Can the Braves Get Back into the Playoffs?

With the Atlanta Braves coming off the worst year in over a decade, the hunt for 15 consecutive division titles is over. The Braves had a pretty rough year last year, as all of us die-hard Braves fans know. However, that doesn't stop us from cheering them on. What can we expect from the Braves in 2007?

First of all, the main problem out of the Braves last season was the pitching staff. The specific problems came straight from the Braves' bullpen. Chris Reitsma gave up win after win, and may as well have taken the Cy Young award away from John Smoltz's pocket. However, at the end of last season, the Braves saw new closer Bob Wickman begin to surge, and keep hold of the Braves wins. Also, another great sight to see in the rotation is the return of Mike Hampton. Coming off a year taken off due to Tommy John surgery, Mike Hampton is not only a phenomenal pitcher, but also a great hitter. The starting rotation will also feature the return of phenomenal new starter Chuck James, who had his fair share of wins in the last few games of the season. They will be accompanied by the return of John Smoltz, Tim Hudson, and Kyle Davies. After a rough season in 2006, it looks as if the Braves pitching problems could be over. They could, that is, if all the pitchers do what they are capable of, as we now have a phenomenal pitching lineup.

Defensively, the Braves are again blessed to have the return of multi-time Golden Glover Andruw Jones in center field. We are also awaiting the return of Chipper Jones, who has obtained his own Golden Gloves and MVP awards. Behind the plate, Brian McCann will be catching again. McCann is one of the best catchers in history already, and has only played 1 full season and a part of a second. The Braves pitching staff loves when McCann calls the games, as he is one of the best calling catchers in baseball history.