AUTOGRAPHS

2006 Atlanta Braves Preview

2005 Overview:

Fourteen straight division titles speak volumes for the Atlanta Braves capability to field a competitive team every year. 2005 wasn’t any different. Playing all year really tight NL East division, the Braves yet again was able to make it to the postseason using a 90-72 regular season record. The Braves exited at the outset of the primary round of the playoffs, losing in 4 games to the NL Central Houston Astros – and not before playing in the longest playoff game historical, an 18-inning, 5 hour and 50 minute epic battle which ended in the Astros advancing to experience the Cardinals for the NL Championship.

The Jones boys led the offense yet again in 2005. Outfielder Andrew Jones (.263 51 128), 3rd baseman Chipper Jones (.296 21 72) joined 1st baseman Adam LaRoche (.259 20 78), all star shortstop Rafael Furcal (.284 12 58) and 2nd baseman Marcus Giles (.291 15 63) to provide a fearsome starting lineup. Newcomer Outfielder Jeff Francoeur (.300 14 45) also impressed joining they in July.

Pitching has always remained the strongest component of every Atlanta team during the last 15 seasons. In 2005 John Smoltz (14-7 3.06 230 innings) returned towards role of starting pitcher after closing games between 2001-2004. The relief role was shared by several pitchers before Braves acquired Kyle Farnsworth (1-1 2.19 16 saves) midseason. Starters Tim Hudson (14-9 3.52), Jorge Sosa (13-3 2.55) and Horacio Ramirez (11-9 4.63) also helped provide quality starts that could the Braves 14th straight postseason appearance.

Off Season Moves:

Key Braves loses within the off season include Furcal on the Dodgers, Pitching Coach Leo Mazzone to the Orioles along with closer Kyle Farnsworth towards the Yankees. Former big leaguer Roger McDowell will assume the brand new role as pitching coach as Atlanta also obtained Edgar Renteria (.276 8 70) on the Red Sox to switch Furcal at short. Pitcher Lance Cormier (7-3 5.11) had also been traded from Diamondbacks for Johnny Estrada in three-player deal.

2006 Analysis:

The Braves pitching looks to get shaky in 2006. Expect starter Mike Hampton to miss the complete 2006 season as a result of Tommy John surgery. John Smoltz are going to be 39 in May and his awesome right shoulder was subjected to the stress of over 230 innings in 2005 while Tim Hudson has spent some time for the disabled list both in in the last two seasons. Losing Farnsworth leaves a major hole from the closer’s role. Lefty Horacio Ramirez can be a solid fourth starter giving the Braves 200 innings which they badly needed last season. Expect Sosa to battle for your fifth spot from the rotation. Main point here: John Schuerholz will likely need to read more bullpen help, including the best closer, and the Braves have been in serious trouble in 2006.

Offensively, even though decrease of shortstop and leadoff hitter Furcal to the Dodgers was a huge blow All-Star and Gold Glove winner Edgar Renteria should view a resurgence in 2006, many believed Renteria had difficulties fitting in towards the Red Sox team atmosphere – but he did manage an outstanding 70 RBI. It’s likely that 2B Marcus Giles will move up on the leadoff positive, with Renteria batting second in manager Bobby Cox’s newly retooled lineup.

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