I was thinking about this yesterday. Both the Phillies and Braves embarked on rebuilds after 2014 but the Braves are well ahead of us. The Braves did start their rebuild at a different point in their history though. Only one season removed from a division title, the Braves faced the music and conceded that the Frank Wren built team was not a title contender and bit the bullet and started a rebuild. Unlike the Phillies after 2013 (or even 2012), the Braves didn't spin their wheels in a quixotic effort to wring another chance at a title out of that team. As a result, they had valuable veteran assets--guys like Kimbrel, Heyward, J.Upton and Simmonds--whom they were able to convert into good young assets (and, in the case of Heyward, he was converted into Miller who, in turn, became Inciarte and Swanson, their current starters at CF & SS). By contrast, the Phillies just had Hamels. But, having said that, the Braves have clearly scouted and developed better during that same stretch. It's all the more impressive when you consider the Braves had to deal with that scandal that cost Coppolella and others their jobs.
I hate to say it, but the Braves have the look of a team that's kicking off a divisional dynasty, though the Nats should be able to give the a battle after they retool, post-Harper.
