Can The Braves Make It 14 in a Row?

1) Philadelphia Phillies:

It's no secret that aging curmudgeon Larry Bowa rubbed most of his clubhouse the wrong way. Charlie Manuel, the new skipper, should put some relevance back into the phrase "City of Brotherly Love." That terminology might accurately describe the relationship between the Philly faithful --- desperate for some type of world championship --- and this team over the coming summer. The lineup is pretty stocked. Right fielder Bobby Abreu has quietly become one of the best five players in the league, and Jim Thome and Pat Burrell are sluggers extraordinaire. Granted, Burrell's average is dwarfed by some Little Leaguers, but he'll crank 30 or so out of Citizens Bank Park. Thome should still be good for 40 homers and 120 RBIs, especially if he plays most of the games. David Bell, at the hot corner, shows uncanny plate discipline, and Mike Lieberthal is a seasoned signal-caller with a decent clutch bat. The rotation is a bit more questionable --- it's arguably the second-worst starting lineup in the division (in front of the Nationals), but if it produces well, it should secure the team a division title. Jon Lieber was 5-0 last September during the Yankees pennant race, and Randy Wolf and Vincente Padilla, barring setbacks, are capable of 13 wins each. Kenny Lofton should provide a veteran spark in the clubhouse and at the top of the order.

2) Atlanta Braves: