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SB Nation Reacts: Fans still see Braves as NL East favorite

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Atlanta Braves fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

The Atlanta Braves are off to a great start this season with a 26-14 record. That mark is one game better than where they were through 40 games a year ago. The difference is, the Phillies have surged out of the gate to a 31-14 start. Atlanta enters play Friday 2.5 games back in the NL East standings.

Despite the Phillies’ hot start, 71% of fans that responded to this week’s SB Nation Reacts poll still believe that the Braves are the favorites to win the NL East. It is easy to see why a lot of Braves fans are confident. The team is off to a great start and the offense really hasn’t hit its stride yet. Sean Murphy will be back soon as well.

Even with their good start, the Braves aren’t without concerns. Basically every team has some. Our SB Nation Reacts poll revealed that 62% of fans are most concerned about the team’s offense.

I’m not that worried about the offense. They may not reach the heights of last season, but that was an unrealistic expectation in the first place. Still, this team has way too much talent to not finish as one of the better offensive teams in the majors. Once they start clicking, I believe they will be fine.

My vote for biggest concern would have gone to the rotation. The starters have been outstanding and it easy to wonder about how good they would have been if Spencer Strider hadn’t went down with an elbow injury. Chris Sale and Reynaldo López have been outstanding as has Max Fried after a slow start. The Braves have depth, but things would get really tight if anyone else went down for a significant length of time.

I mentioned the Braves’ good start to the season earlier and it appears that most SB Nation Reacts voters have taken notice. Our National question this week ask voters to assemble their own Power Rankings. Atlanta came in second behind only the Baltimore Orioles. The Dodgers, Phillies and Yankees rounded out the Top five.