Atlanta Braves Spring Preview: Which MLB opponents look toughest in 2010?
Pitchers and catchers will be reporting before we know it and with March comes the start of Spring Training. Baseball’s back, basically, and with so many teams making big offseason moves it’s like it never really left us.
MAKE THE CALL: Which MLB teams – NL or AL – among the Braves’ 2010 opponents retooled themselves best for the upcoming season and who’s already looking like a cellar dweller? Also, are you headed to Spring Training? Which teams are you most eager to see and why?
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110 comments Add your comment
Question
January 26th, 2010
12:01 pm
Did the Braves discontinue the pre-spring pitching camp in Atlanta
2010
January 26th, 2010
12:09 pm
The Mets had to retool themselves with some healthy players and I guess they made a move with signing Bay. But it seems like Red Sox hesitated signing him because of his injury.
Same as 2009
January 26th, 2010
12:14 pm
Phillies repeat as division champs
Never give up
January 26th, 2010
12:16 pm
Love opening up the braves page to see spring training in Atlanta and then seeing the Mets. Way to go supporting your team Journal. It might be time to re-think my supporting the local paper too.
Marc in FL
January 26th, 2010
12:22 pm
The Mariners are looking hawt, The AL east is going to be a monster division, even compared to previous years.
I’m not forgeting about the Marlins, they could be pretty solid.
gayle
January 26th, 2010
12:22 pm
It looks like the status quo is intact – the Phillies and Mets making the big moves and the Braves signing some retreads and walking wounded then mixing that with some youth and crossing their fingers. We are expected to believe that all of these projects will have career years and thus launch this team into the playoffs as a fitting swan song for the departing manager.
Remember many years ago when they built the fancy Philips Arena where the Omni used to stand? Well, that is what they need to do to this team – tear it down to the ground and rebuild and stop this nonsense of band aids. With the manager leaving, this would be the perfect opportunity to do just that.
Third place behind the Phillies and Mets and possibly worse depending on injuries to this team and the Marlins and/or Nationals being competitive.
KnightInATL
January 26th, 2010
12:22 pm
The Mets have way too many question marks hanging around their starting pitching rotation to be considered a serious threat in the NL East. Additionally, there are many questions surrounding the return of Reyes, Wright, Beltran etc. from injuries. The Mets are not a contender this year and will finish 4th in the division just ahead of the Nats.
Kevin
January 26th, 2010
12:24 pm
I honestly see the Mets finishing dead last in the East. Their pitching is absolutely horrible after Santana.
I see the scrappy Nats finishing 4th; their pitching may not be any better overall, but I think they will give the Mets a run for their money!
In third place, I see the Marlins. They should sustain what they did last year, and maybe even start building some momentum heading into the new stadium in a couple of years. I wouldn’t completely write off the Marlins to win the division.
In second place this year, I see the Braves. They definitely began to put it together at the end of the year, but the Phillies are a complete club. I’d like to see the Braves sneak in there and snag the wildcard, and I don’t believe it is a long shot.
Bring Me the Head of Deforest Kelley
January 26th, 2010
12:25 pm
The Phillies somehow got better (and remember Utley and Rollins could bounce back from down years last season). The Mets got better (but still not good enough). The Nationals got better.
The Braves, meanwhile, effectively exchanged Soriano, Gonzales and Vasquez for Saito, Wagner and Hudson. This is a step down anyway you cut it.
2010 = another mediocre season of Braves baseball.
geauxbraves2000
January 26th, 2010
12:26 pm
I’ve been a die hard Braves fan since the early 80s, and it pains me to say this, but with this team as it is currently constructed (not just the players), I don’t think they can even compete for a playoff spot. I certainly hope I’m wrong.
Phillies win the East, the WC from the central or west.
AJC Sports
January 26th, 2010
12:41 pm
Never give up — We’re just previewing the Braves’ opponents from time to time for 2010 Spring Training. That’s it. Asking readers to discuss which foes may give Atlanta a tough time this season doesn’t mean we’re slamming the Braves. We’ve done this before, we’ll do it again and you can look for more of these previews in the coming weeks. (Or not, we guess, if you’re going away.)
And, really, it’s a newspaper’s job to report on teams.
mike
January 26th, 2010
12:41 pm
Braves don’t want to spend the money need to make themselves a contender
Bring Me the Head of Deforest Kelley
January 26th, 2010
12:43 pm
2010 NL East prediction:
Phillies 100-62
Mets 88-74
Nationals 84-78
Braves 75-87
Marlins 69-93
Gary
January 26th, 2010
12:48 pm
I couldn’t care less about the, so called, retooling, done by the Mets.
They’ve been doing that, for years…even spending megabucks, trying to win.
And, for what it’s worth, it was WORTHLESS!
