Braves Baseball

Time for some Baseball.

Alot of fans are worried about the Braves right now. The offense is quesitonable, and the new Closer Kolb is off to a horriffic start. However I can't say I am worried. For one, barring something unusual, starts like Kolbs are like 10/10 hitting streaks, they just don't last. Thus far in his career the guy has all the marks of a serviceable closer. Unless he goes Wholers on us he is going to rack up 30+ saves.... and he may well blow 10+. The way the Braves are built there are going to be save opps GALORE. Granted we need to see some quality efforts soon but two apperances do not a bust make. About the worst thing the Braves could do right now is push the panic button cause if the guy isn't toast yet, pulling the carpet out from under him will finish him off. He keeps blowing up and the time will come for a change and its still early and there is a Looooong season ahead.

As for the bats I really can't say I am too worried about them just yet either. This offense reminds me a great deal of the ones we had in the early 90's at the start of this incredible run. They have some pop but mostly they are going to scrap. From top to bottom we have guys that know how to get the job done and who are willing to do what needs to be done to win. Even Raul Mondessi though he is no favorit of mine. Once Furky, and Giles get their act going the offense will click and we will start scoring more. At that point the starters efforts will net more wins... and the Pen will get a chance to catch its breath here and there rather than facing nail biters night after night after night. At that point the Braves are going to look tough.... very very very tough.

There is always the good luck and bad luck fairy pot luck surprises... a bum elbow for smoltz...a ressurgence from Brian Jordan. In the end the breaks cancel out more often than they beat you down or lift you up over the course of the season (post season is a bit different) and the Braves organization is one that deals with the breaks better than any in history.

So when will it be time to worry? If 4 weeks from now we are 5+ games off the pace still faced with an aneamic offense, and have Canned Kolb with no viable replacement comming to the fore, then I will be worried.

In order to be in position to take home a 14th division title we must have these 3 things.

1) A top 3 in the leauge performance from the starters, best in the NL East
2) At least Career average years for Chipper, AJ, Giles and Furky
3) Estrada was not over performing last year

The things that will put us over the top in conjunction with the above...

1) A Comeback year from either Jordan or Mondessi
2) Another dominating Ragtag Pen


I think the Braves take it again this year barring a major setback or a 105+ win effort from another team in the division... I just don't think we have the Hosses to get to that level without way to much luck. However,The Marlins and Philles both have the pieces if everything gels. I would love to see a Pennat race between Cox and Mekeeon.

My call of the year

Hampton will show the form that landed him that outrageous contract. He is comfortably in the shadow of Smoltz and Hudson. With an average offense and Solid Pen 20 wins is not out of the question.

Past calls of the year.

Last year I called the Braves having a top 3 Pitching Staff... I think the ended 2nd if not 1st overall.

Year before I also made a call regarding Hampton saying he would take the first half to find himself and then he would dominate in the second half.