Recently, we pointed out how strong this Atlanta lineup has a chance to be. But how does the Braves lineup compare to that of the defending NL East Champion Washington Nationals?

Good question! Let’s have a look.

As with our most recent post, we’ll borrow Bill James’ projections. Again no one’s projections ever prove entirely accurate–or even close to it. But James’ prognostications are objective, well reasoned, and they’re as good an educated guess as we’re likely to find.

Here again is what James predicts for the Braves lineup this season:

**Juan Fransisco and Chris Johnson’s projected stats each projected to 290 at-bats, and added together (assuming 50/50 playing time). 

And here is what he projects for the National’s lineup: 

**Wilson Ramos’ and Kurt Suzuki’s projected stats each projected to 290 at-bats, and added together (assuming 50/50 playing time). 

Of course there are numbers here with which both Braves and Nats fans will take exception. Certainly, it seems to me, that if McCann hits 23 homeruns batting either 4th or 6th, it’s almost inconceivable that he’ll drive in as few as 58 runs. But again, overall, these are well reasoned projections. 

While the National’s lineup is strong, I think it’s apparent that, on paper, the Braves batting order is a little more potent. What’s more, Atlanta’s lineup has more upside. That is to say, it has greater potential to exceed expectations.

Justin Upton will add  RH presence to the middle of the Braves’ order.

We know, given health, that it is reasonable to expect 50 homers between Heyward and Freeman. But these guys are still quite young, 23 to be exact, and I don’t know of anyone who thinks we’ve seen the best they have to offer. Likewise, many feel Justin Upton, 25, has not yet realized his potential, despite finishing 4th in MVP balloting just the year before last. Heyward, Freeman and Justin Upton all have superstar potential. While many are predicting roughly 25 homers from each, would it really surprise you if any of the three turned in a breakout season this year?

The Nationals have their own rising star in the person of Bryce Harper. Immensely talented and already quite good, his best years are undoubtedly ahead of him, and nothing he does this year should surprise anyone.

But my point is this: The Braves have three hitters, 25 years of age or younger, with superstar potential. The Nationals have one.

Please don’t interpret this as disrespect toward the Nat’s lineup. It’s quite good, and they should score plenty of runs to support their exceptional pitching. However, the Braves have the edge in this category.

Next week, we will compare the starting rotations of the top two teams in the East. Stay tuned.