Kevin
January 26th, 2010
12:56 pm
Deforest, I’d love to hear how you calculate the Mets and Nationals having more wins than the Braves and Marlins, given the pitching staffs of those 4 clubs.
san diego dawg
January 26th, 2010
1:08 pm
The Braves still have the best starting rotation in the NL east, even after losing Javy. Look for Philadelphia to win the east with the Braves a very close second, the Marlins 3rd, the Mets and their huge payroll 4th and the Nationals keep being the Nationals in the cellar.
Dawgbelly
January 26th, 2010
1:24 pm
I think the Braves are much improved from last year. Remember, last year, everyone was bemoaning the moves (or lack thereof) made by the Braves in the off-season. Even with the trade of Javy, they still have one of the best starting rotations, 1-5, in the bigs. They are deeper in middle relief, which will help the back end of the pen. If Chipper bounces back to have just an average, for him, year, he will hit over .300, with 25 homers and 100 RBI. With Glaus hitting 4th and McCann batting 5th, there will be very little temptation to pitch around him. Escobar should have a lot of RBI opportunities, hitting 6th. They should score a lot more runs this year. Just a few more runs last year would have put us in the playoffs. I think it is going to be a race to the wire with the Phils for 1st place.
AJC, I agree with you. It’s the paper’s job to report the news.
Gary2
January 26th, 2010
1:25 pm
As an eternally optimistic Braves fan since the 70’s, I believe they may have a chance at the wild card if Chipper and Glaus stay healthy and play most of the year. The Phillies are still the team to beat in the division, though.
indianman
January 26th, 2010
1:25 pm
braves 98 64 phillips 94 68 mets 88 88 national 80 82 marlins 75 87
Chief Knockahoma
January 26th, 2010
1:26 pm
I will be getting called up mid-season by Bobby……see yall at Turner Field
Bring Me the Head of Deforest Kelley
January 26th, 2010
1:39 pm
The Nationals have been getting better and better the past couple seasons, and this may be the year they finally pull enough together to build a better-than-.500 club. Stasburg can be an impact player from day one. They also added Marquis to their rotation, and while he’s no ace, he’s certainly some stability over what their rotation has consisted of in the past. No more soft tossing Livan Hernandez for opponents to beat up on every 5th day.
The Mets will benefit from a full year of Johan Santana, and stand to benefit considerably if Reyes and Beltran rebound the way their histories would indicate.
The Marlins got great production from all their rookies last year, but if even a couple of these players have sophomore slumps, it leaves holes in their lineup. Also, the Marlins overwork their best arms. Josh Johnson is awesome, but I bet he’s not far away from arm problems. He’s had injury problems before. Marlins also some players off their bench in the offseason, which was a big strenght for them last year.
No denying the Braves have a solid rotation, but don’t kid yourself it will be as good as it was last year. Comfortably assuming Jurrjens and Hanson hold their own as co-aces, you still have Lowe on the steep downslope of his career, a hit or miss Kawakami and the question mark of Tim Hudson. This is a rotation that will still be heavily reliant on the bullpen to get them through nine innings, and the bullpen has taken a couple steps backward. Maybe this guy Dunn they got from the Yankees will help, but that’s anybody’s guess.
Vol4ever
January 26th, 2010
1:41 pm
Let’s see…………….the Braves trade their BEST pitcher by far and then Left their best hitter in the 2nd half go and sign a guy with one foot in the nursing home.
The very best finish will be 3rd, but more likely 4th place this year. NO playoffs in sight. Go ahead and go home Bobby, you don’t have the horses.
Roger McDowell Hater
January 26th, 2010
1:42 pm
Why is Roger McDowell STILL employed with the Braves (who have NOT made the postseason since his hire) while Leo Mazzone is not?
WHY ?????????
Mark Biles
January 26th, 2010
1:48 pm
NL East Projection:
Braves 92-70
Phillies 91-71
Marlins 86-76
Mets 80-82
Nats 72-90
Hudson, Lowe, JJ will win 18 games
Hanson will win 15 games
KK will win 12 games
Wagner/Saito will save 35+ games
Chipper, Glaus will hit 30 HRs; McCann 25 HRs.
Prado, Chipper, McCann, McClouth and Diaz will all hit .300 or better
Heyward will be a June callup and hit .290 with power
hop
January 26th, 2010
1:54 pm
The braves are an absolute joke with the “over the hill” gang in place.
I am afraid the turnstiles at turner will be lacking fan activity with this porous team!
C from Marietta
January 26th, 2010
2:00 pm
To “Vol4ever”,
do you honestly think Javier V is better then Hudson and Jurrigens?
WJ
January 26th, 2010
2:04 pm
The Phillies will still be the top team that the Braves have to overcome. While the Mets made many changes, I don’t see where they did a whole lot with their pitching really. I still believe the Mets will be contending but will fade at the end of the season falling to third behind the Phillies and Braves. Possibly fourth behind the Marlins who just might have a better team than people think. Anyway, my guess is the Phillies at 1st in division but without injuries and some career years from several players the Braves could win the division. Go Braves!
