Dec 14 2008
Offseason Preview - Atlanta Braves (Part One)
With the retirement of Greg Maddux the big three for Atlanta is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Both Tom Glavine and John Smoltz missed significant time with injury last season. Glavine may pitch part of the season and Smoltz looks like he is headed to another team, possibly the Red Sox. No matter where the chips fall Atlanta will be a very different team.
Outlook - Chipper Jones is the rock and he is back, but Atlanta is missing more than just Glavine and Smoltz. Tim Hudson is not going to pitch likely at all. The Mets and Phillies are as strong as ever so don’t expect a post season run this year from the Braves.
Future - Jason Heyward is a rising star in the minor leagues, some see him as a .300, 40 HR 100 rbi type in the future but he won’t be in Atlanta until 2010 at the earliest. Jordan Schafer should get a chance to start out of spring training.
