Paul Sullivan: Braves' rebuild is providing hope to tankers everywhere

The Braves could have been one of those teams Tony Clark was alluding to when the players union chief lashed out against major-league owners allegedly competing in a "race to the bottom."

After all, there was no evidence the Braves would not tank again in 2018.

This is a franchise that has been in rebuilding mode for three years, with a new general manager and a general reputation for being frugal.

But as they begin a homestand Tuesday night with a three-game series against the Cubs, the Braves surprisingly have the best record in the National League at 25-15 and a growing confidence they've turned the corner.

So who saw this coming?