Does age always translate to winning baseball?

For the past few years, the Atlanta Braves have had one of the game’s youngest and productive lineups. This year isn’t any exception, as the Braves have had their hold over the NL East through the club’s first 52 games with a four-game lead over the second-place Marlins.

In this week’s version of my Behind the Plate column, I will take a look at the Braves’ lineup as well as the Phillies, Mets, and Yankees - as far as their demographics and current states. In addition, I will take a look at some takes around the league, and some fantasy league chatter.

Youth Pack ... Ironically, the Braves currently have 14 players age 30 or older on their current roster, mainly on their pitching staff. Ex-Phillie Charlie Morton is the granddaddy on the staff at age 39, and he was outdueled by the Phillies’ Zack Wheeler in a 2-1 loss Saturday.

However, the Braves’ recent success has been based on their ability to infuse young players into their lineup, those who have made quick adjustments to becoming everyday players.

The Braves also have been able to successfully shuttle players from their Triple-A and Double-A outlets to fill a hole when an injury occurred. They have been particularly effective in finding a young arm to fill a void.

The Braves’ lineup is one that can be in place for the majority of the next five years with club options available at the end of their deals.

Outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. is 25 and is signed through 2026 on an eight-year, $100 million deal; infielder Ozzie Albies, 26, through 2025, seven years, $35 million; outfielder Michael Harris II, 22, through 2030, eight years, $72 million; catcher Sean Murphy, 28, through 2028, six years, $73 million; infielder Matt Olson, 29, through 2029, eight years, $168 million; infielder Austin Riley, 26, through 2032, 10 years, $212 million; and pitcher Spencer Strider, 24, through 2028, six years, $75 million.

If the Braves can continue to follow their formula, they can continue to find the right concoction to rule the NL East.

Phils’ 70’s Class ... If you went to a Reading Phillies’ game in the late 60s and early 70s, you had the chance to see the Phillies’ budding class of Mike Schmidt, Larry Bowa, Greg Luzinski, Bob Boone, Denny Doyle, and Billy Champion to name a few. Future manager Frank Lucchesi served his apprenticeship in Pretzel town.

The problem was the Phillies couldn’t piece together a winner until 1974.

Age Just Isn’t a Number ... Unlike the Braves, the Phillies and the Mets have elected to create their rosters with a veteran presence. Through May, their approaches have left them with mediocrity.

The Phillies have 12 players - two less than the Braves - 30 or older, but they have looked to seasoned veterans Trea Turner, Zack Wheeler, Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, Tijuan Walker, Nick Castellanos, Craig Kimbrel, and Josh Harrison.

They do have a nucleus of Alec Bohm, Brandon Marsh, and Bryston Stott, who could help form a future foundation.

The Mets have 16 players on their current roster age 30 or older. Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer haven’t been the top of the rotation dominance the Metropolitans expected due to injuries and inconsistencies.

There have been plenty of calls from the Big Apple to shed 35-year-old Tommy Pham and 30-year-old Daniel Vogelbach from their roster due to their ineffectiveness. Yet, 38-year-old, ex-Phillies’ reliever David Robertson is on his way to an All-Star selection.

As far as the Yankees, they have been accustomed to a seasoned squad. This year, the Bronx Bombers have only 11 players on their grid age 30 or older. But 33-year-old Giancarlo Stanton, 34-year-old Josh Donaldson, and 30-year-old Carlos Rodon are on the disabled list.

New Look ... Baseball has showcased some of its newer versions of one of their uniforms. Some of them have little changes, while others are total makeovers.

My favorites are Seattle’s blue and yellow with the Mariner pitchfork; the Angels with their throwback 60s and 70s look; and the Braves with their 70s look.

My least favorites are Colorado with its green and white mountain image; and Baltimore with its bold city printing across its chest.

Sometimes, change isn’t necessary.

Are the Rays Real? ... Tampa Bay is often viewed as a team that isn’t taken seriously toward a World Series run. However, these Rays have led the league in stolen bases, as well as have either led or been in the top three in runs scored, hits, home runs, total bases, ERA, shutout, fewest home runs allowed, and WHIP. They also had 11 players with seven or more homers.

This could finally be their year.

Go West ... The Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw has been showing some signs of his prior dominating form, as the 35-year-old left-hander had a 6-4 record with a 3.72 ERA with 75 strikeouts in 62 innings after Saturday’s start in Tampa.

Kershaw leads the team in wins, strikeouts and starts (11). Aside from spending time away for his mother’s recent death, Kershaw has been a steady force on a staff that has been riddled with injuries. LA held a 2.5-game lead over Arizona beginning Sunday’s play.

With most teams playing around .500 or slightly below in their last 10 games, the Giants have surged back into the NL West race by winning eight of their last 10.

In the AL West, Texas continues its quiet stance at the top, but the Astros have been putting it together lately and are on their heels.

Take the Safe Bet ... If you’re looking into fantasy leagues this week, it is time to play the safe bet. Trea Turner is starting to find his niche as well as Bryce Harper - hitting for average and not home runs - Aaron Judge, Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, D.J. LeMahieu, and Francisco Lindor.

I still like Justin Verlander and would lean to Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler. Kodai Sengai and Carlos Carrasco would be worth it as well.

Your comments, thoughts, and ideas are always by emailing tnsports@tnonline.com