There are currently two divisions in baseball that are the measuring stick and they are both in the East. Both National and American League fans know that any team coming out of those divisions is an automatic World Series Contender. The good news for the Atlanta Braves is that they are in the National League East. The bad news for the Braves is that they are in the National League East.
The Hinske signing did not perk up a lot of ears, but don't underestimate the value of this talented veteran. Let's not forget that he was the Rookie of the Year in 2002 and has the potential to hit over .300 and knock out quite a few balls. While his role will probably be that of the primary left-handed pinch hitter, his leadership and experience should lift this club up a bit.
Braves fans have to be looking forward to another big year from Matt Diaz. After only playing 43 games in 2008, he bounced back huge hitting .313 in 2009. He had his second best season in home runs and will look to have a career best this season. Arguably one of the most talented players on the team, the Atlanta Braves will look for him to continue his offensive progress.
The real excitement starts when you look at the pitchers that Atlanta will be throwing out there ever day. While the Phillies did sign Halladay, they are pretty much rolling the dice after that. This may be enough to give the Atlanta Braves the edge as the season progresses. If Cole Hamels has the year that he had last season, the Braves pitching could very well get them the East.
Jair Jurjens was an absolute stud last season eating up over 200 innings and winning 14 games. If he would have had better run support, it could have been a Cy Young season. If he comes anywhere close to the 2.60 ERA that he put up last year, the Braves will be ecstatic. So far, there is no reason to believe any different.
The Braves are stacked up behind Jurjens with Lowe, Hanson and Hudson. While Lowe had a high ERA last season, he still managed to get 15 wins. It seemed as though he was all or nothing last year as he either completely shut teams down or they lit him up like a Christmas tree. We fully expect him to settle down this season, win close to 20 games and keep that ERA under 4.00.
The Braves always fill up and this season should not be any different. Anyone that wants a decent seat better get their tickets now. Make no mistake about it, 2010 will not see the Braves finish in the same position. They will be neck and neck at the top of the division and have to be a favorite to take the East. - 31492
The Hinske signing did not perk up a lot of ears, but don't underestimate the value of this talented veteran. Let's not forget that he was the Rookie of the Year in 2002 and has the potential to hit over .300 and knock out quite a few balls. While his role will probably be that of the primary left-handed pinch hitter, his leadership and experience should lift this club up a bit.
Braves fans have to be looking forward to another big year from Matt Diaz. After only playing 43 games in 2008, he bounced back huge hitting .313 in 2009. He had his second best season in home runs and will look to have a career best this season. Arguably one of the most talented players on the team, the Atlanta Braves will look for him to continue his offensive progress.
The real excitement starts when you look at the pitchers that Atlanta will be throwing out there ever day. While the Phillies did sign Halladay, they are pretty much rolling the dice after that. This may be enough to give the Atlanta Braves the edge as the season progresses. If Cole Hamels has the year that he had last season, the Braves pitching could very well get them the East.
Jair Jurjens was an absolute stud last season eating up over 200 innings and winning 14 games. If he would have had better run support, it could have been a Cy Young season. If he comes anywhere close to the 2.60 ERA that he put up last year, the Braves will be ecstatic. So far, there is no reason to believe any different.
The Braves are stacked up behind Jurjens with Lowe, Hanson and Hudson. While Lowe had a high ERA last season, he still managed to get 15 wins. It seemed as though he was all or nothing last year as he either completely shut teams down or they lit him up like a Christmas tree. We fully expect him to settle down this season, win close to 20 games and keep that ERA under 4.00.
The Braves always fill up and this season should not be any different. Anyone that wants a decent seat better get their tickets now. Make no mistake about it, 2010 will not see the Braves finish in the same position. They will be neck and neck at the top of the division and have to be a favorite to take the East. - 31492
About the Author:
Written by Heather Maxwell, sponsored by Stub.com. Stub.com sells Atlanta Braves Tickets, MLB Tickets, Sports Tickets and many more tickets to your favorite events around your area.
