Atlanta Braves 2010 preview
Article By cbahr.tsn on 24th February, 2010
The Braves hope to reclaim the NL East title in manager Bobby Cox's final season.
After a run of 14 consecutive division titles, Bobby Cox's Braves haven't been to the postseason since 2005. Atlanta would like nothing more than to make another October run in what will be Cox's final season. The Braves won 86 games in 2009 and finished with the majors' sixth-best run differential (+94) but fell six games short of the postseason. Pitching will lead their charge this season, though good health also will be vital.
Three questions 1. Is the pitching staff better?
With a surplus of starting pitchers, the Braves sold high on Javier Vazquez, who had a career year in 2009 (15-10, 2.87 ERA, 238 strikeouts). They also lost their top two relievers, trading Rafael Soriano (27 saves, 2.97 ERA) and allowing Mike Gonzalez (10 saves, 2.42 ERA) to leave via free agency. Signed to take their place: setup man Takashi Saito and closer Billy Wagner, both of whom finished the 2009 season with Boston.
Even without Vazquez, the Braves boast arguably the deepest and best rotation in the National League. Tommy Hanson and Jair Jurrjens finished 2009 with sub-3.00 ERAs, and Tim Hudson will be a year and a half removed from Tommy John surgery. "Their starting rotation, one through five, is going to hold some teams down," Braves TV analyst Brian Jordan said. "The bullpen looks great. I really think they upgraded the bullpen."
2. Can Troy Glaus stay healthy?
The Braves hope a move from third base to first base, where Glaus has played only six games as a major leaguer (he has played thrice that many games at shortstop), will reduce the wear and tear on his shoulder. Because of shoulder surgery, Glaus didn't play until Sept. 2 last season and hit just .172 with no homers in 32 plate appearances. However, he hit 27 homers in 2008 and is only four years removed from a 38-homer season.
Braves first basemen hit just 19 hom...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for MLB
Three questions 1. Is the pitching staff better?
With a surplus of starting pitchers, the Braves sold high on Javier Vazquez, who had a career year in 2009 (15-10, 2.87 ERA, 238 strikeouts). They also lost their top two relievers, trading Rafael Soriano (27 saves, 2.97 ERA) and allowing Mike Gonzalez (10 saves, 2.42 ERA) to leave via free agency. Signed to take their place: setup man Takashi Saito and closer Billy Wagner, both of whom finished the 2009 season with Boston.
Even without Vazquez, the Braves boast arguably the deepest and best rotation in the National League. Tommy Hanson and Jair Jurrjens finished 2009 with sub-3.00 ERAs, and Tim Hudson will be a year and a half removed from Tommy John surgery. "Their starting rotation, one through five, is going to hold some teams down," Braves TV analyst Brian Jordan said. "The bullpen looks great. I really think they upgraded the bullpen."
2. Can Troy Glaus stay healthy?
The Braves hope a move from third base to first base, where Glaus has played only six games as a major leaguer (he has played thrice that many games at shortstop), will reduce the wear and tear on his shoulder. Because of shoulder surgery, Glaus didn't play until Sept. 2 last season and hit just .172 with no homers in 32 plate appearances. However, he hit 27 homers in 2008 and is only four years removed from a 38-homer season.
Braves first basemen hit just 19 hom...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for MLB
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