Brian
January 26th, 2010
2:04 pm
The Phillies should be and will be the overwhelming favorites to win the division again. I think the Braves have the second best team, followed by the Marlins, Mets, and Nationals. I think the Braves will be right in the thick of the playoff hunt come September and have a great shot in Bobby’s last year.
Brian
January 26th, 2010
2:06 pm
Mark Biles, you have the first 5 Braves starters winning 81 games total. If that happens, the Braves as a team will win more like 120 games than 92. The Braves will not have three 18-game winners. There was only one 18-game winner in the entire NL last year.
WJ
January 26th, 2010
2:07 pm
Just saying: Look for Hudson and Lowe to both rebound with strong pitching this year. If they get run support I believe both are looking at 15-18 wins this year. How would that be?
WJ
January 26th, 2010
2:10 pm
Look for Cabrera to hit lead off and get on base consistently. While not great power he can still get on base frequently and set the table for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th hitters. Offense just might be better than many think.
To:
January 26th, 2010
2:13 pm
Mark Biles, I would love to have some of what you are smoking. Nobody is going to touch Philadelphia.
WJ
January 26th, 2010
2:16 pm
Brian
It isn’t beyond the realm of possibility for 5 pitchers to win 81 games. The great Baltimore teams in past years had this to happen when they were in their best years. I know it isn’t likely but don’t discount the possibility. Just because 5 pitchers win 81 games don’t necessarily mean that the team will win 120. There are still 81 games to win/lose. Hopefully, out of those 81 a team can win say 15 reasonably with record of 96 wins and 66 losses. This happens if all starters pitch deep into games. It is a reach but it is feasible.
Kashi
January 26th, 2010
2:28 pm
Braves MUST sign Damon or Uggla to compete in a professional level of MLB else forget 2010 and look for 2011. Or for better Liberty Media must sell Braves to Arthur Blank.
eric noe
January 26th, 2010
2:31 pm
Mark Biles, those are the dumbest win predictions I have every seen. 3 pitchers with 18 wins, 1 with 15 and 1 with 12????? 81 wins from your starters? That would be the greatest Starting 5some of all time. Lay off the drugs.
bvillebaron
January 26th, 2010
2:42 pm
I don’t get the pessimism of so many surrounding this team. One of my favorite comments is that when the Braves traded Vazquez, they got rid of their best pitcher “by far”. Based upon what, his career year last year? I guess in some fans minds, if you aren’t around for a year, people forget about you. Throughout their respective CAREERS, Hudson has been a decidedly better pitcher than Vazquez (look it up). Besides, I don’t ever remember a manager refusing to pitch Hudson down the stretch during a pennant run because he had no faith in him and then making sure he got traded in the offseason (which is exactly what happened to Vazquez with the White Sox in 2008).
I also don’t get the number of people who think that a Gonzo/Soriano combo is better than a healthy Saito/Wagner combo (again look it up). Yeah, I get the injury concerns, but the fact is that Wagner was healthy and pitched well at the end of last year. Besides, Gonzo has had his own TJ surgery and Soriano missed a substantial amount of time during his tenure in Atlanta due to his own pitching arm injuries.
The Braves are on the right track; they have a solid core of good young players led by Hanson, Jurrjens, Escobar, Heyward, Freeman, Kimbrel, etc. who give them a chance to have a team that will be competitive for years to come. Given the budgetary constraints that Wren operates under, the last thing he needs to do is to hamstring his ability to add a key player when that nucleus matures by adding a high priced free agent or, worse, yet by trading prospects for one (didn’t you guys learn anything from the Texeira fiasco?).
Given how good the Phillies are right now (because they built a powerhouse with a core of home grown players and now that those players are established and in their primes are in a position to add key pieces like Lee last year and Halladay this year), the Braves are probably realistically playing for a wild card this year, even if with a budget busting big name like Bay.
Wren has done a good job of signing veteran players like Glaus, Wagner, Saito to SHORT TERM contracts which, given the strength of the Braves’ starting staff, affords them the opportunity to complete this year and give them financial flexibility next year and beyond.
Techfan78
January 26th, 2010
2:44 pm
As long as Frank Wren is making decisions the Braves will be exactly what they have been the last 4 years, MEDIOCRE! Wren is to the Braves what Chan Gailey was to Georgia Tech football and what Paul Hewitt is to Georgia Tech basketball. Until we make a change the front office (eliminate Wren) we are going to continue to be a little bit better version of the Braves of the 80’s. Oh, and can we please get rid of Chipper, he has been on a steady decline other than 2008. He has had a great career but it is time to send him packing. He stays hurt more than he stays healthy. He reminds me of Roger Dorn of the great baseball movie “Major League”. Come on Braves, lets spend some money like teams that are TRYING to win a championship do and go out and get some all-stars and bring the titles back to Atlanta!!!
