2012 MLB offseason: Braves break into Top 10 in power rankings

It might be the offseason, but that doesn't mean that people will stop comparing . In his first power rankings off the offseason, ESPN.com's Buster Olney has the Atlanta Braves cracking the Top 10, checking in at No. 9.

In his reasoning, Olney says that although the Braves lost veteran third baseman Chipper Jones to retirement, the Braves still have an extremely talented roster that should make some noise in 2013, led by Jason Heyward and Craig Kimbrel.

It's the first year without Chipper Jones, who was still a really good offensive player in 2012. But they have so many talented, young players that the Braves can feel good about their chances for getting better -- from the world's best closer,Craig Kimbrel, to Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman, to Mike Minor. Brandon Beachy figures to be back sometime this season, as well.

Overall, Olney has the defending World Series Champion San Francisco Giants in the top spot of his rankings.