The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

On Thursday, February 14th a bunch of guys will walk out onto fields in Arizona and Florida to stretch, run, and play catch, which signifies the end of 3 1/2 cold, gray, dreary winter months and the beginning of a new season. Yes, this Thursday, pitchers and catchers are due to report to Spring training. The best quote I've read about this time of year (discovered on this excellent blog from the AJC's Braves beat writer) comes from a writer for the LA Times, Jim Murray: “Spring is the time of year when the ground thaws, trees bud, the income tax falls due — and everybody wins the pennant.” What could be better than the promise of warm weather, the world turning green again, fresh cut grass, warm breezes, hot dogs and cold beer at the ball field? And this is the one time when hope truly seems to have a footing. It doesn't matter what your team did last year, it's a whole new beginning. In the spirit of this, I will now delve a bit into my team, the Atlanta Braves, and give my predictions for the new year.

There were some notable losses over the off-season and some big gains. We'll have some fresh faces this year and, as always, there are question marks. As I did last year, I'll take a quick trip around the diamond and rank each area.


Starting Pitching: A

This is one area where question marks abound, and negative answers could lower that letter grade significantly. I, of course, am an optimist (see previous paragraph on hope). Starting pitching has been a sore area for teams all across baseball, so I don't think ranking the Braves staff near the top is a stretch. The biggest change to the staff this year is the signing of former Brave Tom Glavine from the Mets. This gives us three starters, John Smoltz, Tim Hudson, and Glavine, that have a good chance of giving over 600 innings combined. This is huge, as last year our bullpen was worn into the ground with our 3, 4, and 5 guys getting knocked around a lot and coming out of games early. If these top three guys (2 of which are over 40) can succeed in giving us innings, we'll be a lot better than last year. The end of the rotation is still another big question that will be decided in spring training. The last 2 spots will go to either Mike Hampton, Jair Jurrjens (new pitcher received in the Edgar Renteria trade from Detroit), or Chuck James. Hampton is a big question as he has been hurt and hasn't pitched an inning in 2 1/2 years. So, I've got to say he won't be in the rotation until he proves to me otherwise. Jurrjens is a very promising rookie pitcher, who if he continues what he's done in Detroit's farm system stands a very good chance of earning a spot. Finally, Chuck James who has done well the past two seasons, but has been rumored to not be at 100% this spring, will also have a good chance if healthy. We'll have to just see how it shakes out, but all in all we have a much-improved rotation over last year.


Relief Pitching: B

Rafael Soriano will start off the season in the closer's role and Braves fans hope that the hard throwing right-hander's performance resembles last year (with the exception of one homer happy month). Soriano loves the closer's role and thrives on the pressure. He's got an overpowering fastball and a mean look in his eyes. He's very competitive and is all business. Rounding out the bullpen for sure will be Peter Moylan, an Aussie side arm pitcher who was very impressive last season, Tyler Yates, Manny Acosta, and Will Ohman, a recent pick up from the Cubs who will be our left-handed set up man. Also, Mike Gonzalez should be back from surgery recovery around mid-season. If these guys resemble what they did last year, we should be in pretty good shape. Again, relief pitching is also a very sore area all around baseball, so having a few guys that have some promise is a good sign.


Infield: B+

The biggest move here came in the second half of last season with the trade for Mark Teixeira, which gave us an amazing bat and a gold glove first baseman. Not only do we get the offensive production from Teixeira (who in 54 games with Atlanta last year hit .317 with 17 HR), but also it forces pitchers to pitch to Chipper Jones, who bats ahead of Teixeira. These two guys, both switch hitters, are about the best 3-4 combo you could hope for in a line-up. At second, we have Kelly Johnson, who was very impressive last year in his first full year as a second baseman. Count on him to put up a good offensive line next year too. At shortstop we lost Edgar Renteria, which is a personal shame for me, as I always like him, and we will miss his bat and his leadership. In his place, though, is Yunel Escobar, an amazing young rookie who had a fantastic year last year in a platoon and back-up role. He was so impressive that the Braves were willing to trade Renteria and give Escobar the full time job. Expect big things from this kid. Behind the plate is Brian McCann, who despite playing hurt most of last year, put up good numbers for a catcher. He is generally ranked one of the best in baseball and I'd have to agree. Overall, we have a very strong infield. The relative youth at second and short is more than made up for with the experience at the corners.


Outfield: C

The biggest loss in the outfield is Andruw Jones. While it is a loss, it is no surprise. Everyone knew the Braves would not be able to afford the huge free agent contract that his agent the infamous Scott Boras would no doubt negotiate for him. The only glimmer of hope of retaining his services came because of the absolutely dismal season he had at the plate last season, barely rising above the Mendoza line (.200 batting average). Of course, that performance didn't stop him from signing a $36.2 million 2-year contract with the LA Dodgers, making him the 5th highest paid player in baseball based on average salary. I always liked Andruw and contend he is one of the best defensive centerfielders in the game, but it's time to move on, that said... His replacement for next season is Mark Kotsay. He is a veteran centerfielder who has struggled as of late largely due to injuries. Hopeful fans project him to provide solid defense with around a .270 average (my thinking is that's a bit high, perhaps .255-.260) as a stopgap until the latest Braves phenom, Jordan Schafer, is ready. Most predict Schafer will be up in the bigs possibly by the end of the season, but certainly by 2009. If Kotsay can provide this stopgap, and offer his experience, then I say good move. In left will likely be a Matt Diaz/Brandon Jones platoon. I think Diaz has earned a right to play everyday, but Cox likes his platoons, and Brandon Jones has shown he's ready for the big league level. Should be solid offensive production here, with some added defense from Jones. Right field is the surest bet with Jeff Francoeur. His plate discipline has improved dramatically, which has raised his average, but slightly diminished his home run totals. I think that will change with experience. He's an excellent defensive right fielder with a canon for an arm. I love watching him gun down people at the plate from right field. Fun to watch. He's one of the new faces of the franchise and fans hope the Braves lock him in a long-term deal. A lot of questions with the outfield, but we do have some depth there which is good and will hopefully alleviate the loss of Andruw.


Summary

Like every year, I pick the Braves to finish first in the NL East and hopefully have enough steam to get back to the World Series. It's going to be tough, though, as the Mets still have an excellent team made better with the acquiring of Johan Santana in the offseason, who is pretty much agreed upon as the best pitcher in baseball. Plus, last year's division winners, the Phillies, are not to be counted out and have an excellent team again this year. It will be a tight race, which might just give the Braves the momentum they need to propel them through the playoffs. It's going to be a great year...bring on baseball and Go Braves!!