#17 - Atlanta Braves - A Brave New World - Chopped Down from First Place

The Braves are the chosen team of many powerful people - Ted Turner, Jane Fonda, Elton John, Jeff Foxworthy (you might be a redneck if you wear a Braves hat to a wedding), and of course Jimmy Carter. Seriously, you know that your team is powerful when the 39th Presidentis in your corner. I look forward to his new baseball book - Atlanta: Pennants, Not Apartheid. Apartheid is Jimmy's favorite term to describe (1) the Israeli occupation of Palestine, and (2) the Mets.

The Braves are still in shock that they weren't invited to the playoffs last year, as they thought it was an annual rite of fall. The Braves failed to win the NL East for the first time since 1990, and the Braves are looking to start a new playoff streak in 2007. Will they? Possibly, but a lot of things have to fall into place. The Braves are likely looking at being home in October, which is OK because President Carter will need a few strapping young lads for his latest Habitat for Humanity project. Here's what to expect from the Braves in 2007:

Biggest reason for hope: The Braves pitching can compete with anyone in the National League. The rotation has 3 solid starters in John Smoltz, Chuck James, and Tim Hudson (assuming he can get his mojo back). In the offseason, the Braves acquired Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez to set up Bob Wickman. Both Soriano and Gonzalez could close for many other teams and could provide a dominating late-inning presence. Of course, the pitching coach is Roger McDowell and not Leo Mazzone, so there's a chance that the pitchers will be spending more time avoiding whoopee cushions than working on their mechanics.

Biggest potential nightmare: The Braves lineup has some holes after the Jones boys and Brian McCann. Marcus Giles and Adam LaRoche found new homes in the offseason, and in their place will be Scott Thorman and Martin Prado. Raise your hand if you know either of them. Of course, the Braves produce prospects as quickly as Tom Brady reproduces, so these guys may pay off. Still, the offense looks a bit thin, and it will be interesting to see if Bobby Cox will need to make lemonade from lemons.

Player to watch: Jeff Francoeur. While he drove in 103 runs last year, Francouer continued his impatient ways. He walked only 23 times while striking out 132 times, and his OBP was a paltry .293. At 23, he still has the potential to be a top-tier hitter. However, until he learns to take a pitch, he'll keep seeing sliders in the dirt and fastballs at eye level. Apparently, whenever the Braves coaches try to talk to Francouer about it, he just swings a bat wildly at them. Mind you, he's not trying to hurt them - he's just used to swinging at anything.

Why do we still have to watch this player?: There actually aren't any horribly offensive players on the roster. However, if I had to pick someone, it'd be Joey Devine, because (1) he has a lifetime ERA of 11.12 (albeit in only 11 innings), and (2) he scares me because he sounds like someone who may have an Uncle Paulie Walnuts.

Telling Statistic: Andruw Jones has 92 home runs and 257 RBIs over the past two seasons. He has 342 career homers, and he doesn't turn 30 until next month. Is he a Hall of Famer? Yes, both in Cooperstown and at the Gold Club.

Interesting fact signifying nothing: The Braves are the only team to win the World Series in three different home cities, Boston, Milwaukee, and Atlanta. They are also the only team to once employ a deer to patrol center field.

Projected record & finish: 82-80, 3rd Place, NL East

Prediction that won’t come true but should: Realizing that the name is offensive to Native Americans, Atlanta drops the Braves name. Looking for something less offensive, the team accepts corporate sponsorship and changes its name to the Atlanta Hooters. Chipper Jones approves.