Offseason Series: Atlanta Braves

I just want it to be 1995-2000 again.

It really depresses me to think that the Braves were tied for the sixth-worst team in baseball this season. To say that this season was a disappointment is an understatement. There were dreams of division championships and World Series victories, but injuries effectively stomped all over that. The rotation of Tim Hudson, John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, Mike Hampton, and Jair Jurrjens looked to be one of the best. There were no real indications of the breakdowns. Smoltz hadn't been hurt in years, Glavine had never been hurt, and Hudson never had any serious injuries. That didn't matter as statistical variability ravaged the pitching staff. Other injuries to Rafael Soriano, Peter Moylan, Manny Acosta, Matt Diaz, Mark Kotsay, and Chipper Jones continually dented the team and farm system. The 72-90 record says it all. The Braves were not good this year. Is it possible to have a return to form next season?

Brian McCann is an All-Star catcher who will not be leaving anytime soon. He had another great season, although fatigue eventually "caught" up with him as he played in 145 games. As his backup, Clint Sammons should do just fine and be a little better offensively than Corky Miller was. There are a few decent guys in the minors, but no one of immediate consequence.

Casey Kotchman appears to be the first baseman next season as Chipper's shoulder has no real damage. He didn't hit real well when he came over, but he had a solid September. A full year should put him back in good graces with the Atlanta fans. Scott Thorman could be a potential option, but I'm betting Kala Ka'aihue becomes a sleeper for late next season. If he does well, the Braves might trade Kotchman to make room.

Kelly Johnson's torrid September makes him the guy at second base next season. Before, he appeared to be taking a step back, but that last month brings more thoughts of Chase Utley. I won't get too excited, but he'll be pretty good next year. As for other candidates, Brent Lillibridge, Omar Infante, and Martin Prado are definite candidates. When Wren talks about having players to deal, this is part of what he's talking about, I believe. A potential deal with Florida could have Lillibridge or Prado being traded for Jeremy Hermida (along with maybe a decent but unspectacular pitcher -- James Parr!) considering they want to trade Dan Uggla. I'd keep Lillibridge for his potential and speed, which are better than Prado's.

Yunel Escobar continues to show why he's the shortstop of the future. He did very well offensively (still needs more power though, at least from a doubles standpoint -- only 24) and was great defensively. It seems Wren is satisfied with his infield, so don't expect Johnson or Escobar to be going anywhere. Should anything happen, Lillibridge could be his replacement.

Chipper once again is the third baseman, but his 128 games played continues to be a problem. There are no real candidates until Eric Campbell, but he'll likely only be in AA next season. Chipper has one more year in his contract, so things will get interesting come July 31st if the Braves are out of contention.

Outfield is a question mark for the Braves. Jeff Francoeur will man right field, but can he return to his 2006 and 2007 form? No one knows who will play center as Josh Anderson, Gregor Blanco, and Jordan Schafer will fight it out for the spot. Personally, I think Anderson is the best option, Blanco (and Anderson for that matter) could be traded, and Schafer could use another year of development. If Anderson is traded, I expect Schafer to be the center fielder. As for left, no one knows either, but Brandon Jones is the only in-house guy. The Braves don't want him to be the starter until he proves something, so they'll look via trade or free-agency. Pat Burrell, Adam Dunn, Xavier Nady, Matt Holliday, and Jason Bay are nice to think about, but don't expect any of them in Atlanta next season. More likely candidates are Juan Rivera, Casey Blake, Raul Ibañez, and Jeremy Hermida. The Braves should be able to find someone.

The starting rotation is in a bit of a crisis right now. Jair Jurrjens and Jorge Campillo are the only locks right now. I expect Charlie Morton, Jo-Jo Reyes, Tommy Hanson, and Todd Redmond to fight it out for a fifth spot, potentially. Potentially because John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, or Mike Hampton may be re-signed (I think, oddly enough, that Hampton is most likely) for the fifth spot, which means Richmond may have one hell of a rotation next season. As for the first two spots, the Braves have already stated their desire to get two starters. AJ Burnett, Derek Lowe, Ben Sheets, Ryan Dempster, and Oliver Perez seem most likely here. Sabathia will likely be too expensive, but he's not a bad option. Other sleepers could be Randy Wolf, Paul Byrd, and Randy Johnson.

The bullpen actually looks fairly good for next year. Mike Gonzalez has to be the closer, and Soriano will likely be the set-up man. Hopefully, Peter Moylan will come back soon and join Blaine Boyer, Manny Acosta, and Jeff Bennett. The last spots will go to Phil Stockman, Zach Schreiber, Buddy Carlyle, Jeff Ridgway, Jorge Julio, or Vladmir Nuñez. The Braves could bring back Will Ohman, but they usually don't spend a lot on free-agent relievers. I don't expect them to get any free-agents here unless they sneak away with Doug Brocail, Darren Oliver, or Al Reyes. Another interesting option might be John Smoltz if his shoulder isn't healthy enough to start.

The Braves have the base for a good team next year. Wren has gone into contention mode, so they won't be rebuilding. They need big chunks (two big starters and a big bat), but they have the money and some prospects to work with. If they somehow succeed (which I'm not sure they will), the Braves could be a sleeper on several people's list, but I don't expect them to get the big starters even with the money they have. Too many other people are looking for what they need. We'll see, but this could be a defining offseason for Frank Wren.