Atlanta Braves

After missing the playoffs the last three years, breaking their incredible streak of reaching the postseason every year from '91-'05, the Braves are setting themselves up nicely for another run of success although I don't think that it will happen just yet.

The pitching staff got some added help with the signings of Derek Lowe and trading for Javier Vazquez. I really like the Lowe signing with him coming off one of his best seasons ever and even though he is getting to his late 30s he has been really durable since becoming a starter in 2002 with the Red Sox. Vazquez wasn't awful last season with the White Sox, but he is a guy that has always pitched better in the NL like a lot of other pitchers. I think Vazquez will have a nice bounce back year in Atlanta. Jair Jurrjens was their ace last year due to injuries to other starters, but the 23 year old was solid and should improve this season, and I think the Tigers will regret trading him for Edgar Renteria. The best young pitcher they have though, is Tommy Hanson who will be up real soon and should show why he is the #1 prospect for the Braves.

Chipper Jones will be his usual hall of fame self so you know what you are getting there. Brian McCann is right behind Joe Mauer for the best young catcher in the game and I think he will have his best season so far. Jordan Schafer was suspended for HGH use last year, but has come back and won the starting center field job and will be in the rookie of the year running. This might be the year that Jeff Francouer figures out that if the ball isn't a strike then you don't have to swing. People still talk about him as if he is a future superstar, but until I see him post a respectable OBP I'll hold off on that one.

I think the Braves will be in the Wild Card hunt but will come up a little short. Their future is bright though, as they have restocked their minor league very well these last few drafts and will be back in the playoffs very soon.