I was kind down when we lost a lot of the big bats this winter, but after looking through the line up and looking at the pitching staff, I see no reason why these guys cant contend in the east.
You cant tell me that they dont have a solid lineup. They still have Giles, Furcal, C. Jones, A. Jones who have proven they can hit at the big league level.
J.D. Drew could put up big numbers if he can stay healthy. Bobby Cox is a good manager to play for so I dont think it is unrealistic to see drew have a big year. Johnny Estrada will be no Javy offensively, but defensively he should be better and I think he will be a 280 hitter in the big leagues, with some power.. maybe around 15-20 homeruns.
Adam Laroache is another great prospect who works hard and has a beautiful swing according to scouts.
DeRosa is really the only question mark. He is 29, hasnt played much in the big leagues, has a below average glove and doesnt have much power. Vinny Castilla had a great glove and did well with the bat last year so we could see a big downgrade in this area. Still every team has holes.
The bullpen will again be suspect, but hell isnt the Braves pen suspect every year going into the Spring? They have some hard throwing rookies who should get some shots if the veterans they signed in the offseason dont work out. Regardless they Braves still have the best closer in the game. (Yes Smoltz is better than that fat fuq Gagne)
It should be interesting. This is a team that could win the east, or could be out of it by July. We will just have to see.
You cant tell me that they dont have a solid lineup. They still have Giles, Furcal, C. Jones, A. Jones who have proven they can hit at the big league level.
J.D. Drew could put up big numbers if he can stay healthy. Bobby Cox is a good manager to play for so I dont think it is unrealistic to see drew have a big year. Johnny Estrada will be no Javy offensively, but defensively he should be better and I think he will be a 280 hitter in the big leagues, with some power.. maybe around 15-20 homeruns.
Adam Laroache is another great prospect who works hard and has a beautiful swing according to scouts.
DeRosa is really the only question mark. He is 29, hasnt played much in the big leagues, has a below average glove and doesnt have much power. Vinny Castilla had a great glove and did well with the bat last year so we could see a big downgrade in this area. Still every team has holes.
The bullpen will again be suspect, but hell isnt the Braves pen suspect every year going into the Spring? They have some hard throwing rookies who should get some shots if the veterans they signed in the offseason dont work out. Regardless they Braves still have the best closer in the game. (Yes Smoltz is better than that fat fuq Gagne)
It should be interesting. This is a team that could win the east, or could be out of it by July. We will just have to see.
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