The Braves

[Claws]

Where do we finish?

[tarheelfan23]

first in the east........WS champs

[Joscott]

I still say second in the division, but I think battling in the east is going to hurt the WC chances.

Much of the same team returning but so many questions and "if" scenarios.

If Heyward gets his swing back

If Chipper stays healthy

If Pastornicky is the future SS

Unfortunately, I question all those. I still think we have a bright future, but I think this years a reality check in terms of the future. If we get even 2 of those 3, we have as good of a chance as any.

I love Chipper, but this needs to be his last year so they can find his replacement in a deep FA outfield.

And JJ is gone before the trade deadline, just have to see what we get back.

Anyway...just glad to get to talk about baseball again.

[Claws]

I think #1 and #3 both happen. I just dunno how long chipper can keep chipping in.....haha get it? Seewhatididthere?

[jb_online]

I'm so ready for Bravesball to start up again... I've been reintroduced to the sport as of last season - I was a huge fan as a boy in the 80's and 90's, but when the steroid scandal hit, I lost interest. I was more into chasing women than checking scores at that point in my life, but now I'm back. I've been to two games since I moved to Georgia... I plan on going to at least that many this season.

I think the Braves will finish behind Philadelphia - as much as I hate them and the city, I don't think they'll take too many steps backward this year. This new 2-wild card system basically makes Atlanta a lock for the playoffs IMO. If Uggla has a consistent season at the plate, our offense is going to be pretty good. We have a lot of depth and I am excited about seeing what Pastornicky can do. Alex Gonzalez was atrocious in the batters box... his defense was amazing. That's going to be hard to replace, so I hope Pastornicky is up to it.

Anyway, I'm kinda new to the Braves club, so I look forward to discussing the up coming season with you guys.

[Claws]

Welcome.

This site has a good number of fans and we should b talking shop soon.

[Joscott]

http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/03/12/chipper-i-dont-know-if-i-can-make-it-through-this-year/?cxntfid=blogs_atlanta_braves_blog

Chipper on the season:

“The body is starting to tell me every morning when I wake up that it’s getting close,” he said. “I’m signed through the end of this year. If I play in a certain amount of games, I got an option for next year. I don’t know what next year entails.

“I don’t know if I can make it through this year.”

That doesn't bode well for the Braves at 3B.

[Joscott]

Well after a rough start, the braves look to be kicking on all cylinders now. The young guys are holding up well in the rotation, and as of right now, JJ should be the odd man out when Hudson returns. Should have sold high.

And does the J Hey kid have his swing back? Now just waiting on Uggla's power.

[Floppin]

The Braves are absolutely raking. I love it.

[jb_online]

The Braves are first in the National League in runs scored... pure awesomeness. I'm surprised at Uggla's alarming number of errors so far this season, too, but I'm sure he'll get that straightened out. Last night I couldn't make it through the game - I had to be at work at 6:00 this morning, so I fell asleep in the 7th inning and had to look up the final score this morning... these 9:40 west coast games are killer.

[Herbert The Love Bug]

The Braves are first in the National League in runs scored... pure awesomeness.

The Braves are first in the majors in runs scored

[Joscott]

Good test coming up here though with Hanson vs Saunders to go for the sweep and right to the Matt Kemp led Dodgers, although it looks like we should avoid Kershaw.

You gotta believe taking the Dodgers series would give the Braves huge momentum going back home...although Jair(or anyone) vs Kemp scares me.

[jb_online]

The Braves are first in the majors in runs scored

When I posted that they were second behind Texas. That was before the game last night.

[Joscott]

Wow, Hanson vs Halladay, who saw a 15-13 game coming.

Chipper still with the magic, 458 HR's