlanta Braves are off to a sizzling start to begin the 2013 regular season. They won 12 of their first 13 games, before going on a bit of a slump. They are currently 13-5, which is tied for the best mark in the majors. If you look at what the 1984 Detroit Tigers did at the beginning of their World Series run, you can see some similarities in todays Atlanta Braves.
For all of this to make since we have to look at what the ‘84 Tigers did to begin their season. They started with a nine game winning streak and upped that to 35-5, becoming one of the best starts ever. This team went on to win the World Series in only five games.
One of the main similarities for both teams was their third base position. The Tigers considered this the “weak point” on their team. Likewise, the Braves have questions at the hot corner, with Chipper Jones leaving the squad after 2012. The middle infield of the Tigers is easily better than the Braves, who have unproved, Andrelton Simmons and struggling Dan Uggla. The Tigers had Lou Whitaker and Alan Trammell, who are both Gold Glovers and .300 hitters.
The outfields for these two teams is what gives them the most comparable stats. The Tigers had; Kirk Gibson, Chet Lemon and Larry Herndon. B.J. Upton is known for his defensive skills and throwing arm. Lemon of the Tigers was known all the same, except Lemon was a proven hitter as well. Justin Upton, the left fielder for the Braves is in some ways like Herndon, although Upton is the better hitter.
The final similarity is the closers for both of these teams. Craig Kimbrel; has set the rookie saves record and became the first pitcher to strike out half of the batters he faced. Closer, Willie Hernandez had one of the best years by a relief pitcher in recent memory, winning the Cy-Young award along with the American League MVP. If Kimbrel pitches like he did in 2012 and the Atlanta Braves can go on to win the World Series, you could potentially see him receiving at least the Cy-Young award.
The season has barely begun so all of this is very premature. In no way am I saying the Braves are as good as this Tigers team, but the similarities are there. The 1984 Detroit Tigers ended up winning 104 games with three Gold Glove winners and two Silver Sluggers. The potential for the Braves to put up these numbers is there. All we can do now is watch.