Do you think the Atlanta Braves will make it to the world series this year?

Answer 1

They have a good chance. Smoltz is pushing 40, but has definitely shown that he can still be one of the game's most dominant starters. Hudson has been a disappointment his two seasons in Atlanta, but he hates that just as much as everybody else. He's been working hard this offseason to regain his dominant form. Chuck James and Kyle Davies have a world of potential, and even if Mike Hampton can't stay healthy, Cormier and Redman make decent 5th starters. And then there's the bullpen, which is now arguably one of the best in MLB.

As for the offense, the Braves lost LaRoche and Giles, but with Renteria, Chipper, Andruw, McCann and Francoeur, the bats are plenty potent. 2B Johnson and 1B Thorman haven't proven themselves as everyday infielders YET, but all indications are that they'll be decent fielders and above average at the plate.

Not to mention you've got one of the best managers in Bobby Cox.

Answer 2

I agree that the Braves are going to be the team to beat this season in the NL east. Think about it this way, they were still right behind the Phillies all season last year and that was without a definitive bullpen. This year they have one of the most potent bullpens, and not only that but they also have a very strong "front five". Pretty much, if they have the lead after 5 innings, they should take the win 99% of the time, which is how it should be. Bob Wickman is a great closer and you cant say he is out of shape considering last season he only allowed one team to score more than 1 run against him in a single game, and not only that but he converted something like 26 out of 27 saves for the Braves. He will, again, be a great finish to the games, and will make it difficult for any team to gain any ground.

Also, you say that Smoltz is getting old, at almost 40, but yet the Mets best pitcher (a team the two of you are defending) is older than Smoltz by a couple of years. Tom Glavine has been pitching into his 40s for a couple years and I have no reason to believe that John Smoltz could not do the same. Also, Roger Clemens is what now, 46 (?), and he is still just as competitive as when he was 26. Age does not matter if you still have the will to keep in shape and perform to the best of your ability.

Another thing I noticed was that you said that the Braves dont have a very good hitting group. I dont know what roster you have been looking at but the Braves have always been, and will always be, one of the most high scoring teams in the majors. Between Chipper Jones, Andrew Jones, Brian McCann, Jeff Francour, and Scott Thorman this team is going to be putting teams in trouble from the first swing of the bat. All they have to do is establish a good lead off man and they will be set for the long haul. Good luck to all you other NL east fans because this year the Braves will start another big streak of NL east titles!

Answer 3

No. The Braves lost too much over the winter. losing Laroche and Giles will be tough to replace with rookies. their pitching is still very suspect. Hampton is hurt already. Hudson has ??? Smoltz is 40 years old. time will tell with him. Chipper has only averaged 119 games a season the last 3 years. so there are a lot of question marks on this team. Andruw Jones is the one guy that can be counted on. but is he enough ?

Answer 4

i'm a large Atlanta Braves fan, yet i think of that Bobby Cox is going to retire devoid of yet another ring. If the Braves didnt win greater effective than one international series while they had Glavine, Smoltz, and Maddox, they are not going to win now. they had an all famous guy or woman pitching group and 3 destiny corridor of famers on that beginning rotation and that they have got been in basic terms able to win one international series. additionally, Chipper is going downhill; he's merely too previous and each twelve months gets injury. yet another disappointing season for us.

Answer 5

Yes. Their pitching is a big question mark behind Smoltz but they added a very good bullpen this year with guys like Mike Gonzalez and Soriano to set up Bob Wickman, who has a lot of experience closing games. Their young players are only getting better every year. Andruw Jones has a contract year coming up so I expect him to be very productive. When in doubt, their farm system has always delivered down the stretch.

Answer 6

I doubt it. Remember when they lost to Toronto? Tomahawk chop my ***.

Answer 7

No. I think it will be either the Cards or Cubs.

Answer 8

nope

Answer 9

Not if they still suck.

Answer 10

no