Tami
January 26th, 2010
2:52 pm
I’m an optimist, but….I miss Javy already. And, just where is the “big bat” we were supposed to get in exchange for him…the deal that never happened? I agree with Techfan78 @ 2:44 p.m. I’m afraid Wren just hasn’t been a Scheurholz “clone”, or even come close to it. And…the reference to Dorn from “Major League” had me laughing. But, let’s not be too hard on Chipper. Age is a factor. Although he still has the heart of an 18-yr-old when it comes to this game, Chipper has what….a 37/38 yr old body. I’m older than him, and well KNOW what age can do to the ole’ bod. Maybe we should make Chipper the batting coach??
To answer the original question of the AJC folks: It’s really hard to say if the Braves have improved in their offseason moves enough to rise above 3rd place in the division. They’re still in need of the “big bat” that they said they were going to go out and get but didn’t. I’m not counting Glaus in that category because we don’t know what we have yet. It may be end up being more of the same from last season. But, I hope they can rise above it all for Bobby’s last season.
RayDawg
January 26th, 2010
3:02 pm
The Braves have again failed to obtain the off season ingredients for a Division Championship, and they will be no better than last year.
Conyers Brave Fan
January 26th, 2010
3:06 pm
With the roster that is now in place, the Braves will be no better than 2nd behind the Phils.
Until they get more to spend for the power hitter they needed they will again be relying too much
on the starting pitching. The new closers will not be as good as last year. I wish I could be more optimistic but I just don`t see much if any overall improvement over the 2009 team.
Stan
January 26th, 2010
3:08 pm
Even with an ok roster….we still took the season series from the wuss-phils last year….we just need to play better against the Reds/Astros/Rockies…etc…that is what hurt us big time last year
cdog
January 26th, 2010
3:18 pm
i knew the braves were going to stupid around and let xavier nady get away. they need to go after damon now. don’t be stupid and let him get away.they need another outfielder with a bat.
ACC Braves Fan
January 26th, 2010
3:20 pm
Can’t wait for the start of training camp. Hope Braves will be in the top two of division. They need another outfielder, leadoff man, and another big bat. Two part question – Who plays third and bats third – when Chipper goes down this year, or retires next year?
Craig
January 26th, 2010
3:28 pm
I think the mets will be an easy team for the braves first off they are a fast ball team and the braves are a fast ball hitting team second the only person the will have trouble with is bay and beltran maybe wright if he is having a good day…. But over all the braves will probably beat the mets all year! the one that will give us trouble this year as usual the philies but i think we can win the division but it all will depend on Glause McCann Escobar Prado Heyward and Mclouth. GO BRAVES!!DAYOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
richbrave
January 26th, 2010
3:35 pm
PHILADELPHIA made the best upgrades. We are still way behind in the power department and now their staff equals ours on paper at least. Losing VASQUEZ rather than LOWE will be our achilles-heel.
Stephen
January 26th, 2010
3:46 pm
Phillies – Marlins – Braves – Mets – Nationals
Jim
January 26th, 2010
3:51 pm
When Wren traded Vasquez and Soriano and got nothing in return, the Wren supports said he was getting things set up for the signing of a power hitting free agent. They said don’t judge those moves until all the moves are done. Well, the moves are done and Wren has given away 2 of the best pitchers with little in return and no power hitting outfielder. Can we send Wren to the Phillies? In a couple of years he would get them straightened out.
Larry Orange
January 26th, 2010
4:13 pm
Phillies
Braves
Marlins
Nationals
Mets
And the Braves win the Wild Card by one game!!
JASon
January 26th, 2010
4:19 pm
If the Phillies are bringing back basically all of their key players, then who from the NL is going to compete with them? We had to lose our star ace. They lost their star ace but got Halladay in return. Plus, Bobby’s even older than last year
Braves 2010
January 26th, 2010
4:20 pm
Look, my prediction. Right after the half way mark the braves will be a couple games back. Then bammmmmmm, Schafer comes into play as well as Heyward who will be waiting with Schafer in AAA Gwinnett. They are gona go on a tear and theres the power we needed. Our pitching staff is better. Huston has always been a ACE where Vazquez was top last year only. He will not repeat. Anyone who was at any games last year got sick and tired of Gonzo and Soriano blowing the lead. No it was not a save situation so there was no zero in the loss columns but Im here to tell you, I saw a lot of games given away by Soriano and Gonzo and I for one am glad they are gone. I will take my chances with Wagner who has a rebuilt arm now. Remember Smoltz. Smoltz problems are not his arm but his shoulder. Wagner, same way. Hes a terrific ballplayer who stays in top notch shape and a worker. Hes also very good with the young pitchers out of the pen.
So who says we wont compete. I am really sick of everyone saying the Braves arent going to do it. But then of course they have always said that and how many times did the braves pull off the NL East? I will wait to see how the players rebound before I judge. I for one think we are better.
Matt
January 26th, 2010
4:59 pm
Whoever is running the show on this one: I think that people are confused when you have this link (Will re-tooled Braves contend for NL East title?) and then open it and it is the Mets. Maybe you can rename it to say something to the effect of this — Will the Mets be a tough opponent for the Braves after Spring Training?
