Atlanta enjoyed a nice 2010 campaign that ended when they were ousted by the eventual World Series champion San Francisco Giants in the first round of the playoffs. Captivated by the strong rookie performance of Jason Heyward, and the brilliant pitching of veteran Tim Hudson the Braves made Managers Bobby Cox’s farewell tour a season to remember in 2010.
No. 9 Atlanta Braves
Projected Rotation
- Tim Hudson-RHP
- Derek Lowe-RHP
- Jair Jurrjens-RHP
- Tommy Hanson-RHP
- Mike Minor-RHP
Chipper Jones // Photo: Thinkquest.org
Projected Bullpen
- Craig Kimbrel-RHP
- Jonny Venters-LHP
- Peter Moylan-RHP
- Eric O’Flaherty-LHP
- George Sherill-LHP
- Scott Linebrink-RHP
- Scott Proctor-RHP
Projected Lineup
- LF Martin Prado
- CF Nate McClouth
- 3B Chipper Jones
- C Brian McCann
- 2B Dan Uggla
- RF Jason Heyward
- SS Alex Gonzalez
- 1B Freddie Freeman
Analysis
If you’re an elite mathematical mind you’ve probably realized that ninth place is the last team to not make the playoffs. It’s pretty close between the Braves and the Rockies for the wildcard spot but I give the edge to Colorado in what should be an exciting race.
That doesn’t go without saying that there is a lot to be excited for in Hotlanta this year. Top-to-bottom they have one of the deeper lineups in the National League. Martin Prado enjoyed a breakout season in 2010 and should be a perfect leadoff man for the tomahawkers. Prado hit .307 with 15 homers and 66 RBI last season, which should pave the way for a brilliant 2011 campaign.
The Braves’ embarrassment of riches at the plate doesn’t end with Prado, all-star Brian McCann, newcomer Dan Uggla, and sophomore sensation Jason Heyward round out a lineup that will keep plenty of pitchers up at night.
Brian McCann // Photo: trawbros.wordpress.com
The most intriguing of these names without a doubt is Heyward. As a rookie he showed an amazing amount of power but lacked the necessary discipline at the plate to be an elite hitter. With a year of experience under his belt Heyward will be able to take the next step as a hitter and emerge into the dominant force he has the potential to be.
Heyward’s ascendance will mean a lot to the Braves, but the biggest addition to the Braves without a doubt is Uggla. Uggla adds 33 homers and 105 RBI to the already powerful Atlanta lineup, and will undoubtedly send several homers over the fence in Turner field this summer.
The pick-your-poison batting order will be supported by a more than stable rotation. Hudson may not be a true ace but the seasoned veteran is still crafty as ever. The craftiness doesn’t stop as Hudson gives way to Lowe, and the potential rich Jurrjens to carry the pitching staff.
It may not be baseball’s most star studded rotation but the Braves didn’t bend over backwards to get Cliff Lee for a reason. They’re confident that the five they have are the five they need to dethrone the mighty Phillies.
The confidence in the pitching staff continues with the bullpen, with both Kimbrel and Venters in a position to be the closer. Sherill and Linebrink are both capable arms to provide solid relief in setup positions as well.
This report was tough for me because the more I look at this Braves team the harder it gets to justify not putting them in the playoffs. But I like Colorado too much and I trust my instincts that the Rockies will win the wildcard and that the Braves will go home early. However, the team is young, talented, and exciting so the post Bobby Cox ear is looking brighter than expected.
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