The Atlanta Braves

Am I the only person who wonders WTH has happened to the Braves?! I'm clueless! This year is HUGE. We've got our pitching problem worked out. In fact, we've got starters galore! Our bullpen is deep. If Mike Gonzalez come back healthy, we're going to kill everyone else out there! Our starting lineup should look something like this... Hudson, Smoltz, Jair Jurrjens Hampton, and Glavine.


Our 'pen looks really good as well. We've got Acosta, Bennet, Boyer, Moylan, Ohman, Resop, Ring, and an awesome closer in Rafael Soriano.


Our infield looks very solid this year also. We've got 2-time Gold-glover Mark Texiera at 1st base. He's hitting after Chipper this year, and if he can work on batting right-handed, he's going to rack up more all-star numbers. Hopefully we can wrap up this lifetime contract deal really soon, because Braves County


At 2nd base, we have Kelly Johnson. He was 2006's outfielder, transformed into a 2nd baseman in a relatively short amount of time. The transition was smooth. Except for that backhand play (going to his right on a ground ball), he was great last year. Infield trainers confirm that he's been working hard in the off-season, and Johnson has looked very comfortable there at 2nd. That's a good sign.


Our shortstop is Yunel Escobar. He's gone through alot in a year's time. A harrowing escape from Cuba brought him to the US, and now he's playing as our every day shortstop! He can also play two other positions, and can play them well. Having him has been wonderful for the team, and Braves fans appreciate everything that he's gone through to play baseball. I hope he stays for a while...


And as always, at 3rd base, is Chipper Jones. He's been with the Braves for about 12 years, and hasn't stopped performing all throughout his career. He's hitting in the third batting order spot, and we like him there. He's normally on base, which gives Tex someone to drive home. Having two switch-hitters back to back is going to work out excellently...


Our outfield looks great. We've got Francouer in right field, and he's great for throwing out runners going from 3rd to home. Our new centerfielder, Matt Kotsay, looks very good. He's been hitting decently as well. We just have to make sure that his back gets a rest from time to time. Hopefully he'll play 160 games this year, not the full season. Then next year, depending on this season's results, he can play the full season with no injuries. Left field is well covered with Matt Diaz, who is one of the best middle-lineup hitters we have.


Behind the plate is the ever-present Brian McCann. He was the only reason we got to go into extra innings last night. That bloop single to left-center was hilarious, because the left fielder lost the ball in the lights. He's great in the fifth or sixth BO spot.

Last night's game was ok. We can't depend on a ninth inning comeback. Braves started that last year, trying to rebound from 5-run defecits. It's hard on players, and pitching as well. We have to get the lead early, then play fundamental baseball for the rest of the game. Make plays, move runners around bases, and score runs like we're supposed to.