You can thank me for doing your editing later. As always, I’m not surprised that the editing stinks at the AJC.
Snowman
January 26th, 2010
5:08 pm
I think the pitching will be fine, and although I hated to see Javy go, I’ll be surprised if he has as good a year in 2010 as he did in 2009. Just don’t think we have nearly enough hitting to compete with the Phillies. I’m crossing my fingers for Johnny Damon, but I’ll be shocked if the Braves get him.
Blobie
January 26th, 2010
5:21 pm
I am a huge Atlanta Braves fan. I have picked the Braves to win 44 of their 16 division titles. Braves in 2010.
PN
January 26th, 2010
5:32 pm
Man, I am a die hard Braves fan, the Braves are one of my earliest memories as a child. But unfortunately I am pretty honest with myself when it comes to the Braves and Georgia Tech, and the Braves are unimpressive at the best. What have the 2010 Braves down to improve from 2009? The bullpen is essentially unchanged in terms of strength. It should be solid as it was last year. Wagner may not be able to make it through the whole season, but that was the same issue we had with Soriano, so the bullpen is a wash. Starting pitching? Essentially unchanged and a great strength. I think Javier Vazquez played over his head last season. You don’t have a 4.00 ERA over a 10+ year career then suddenly turn into a 2.90 pitcher. He was great and he will get his K’s, but I’d be shocked if his ERA was under 3.70 next season. Therefore, our SP remains unchanged and a strength. Offense. What did the 2010 Braves do to improve over 2009? Melky Cabrera — absolutely NO improvement over Francoeur, maybe even a downgrade. Troy Glaus — a big time gamble, but I cannot imagine he will do any more for us than LaRoche did in the second half AT HIS ABSOLUTE BEST. And I don’t think he will be at his absolute best as he will be playing a foreign defensive position. 2B — having Prado for a full season has to be a plus but almost a moot point/improvement. Bench — anything is an improvement over Greg Norton coming up every other night with a man on 2nd and 3rd base with 2 outs in the bottom of the 8th with us trailing by a run.
Overall impression — Absolutely no improvement. Finish 3rd in the NL East behind Philly and Florida.
Bravo
January 26th, 2010
5:35 pm
The Mets are in serious need of starting pitching, and they did not address that critical need this winter. Bay will make a positive contribution but not enough to compenstae for the lack of pitching – additionally, Bay is below average defensively. Santana is a 6 inning ace, and after him there is next to nothing (Maine erratic, Pelfrey unproven, and Ollie “The Faucet” Perez who runs hot and usually cold). K-Rod is a stud closer, but after Santana who is he closing out games for? The Mets need to score at least 6-7 runs a game to have a chance whenever Santana is not on the mound. Realistically, The Mets will win about 70-75 games, and that should make them a lock for 4th place unless The Nats make a run at them in 2010.
JT
January 26th, 2010
5:51 pm
As a fan since 1959, I have been through it all with this team. For 2010, I put this team well above average for that 50+ years, so I am hopeful.
Braves fan since '89
January 26th, 2010
6:26 pm
It’s too early to know what this team will do. We’ve got a lot of question marks. Quite a few of our position players have a lot of upside, but not a terribly consistent history. So there’s a wide range. I guess people feel better coming on here and ranting and raving one way or the other. Otherwise, why do they do it?
Let’s hope for Bobby’s sake that some of these guys have a career year, so he can get to the playoffs one more time. (I guess it’s telling that no one has mentioned the World Series yet. Must be out of the realm of possibilities).
When do pitchers and catchers report?
Braves fan since '89
January 26th, 2010
6:27 pm
A wide range of possible outcomes is what I meant to say. Anywhere from 1st to 4th place in the NL East.
ugaaccountant
January 26th, 2010
7:00 pm
The mets can’t possibly be finished yet without adressing their pitching staff. Eric Bedard or other dwindling free agent or a trade will occur.
Chopper
January 26th, 2010
7:16 pm
I WANT SOME MARK BILES DRUGS!! With those, UGA goes undeated in 2010. No oppenent scores on them. Florida does not even show up in Jacksonville out of fear, the Falcons have a perfect season and win the Super Bowl, the Hawks win the finals in a sweep, the Braves increase their payroll to $200 million and Frank Wren resigns! Yeah, Mark Biles drugs!
toon
January 26th, 2010
7:38 pm
i’d like to point out that the braves were 6th last yr in mlb and 3rd in nl in run differential… which is a good indication, usually, of record… and they did this with several starters having horrible years (chipper, kotchman, anderson, 1/2 yr of johnson, schafer, and frenchy)… the offense is only going to get better and while we got rid of the best starter we had, he’s also the one most likely to decline after a career year… the pitching should be about the same, so we can expect run differential to go up which should see a better record, which means we will be competitive…
scbravefan
January 26th, 2010
7:44 pm
ok ok ok its just starting let see how many still have it right by july. i will start with the braves ending up year in 2nd or 3rd. others who cares. phil will win it again but not too big a margin. this is guessing with out seeing how players do. i do not agree with the pitchers we have. lowe is not going to improve by much. tommy will win 17.jj win18 and not sure about everyone else. time will tell
Smashsmeesha Bobeesha
January 26th, 2010
9:54 pm
“Which MLB opponents look toughest in 2010?”
