Atlanta Braves

Wild Card bound again? Time will tell. Last season the Braves got back to form when they were able to make the last playoff spot in the NL. This year a few key losses will be the story at the start. Derrek Lee to the Orioles and Soriano to the Yankees. A key bat that was acquired mid season last year and really helped and a solid closer who has moved on. Two tough spots to replace. Three other starting positions as well including two in the outfield. Omar Infante to the Marlins for Uggla. Matt Diaz to the Pirates. Rick Ankiel to the Nationals.

After losing Lee the team acquired Dan Uggla from division rival Florida and should provide some spark in the lineup. Brian McCann is one of the best catchers in the league and look for him to be an anchor to this team. They have some young players who are ready to make an impact. Jason Heyward, who already has made a huge impact, and Freddie Freeman are both only 21 and going to be starting for the Braves this season. The offense looks solid but Chipper is on the down and the same to Alex Gonzalez.

The pitching looks solid as well, at least the starters do. Derek Lowe and Tim Hudson are the staples to the staff while Jair Jurrjens is solid at the end of the rotation. The starters are going to be relied on to make it deep into games this year as the bullpen looks slim. Losing a 40 save guy like Rafael Soriano will hurt any team but it doesn't seem that they replaced him. While they have Billy Wagner, he is getting old and won't be able to do much. The closer looks to be Craig Kimbrel, a 23 year old that has a 15.00 ERA so far in spring training causing the Braves to have to start thinking.

The Braves have it tough because they are in the division with the best pitching staff ever in Philadelphia. While the Braves will be solid I don't think it will be enough to compete for the division. They will fight for a Wild Card spot but I believe they will be out-shined by the improving teams in the West, Rockies and Dodgers, and Central, Brewers and Cubs, and won't make the playoffs: 2nd in the NL East

Lineup
1. CF Nate McClouth
2. RF Jason Heyward
3. 2B Dan Uggla
4. C Brian McCann
5. 3B Chipper Jones
6. SS Alex Gonzalez
7. 1B Freddie Freeman
8. LF Martin Prado