It seems like everyone is talking about the Mets and Phillies to battle for the NL East title in 2008. How about the Atlanta Braves? I know it has been two years since they won their last division championship, but remember the long stretch they had before that. I'm not saying that Atlanta is going to win the division, but they are going to be damn close by season's end. This team looks pretty good, and I could easily see them contending with the Phillies and Mets this season.The pitching staff is pretty solid. Tim Hudson and John Smoltz are at the top followed by Tom Glavine, who returns after a four-year stint with the Mets. Mike Hampton will try to stay healthy for once and Chuck James rounds out the fifth starter position. There are others mixed in that might make some noise, but if this rotation stays injury free, it lines up pretty well against the rest of the National League.
I think this offense might be a tad underrated. Brian McCann had a good season last year for a catcher (.270 18hr 92 RBI) and Jeff Francoeur continues to impress (.293 18 hr 105 RBI). His patience at the plate improved dramatically last season, which was a question mark going into the 2007 campaign. Kelly Johnson performed well out of the lead off spot as well. This team is balanced offensively, especially with the veteran talent of Chipper Jones and first baseman Mark Teixeira in the lineup. Jones has had a terrific career with the Braves, and I think he should be considered for the Hall of Fame. People might think I'm nuts, but as a Mets fan, I've seen enough of Jones to think that way. Teixeira is going to have a great season, like he usually does and being with a good team instead of the Rangers will only boost his confidence. He was traded to Atlanta midway through last season and ended up being a great pickup for the Braves.
I really like this Braves team and I think it's going to be a three-team race until the end of the season. Bobby Cox is an awesome manager and he will lead this team to success in 2008.
Shawn Marosek
1 comment:
I think this is Bobby Cox's last year, so you figure the older players like Chipper, Smoltz and Glavine will go all out for him this year. Also, Teixeria is in his walk year, so he should be really good. (Unless the Andruw Jones disease plaques him this year)
I agree that they will be competitive. Them and the Phillies will contend for the Wildcard. The Mets are going to fly away in the division I believe.
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