How about……every team in baseball except the Braves.
Hetch Hetchy
January 26th, 2010
9:58 pm
Braves fans, prepare yourselves for a colossal year by Chipper Jones. By colossal I mean colossally horrible. And idiot-in-chief, Bobby Coxsuxer, will bat him 3rd until the end of the season no matter what.
And the local media will sing the praises of Cox as the ship crashes onto the reef yet again.
Tim Tebow's Tears
January 26th, 2010
10:00 pm
Wren Sucks…Great pick ups. One years leases on bums…Better hope Glaus puts up a JD Drew type year or Wren will feel the HEAT. Now on to my Senior Bowl practices..All I have to say is I was sick, wahhhhhhhhhhh
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Wayne Kelley
January 27th, 2010
12:22 am
The Braves will be better this year. Last year when the closers came in I would just pray they would get it done but even when they did it wasn’t 123. I really like Wagner and always have. Escabar, Prado and McCann are a year older and should be even better. I love Mclouth and the energy he brings to the team. But what I like the most is our starting pitching, it’s potentially the best in the game. The Phillies are NL champs and you have to beat them. The Mets are the Mets, they always overpay to get players who don’t perform. The Marlins should be the team we fear. They are young and good. I’m looking forward to baseball, it should be a great year. I’m a big Tommy Hansen fan, he’s a great kid! I like Chris Medlen too.
Bravesfan101
January 27th, 2010
1:25 am
I’m looking forward to seeing if the braves are gonna make the playoffs in coach cox last year I hope they can make it.
JRCates
January 27th, 2010
3:08 am
A Completely Biased loyal fan of 35 years prediction
1. Braves 93 -69
2. Phillies 85-77
3. Marlins 83-79
3. Mets 83-79
4. Nats 70-92
Coach (2011 or Bust)
January 27th, 2010
5:35 am
An unbiased opinion from a loyal lifelong Braves fanatic.
the 2010 N.L. East division is the Phillies to lose. Our Braves are a wild card entry and their fate will pretty much be an unknown until sometime around mid-June.
Here is one clue pertaining to the upcoming season. Our Bravos were ranked 11th in team payroll in 2009. They are presently ranked 15th.
But one prediction can be written down in stone. The Blue Jays, Royals, A’s, Nationals, Pirates and Padres all presently have a hammer lock on last place in each of their respective divisions, and the season won’t even start for another two months.
That said, baseball’s competitive level looks like a long tilted slide into oblivion if you ask me.
enz
January 27th, 2010
10:54 am
what a brutal division!
Beldar
January 27th, 2010
12:33 pm
Braves will finish second to the Phillies.
101-61 Phillies
90-72 Braves
86-76 Marlins
84-78 Mets
76-86 Nationals
Falcon66
January 27th, 2010
12:46 pm
bvillebaron
You have made the most sensible post on this blog. This is a better Braves team than last year. I enjoyed your post.
ChippersLoveChild
January 27th, 2010
1:19 pm
In the NL the teams I feel that will have similar records and challenge the Braves for the playoffs are Philly, Florida, Milwaukee, St. Louis, San Francisco, and the Dodgers… not seeing much change from last year. Going to be a good race.
J-Rod
January 27th, 2010
1:25 pm
Can’t we all stop with the negative predictions from the Braves fan and just support them for the whole 2010 season. I was disappointed in the fans of Atlanta that didn’t support their team fully by givng them full house games during the Braves’ postseason entry attempt. I believe the Braves have one of the deepest rotation in the National League and I can’t wait to see the faces of Kimbrel, Teheran, Freeman, Minor, and especially ESPECIALLY Jason Heyward. Wagner and Saito will give experience to the young guys in the bullpen like Medlen, O’Flaherty, Moylan, Chavez, Dunn, etc. Hopefully, the Braves can compete against those damn Phillies. Let’s just support our Braves 110% than before.
Jonas
January 27th, 2010
1:33 pm
If everything going well with no serius injuries to key Player and Chipper,Mac & Glous have a decent season, write the Bravos in the top of this Difficult Division…hoping The Phillis has a off Season with the reverse of the Braves (injuries to key player) we can see the Braves back into the Playoff this coming season.
Braves McWhatnot
January 27th, 2010
1:34 pm
Phillies 95-67
Braves 92-70
Marlins 88-74
Nats 83-79
Mets 78-84
Braves win the wild card
Art Vandalay
January 27th, 2010
1:35 pm
Braves will be 89-73 and win the wild card…write it down
Braves McWhatnot
January 27th, 2010
1:35 pm
Nats 79-83
I put their record backwards
Mark Biles
January 27th, 2010
1:43 pm
To any of you who think Braves starters can’t win 81 games by themselves, the Orioles had 4 starter win 20 or games each in 1969:
Palmer, McNally, Cuellar, and Dobson. Look it up. I’m old enough to remember it. Go Braves!
