Despite trades, Atlanta Braves president says team still a contender

John Hart, right, speaks as Braves president John Schuerholz looks on during a news conference in Atlanta Wednesday, Oct 23, 2014 where it was announced that he has been named president of baseball operations for the Atlanta Braves. With Hart accepting the newly created title, the Braves no longer are looking for a general manager. - photo by John Bazemore

0116Braves — John Hart, right, speaks as Braves president John Schuerholz looks on during a news conference in Atlanta Wednesday, Oct 23, 2014 where it was announced that he has been named president of baseball operations for the Atlanta Braves. With Hart accepting the newly created title, the Braves no longer are looking for a general manager. - photo by John Bazemore

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves are clearly rebuilding. The guy responsible for their overhaul insisted Thursday they can still be a contender. Long one of baseball's most consistent franchises, the Braves have dealt away three of their top hitters — Justin Upton, Jason Heyward and Evan Gattis — and received only one player assured of being in the majors next season, pitcher Shelby Miller.

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