The NL East: Atlanta Braves

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In my first dive into the National League, we'll look at the Atlanta Braves. Much has changed in the ATL since they were eliminated from the playoffs by the eventual World Champion San Francisco Giants. The biggest being in the dugout with the retirement of manager Bobby Cox.

Like a lot of teams, there were a few roster changes that took place as well. Closer Bill Wagner retires. Outfielders Melky Cabrera and Rick Ankiel are gone. Derrek Lee, a mid-season acquisition, has moved on as well. There's others that have left, and you have to wonder if the amount of change will have an adverse effect on the club.

One of the mainstays over the last handful of years has been catcher Brian McCann, the 2010 All-Star Game MVP. Realistically, this might be the most stable position on the team. You know, if healthy, McCann will provide no less than 130 games, around 20 HR, about 90 RBI and have splits close to .275/.355/.475. Those aren't over the top estimates either as all are actually below his career averages.

The infield will have a completely different right side. I already mentioned Lee's departure, but Omar Infante is gone, but the Braves do have Dan Uggla at second. Uggla is a step backward defensively, but he is a major upgrade offensively. Shortstop is in the hands of Alex Gonzalez. While he may not ahve the range he possessed a few years ago, he can still play the position and be productive with the stick.

Third will be manned, possibly, by Chipper Jones. It depends on Chipper's health. After suffering another devastating knee injury last season, some had Chipper leaving the game. It wasn't the way he wanted to depart and I didn't want him to leave that way either. It seemed incomplete somehow.

The biggest question may be at first where rookie Freddie Freeman will assume the duties. He did post impressive numbers in Triple-A and at the beginning of the Arizona Fall League, the Braves are confident he can be successful. Some have said he's on the same path as Jason Heyward was last season. If so, it's sacry. Really scary.

The outfield gets a bit of a makeover as well. Martin Prado is listed as the left fielder. Does it really matter where Prado plays? You know he'll hit. You know he'll give a great effort. Put Prado at any position and he'll produce at the plate. His defense is also a bit underrated.

Nate McClouth has first crack at center. I think the rope will be short though. McClouth struggled last season. You might be wondering what happened to the once "phenom" Jordan Schafer? He might the guy if McClouth can't deliver.

So right field is set. Jason Heyward. Nothing more to say.

What about the pitching?


The one thing we've gotten used to from the Braves is pitching. Good pitching. Very good pitching. Well, it's status quo in Atlanta. The Braves have a top four of the rotation that almost every team would envy. Tim Hudson, Derek Lowe, Jair Jurrjens and Tommy Hanson. Yes, it's a formidable quartet. All are capable of 15 wins. All are capable of posting good ERA.

The #5 slot may be the question mark. Then again, almost every team faces that dilemma. Non-roster invitees Kenshin Kawakami and Rodrigo Lopez figure to be in the mix.

The bullpen gets a new new closer in Craig Kimbrel. He has struggled during the spring, but the Braves aren't outwardly concerned. If he should stumble, Atlanata does have other arms in which to call on in a time of need.

Jonny Venters and Peter Moylan will help to firm things up on the back end. You can also add Scott Linebrink and George Sherrill as poetential bullpen mates. And don't forget Ed O'Flaherty.

No, it's not a lot of recognizable names out there, but this pen could be as solid as any in the league if all hit their strides. I a lot has to fall right, but never underestimate a Braves pitcher.

The biggest change for the 2011 Braves comes in the form of the manager. Fredi Gonzalez takes over for the legend known as Bobby Cox. I can't and won't say much about filling the spikes Cox left because I doubt it could ever be approached. Nonetheless, Gonzalez was a coach under Cox and he knows his way around the organization. That will serve him well this season. He's not entering a situation where he's unaccustomed to their methods.

I was shocked when I heard the one and only Dan Patrick state the Braves will win the NL East. Most have already handed the division to the Phillies. With the recent news of Chase Utley and now the surgery to be performed on Domonic Brown, it might be that far fetched.