Mark Biles
January 27th, 2010
1:59 pm
Correction: The year was 1971 not 1969 for four Orioles starters that won 20 or more games. Sorry.
LB
January 27th, 2010
2:05 pm
Great to see some baseball chatter. Not a braves fan, but I believe the braves can be competitive for the WC. Do not necessarily think they improved, hedging alot of their success this season on players who have been injured the last few years or are coming off major surgeries. Glaus is a downgrade and switching positions. Chipper needs to rebound, otherwise it will be a disaster. Phils will win at least 93-95 games. Mets are a 4th or 5th place club. The Marlins staff can be scary good, to many holes elsewhere.
Smashsmeesha Bobeesha
January 27th, 2010
2:19 pm
The Braves should fear the Obama administration.
Mark Biles
January 27th, 2010
2:36 pm
We ALL should fear the Obama administration–not just the Braves.
Chief of the Hekowees
January 27th, 2010
2:38 pm
Phillies win the Div. 2nd place goes to whoever has the least amount of injuries (Braves, Mets, Marlins)
NORRIS
January 27th, 2010
2:42 pm
So, How have the Braves upgraded. Everything we did was a BIG question mark. We made a lot of those hope moves like we always do. Just like when we hoped all the veterans would be the pitching staff we all hoped. well, the Braves once again made no moves to make the team better. They made a lot of hope moves. Dont get me wrong. I hope that Glaus performs like he is capable.
But if he dont. Then we are once again sitting with a team that has no power on the nights that Mccann sits.
NY Frenchy
January 27th, 2010
2:52 pm
The Braves starting outfield is McClouth, Melky, & Diaz! Be afraid Mutts, Phils, & Marlins be VERY AFRAID! What a JOKE! We passed on Nady for what, a measley 3.3 a year, I hope he bangs 30 bombs & over 100 rbi for the Cubbies, you think counting on Chipper & Glaus to make comebacks is a SOLID plan??? I think NOT! Booby needs to go & so does Liberty Media, we need local ownership, Hello Mr. Blank??? HELP
Branch Rickey
January 27th, 2010
3:06 pm
With Vazquez gone the Braves’ success is contingent on their starting pitching and IF Hudson is healthy; and IF Lowe is consistent; and IF Kawakami continues to improve. Jurrjens and Hansen are solid. Would like to see Medlin in the mix. Offensively, no speed, little power and too many free swingers. Bullpen is led by old Billy Wagner and older Saito. Third place at best !
William
January 27th, 2010
3:19 pm
Will the Braves coach be using a walker this year or wheel chair? Until the Braves get a younger more agressive coach, I will avoid baseball. UGA took too much out of me this year to watch more mediocrity.
Mixxo
January 27th, 2010
3:50 pm
Fourth place…….here we come!!
Tomy Fournier
January 27th, 2010
5:03 pm
Atlanta….:FIRST”
Glenn Beck
January 27th, 2010
7:54 pm
THE GOVERNMENT WILL TAX MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL WITH HIGHER TAXES STARTING THIS YEAR FORCING THE NY YANKEES TO CUT PAYROLL.
BRAVES NOW HAVE A CHANCE. (NOT)
Hat turnt sideways
January 27th, 2010
8:33 pm
William…………..
THEN GO WATCH ICE CREAM MELT
ricky
January 27th, 2010
9:31 pm
hmmm…. well there’s the Phillies, Dodgers, NY Mets, Marlins, and the new look Nationals. These teams got better we did not. 1st- Phillies
2nd- Marlins
3rd- Mets
4th- Braves
5th- Nationals
Kentavo
January 27th, 2010
11:30 pm
I don’t fear the top teams at all – Braves teams of last few years have played better against the better teams – it’s the inability to beat the likes of the Nats, Reds and Bucs that did ‘em in, especially last year.
As for Halladay – let’s just match up Kamikaze Kawakami with him every time and wear ol’ Doc out.
38YearBravesFan
January 28th, 2010
8:03 am
As has been said by others here, Phillies, Braves, Marlins, Mets, Nationals and Braves take the Wild Card.
GO BRAVES!! 21 Days!
Chief pitchanono
January 28th, 2010
1:25 pm
Think the braves did the best they could with what they have to work with. The 2010 braves will go as Glaus and Heyward go. If they both have decent years I see us making a serious run at philly and or the wild card. If not I think we will end up allot like last year, close, but no cigar! Division will be a little tougher with some improvements in D.C. and the mutts cant be as bad as they were last year. Florida will be good again and of course philly has turned into the braves of the 90’s, there just doing it with offense instead of pitching. The Braves proved last year they can have the upperhand in head to head matchups, if cox will just stop pitching to howard late in games. Cant wait for the season to start! Go Braves!
