Now I see how to pozzy spin this...
The poor play in 2017 was masterfully orchestrated by Coppy so the Braves didn't have the payroll to waste money on FAs this year. That forces them to rebuild for 1 more year, which is what they should have done anyways. This was the only way Coppy could circumvent the meddling simpletons still in the FO.
That Coppy is one smart cookie!!