Sunday, April 02, 2006
Braves quick hits
03/20/2006
Having won their 14th consecutive division title while using 18 different rookies last year, the Braves have every reason to believe they can continue the amazing run of success for many years.
In order to do so, they'll need Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann to avoid sophomore slumps and Edgar Renteria to bounce back from his forgettable Boston experience.
With Tim Hudson and John Smoltz heading it, the Braves rotation is arguably one of the deepest in the Majors. Bounce-back seasons from both Horacio Ramirez and John Thomson would certainly solidify this belief. If projected closer Chris Reitsma and the rest of the bullpen does its job, the pitching staff could prove to be the difference in a tight division race.
Rafael Furcal's departure creates a significant void. But Marcus Giles and Renteria are certainly capable of providing numerous run-producing opportunities for Chipper Jones and Andruw Jones in the middle of the lineup.
There are some question marks in the youthful bottom of the lineup. But the guidance of ever-supportive manager Bobby Cox should help Francoeur, McCann and Ryan Langerhans confidently enter their second big league seasons.
Team strength: If Hudson is able to successfully carry the load and give Smoltz the opportunity to pace himself throughout the season, the Braves will take a solid one-two punch into the postseason. There are valid reasons to doubt Thomson, Ramirez and Jorge Sosa, who magically worked his way toward a career-best 13-win season last year. But Thomson has overcome his finger injury and it appears Ramirez has regained the confidence he'll need to live up to his tremendous potential.
Achilles heel: With Julio Franco around the past five seasons, Cox regularly had the opportunity to call upon a reliable pinch hitter in late-inning situations. Those at-bats may now go to rookie Matt Diaz or Brian Jordan, who must prove both his health and worth. But if Pete Orr and Wilson Betemit are able to duplicate last year's rookie success, they will strengthen what now seems to be a suspect bench.
Top newcomer: There are those who believe Renteria is on the downside of his career. The Braves believe he's a 30-year-old proven All-Star who will provide offensive spark and display the Gold Glove form that was absent during his 30-error season in Boston last year. Renteria could prove to be a huge addition with his bat, glove and leadership skills in the clubhouse.
Ready to make The Leap: Joey Devine was thrown into the fire two months after being the Braves' top draft pick last year. Refreshed and strengthened with his initial adversities, he enters this year as a key component in the Braves bullpen. With a sharp slider, biting sinker and strong mental makeup, he has the potential be the closer if necessary.
On the hot seat: Given his first chance to enter a season as a closer, Chris Reitsma can only hope that his success quickly changes the views of fans who have become skeptical of him the past two years. With a solid fastball and top-notch changeup, he has the tools to be very successful. But he must prove mentally strong enough to handle the rude realities that closers face.
You can bank on: Significant injuries the past two seasons have tarnished Chipper Jones' image as one of the game's most reliable players. But at 34 years old, there's still reason to believe he can be the player who produced 100-plus RBIs for eight consecutive seasons (1996-2003). Back at third base, his hamstring and troublesome feet have more chance of staying healthy. Plus, as a proud team leader, he realizes the responsibility he has in a relatively young lineup.
Litmus test: If Reitsma proves to be a reliable closer and Oscar Villarreal teams with Devine to provide a solid setup duo, the Braves should be able to at least prevent falling into an early hole. Marcus Giles may have to make some adjustments, but if he gets comfortable in the leadoff role, he'll give Renteria and the Jones boys the opportunity to produce strong offensive numbers to back the solid starting rotation.
Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/
Having won their 14th consecutive division title while using 18 different rookies last year, the Braves have every reason to believe they can continue the amazing run of success for many years.
In order to do so, they'll need Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann to avoid sophomore slumps and Edgar Renteria to bounce back from his forgettable Boston experience.
With Tim Hudson and John Smoltz heading it, the Braves rotation is arguably one of the deepest in the Majors. Bounce-back seasons from both Horacio Ramirez and John Thomson would certainly solidify this belief. If projected closer Chris Reitsma and the rest of the bullpen does its job, the pitching staff could prove to be the difference in a tight division race.
Rafael Furcal's departure creates a significant void. But Marcus Giles and Renteria are certainly capable of providing numerous run-producing opportunities for Chipper Jones and Andruw Jones in the middle of the lineup.
There are some question marks in the youthful bottom of the lineup. But the guidance of ever-supportive manager Bobby Cox should help Francoeur, McCann and Ryan Langerhans confidently enter their second big league seasons.
Team strength: If Hudson is able to successfully carry the load and give Smoltz the opportunity to pace himself throughout the season, the Braves will take a solid one-two punch into the postseason. There are valid reasons to doubt Thomson, Ramirez and Jorge Sosa, who magically worked his way toward a career-best 13-win season last year. But Thomson has overcome his finger injury and it appears Ramirez has regained the confidence he'll need to live up to his tremendous potential.
Achilles heel: With Julio Franco around the past five seasons, Cox regularly had the opportunity to call upon a reliable pinch hitter in late-inning situations. Those at-bats may now go to rookie Matt Diaz or Brian Jordan, who must prove both his health and worth. But if Pete Orr and Wilson Betemit are able to duplicate last year's rookie success, they will strengthen what now seems to be a suspect bench.
Top newcomer: There are those who believe Renteria is on the downside of his career. The Braves believe he's a 30-year-old proven All-Star who will provide offensive spark and display the Gold Glove form that was absent during his 30-error season in Boston last year. Renteria could prove to be a huge addition with his bat, glove and leadership skills in the clubhouse.
Ready to make The Leap: Joey Devine was thrown into the fire two months after being the Braves' top draft pick last year. Refreshed and strengthened with his initial adversities, he enters this year as a key component in the Braves bullpen. With a sharp slider, biting sinker and strong mental makeup, he has the potential be the closer if necessary.
On the hot seat: Given his first chance to enter a season as a closer, Chris Reitsma can only hope that his success quickly changes the views of fans who have become skeptical of him the past two years. With a solid fastball and top-notch changeup, he has the tools to be very successful. But he must prove mentally strong enough to handle the rude realities that closers face.
You can bank on: Significant injuries the past two seasons have tarnished Chipper Jones' image as one of the game's most reliable players. But at 34 years old, there's still reason to believe he can be the player who produced 100-plus RBIs for eight consecutive seasons (1996-2003). Back at third base, his hamstring and troublesome feet have more chance of staying healthy. Plus, as a proud team leader, he realizes the responsibility he has in a relatively young lineup.
Litmus test: If Reitsma proves to be a reliable closer and Oscar Villarreal teams with Devine to provide a solid setup duo, the Braves should be able to at least prevent falling into an early hole. Marcus Giles may have to make some adjustments, but if he gets comfortable in the leadoff role, he'll give Renteria and the Jones boys the opportunity to produce strong offensive numbers to back the solid starting rotation.
Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/