Bobbymahlon
January 28th, 2010
7:09 pm
For all you people who think we could win it all if we sign Dan Uggla. I ask myself which would be better a second baseman who hits 30 home runs,strikes out 100+ times, bats around .270 and is a poor defensive second baseman or a guy who hits 15 home runs,strikes out around 70 times, bats .300 and is a good defensive second baseman. I did not include RBIs because of where they would hit in the lineup. I guess as I look at it I would stick with Prado and spend the money some place else. How do some of you people feel about this?
Bobbymahlon
January 28th, 2010
7:12 pm
Chief : I agree with you but I think we got to include Chipper and Lowe to have good years or we are dead.
Bobbymahlon
January 28th, 2010
7:13 pm
Oh by the way I love the Braves and I can’t wait for the season to begin and start kicking some butts.
Hat turnt sideways
January 28th, 2010
8:06 pm
Crapper Jones will stay hurt as usual.
D. Lowe’s arm is good for 2 months , max.
ONLY good news this year is it is his last.
( Speaking of Bobby Cox.)
Hat turnt sideways
January 30th, 2010
9:59 am
Enter your comments here
Bobby Cox
January 30th, 2010
10:02 am
I SOMETIMES WEAR MY ‘ hat turnt sideways’.Am I lookin like a fool???
and my pants on the ground…
so cal Brave
January 30th, 2010
9:04 pm
The Nats are the most improved team in the NL east in my opinion, the Phils are about even (Lee = Halladay) which is still scary, the Marlins took a small step back, the Mets took a gigant step back (Bay is gonna struggle at the new Mets stadium, both offensively and defensively) and they still have no starting pitching.
1. Phillies 91-71
2. Braves 89-73
3. Marlins 84-78
4. Nationals 76-86
5. Mets 74-88
Jurrjens 17-12
Hudson 12-5
Hanson 15-10
Lowe 12-9
Kawakami 10-14
Wagner/Saito 42 saves
Fearless prediction: We will trade Melky Cabrera or Jordan Schafer with one of our top 3 young pitching prospects (Vizcaino/Teheran/Delgado) to the Padres for A-Gon.
Herschel "The Man" Walker
January 31st, 2010
1:04 pm
That hat turnt sideways looks stupid. And pull up your droopie drawers,too.
Show a little respect walking down North Ave.
Furman Bitcher
February 3rd, 2010
1:12 pm
Braves win 92 games this year and either miss the division crown by one game and go wildcard or win outright. Mark my words. This is an improved offense. If we would have had Prado at second, LaRouche at first & McClouth in center all year we win the div in 2009. We owned the Phillies last year. We now have 2 out of that 3 and I think Glaus will bop us 25-30 dingers this year. Wanger will be a serious stopper not the heart attack waiting to happen like Gonzo & Sori. I like this team.
DawgInDC
February 7th, 2010
10:09 am
think about it..The braves did not improve over the offseason while the phillies did. The braves finish 3rd in the east, and the philllies go back to the WS again….note to braves management..You have get top notch players to win, not retread players….
Senator Blutarski
February 7th, 2010
11:22 am
All five of the Braves starting pitchers have the ability to be at least 15-game winners…
Joey
February 10th, 2010
10:44 pm
I am not sold on the Phillies. If they kept Lee I would feel bad for Coach Cox. They didn’t. They mortgaged their future to sign a pitcher that is in the later years of his career. (Though I would love to see Hallady in a Braves uni.) The Braves as of right now have offered Damon a contract. If this get’s signed and than we don’t have anymore moves, we will have an outfield that has 4 left handed hitters and right handed hitter and a switch hitter. McClouth, Damon, Hinske, Heyward all lefties. Diaz is a right handed hitter. Cabrera is a switch-hitter. The infield has 3 right handers and 1 switch hitter. Out catcher is a lefty. Hinske can spell Glaus at first or Chipper at third. I personally think that even though we have a predominately left handed hitting outfield, the balance in the infield helps to even things out. This is a good looking team we have now. Glaus is not McGriff. But do you remember when Galarraga came over to play first from Colorado and everyone said he was benefiting from hitting in the thin air and he wouldn’t be any good here? He only hit 44 home runs and drove in 121. Not that Glaus can duplicate the feat, but to have him hit 30 home runs is not out of the realm of possibilities. Love or hate the moves, please pull for the Braves as hard as you can. One more chance to give Bobby Cox that brass ring. Lets give Bobby a going away present he can take to his 2015 HoF induction.
Daddy Tuck
February 12th, 2010
2:08 pm
Two words…. Mark Cuban. If I was Liberty Media I would look to sell the Braves for about 5-10% less than what they are worth. LM obviously doesn’t want to add anymore payroll so bring in the guy who will spend like the Yankees. The Braves are a very attractive franchise. The fan base is one of the top ten in baseball, the minors are stacked with talent, and the pitching staff is loaded. The only thing they need now is two big bats and you could win a couple of World Series. I think Mark Cuban could really do wonders for this organization.