If we get one pitcher with 200+IP, Braves will be 2nd in the NL East, and will at least threaten the Phillies. If we get two pitchers with 200+IP (and Blaine Boyer makes fewer than 70 relief appearances), the Braves will restore order in the division.
McCann, Diaz, and Francoeur lost a combined 60-70 pounds since the end of last season; that's a whole lot of reaction time, defense, and bat speed that just showed up. Kotchman has had a full spring to gel with the team (and get over being traded out of the playoffs last year).
Well, we just traded Josh Anderson (CF, AAA-out of options) for a bag of beans. So the front office is still messing around; Anderson will be an All-Star CF for the Tigers in two seasons. Looks like Jordan Schafer will be starting in CF, or platooning with Gregor Blanco (of whom I might be the only fan around these parts). This actually speaks volumes about the Braves' opinions, both about Schafer's "test-free" suspension for HGH use, and MLB's retention of players who are likely still playing after positive tests. Good for them.
UPDATE: we just signed Chipper for 3+1 seasons; this is also very good. | 