How can the Braves Continue To Compete?

[bama45]

How long can the Braves remain a powerful force in the N.L., much less the NL East. The Braves did very little during the winter meetings to improve their ballclub. Pitcher Albie Lopez and infielder Vinny Castilla just won't get it. They need a Juan Gonzalez or a Mo Vaughan.

The pitching staff is aging quickly. The past two seasons Greg Maddux has tired during the second half of the season. Tom Glavine has lost some of his effectiveness. John Smoltz is now the closer. He may not have many games to close in 2002-Why? Atlanta may not have that many close games.

AOL Time Warner needs to get off their wallet and spend some money.

Chipper Jones and Andruw Jones will keep things interesting for the offense, but I'm afraid they won't be enough. A.Jones strikes out too much-he must cut down on his strikeouts, but he is the best centerfielder in all of baseball.:cool:

[Baseball Guru]

I agree Keith but I think the key will be which Castilla you will see...Will you see the Tampa Castilla or the Houston Castilla?????
Vinny seems to do well in the NL so I'm thinking he will be a pretty solid 3B for yuou guys...
The strength of this team as it usually is, is it's pitching...And until some team goes out there and takes this division from them, it is theirs and they should be the favorites.....
Hopefully the Mets haved added enough fire power to dethrone them but I am worried about our pitching...
Either way, I can't wait for baseball to begin:biggrin: :biggrin:

[Jackgrey]

Well...well...well. Cominf from someone who has watched and admired the Braves since the late 80's? I would have to say that their reign is over. The Mets have made such tremendous moves during this off-season that it seems highly improbable for any other team to win that division. But...I am not so quick to give them the title. I feel that the Phillies may sneak up and run away with it this year. I know...I know. I will catch heck for that:biggrin: But, that team is full of so much upswing potential, and they gave us a glimpse of that last year. If the growth of the Phillies players can keep up with the growth of the Mets Payroll? (And preassure, let's not forget). Then they should be a team to watch. The Florida Marlins also have a decent nucleus of talent, although I cannot forsee them winning any division titles until at least 2004. (But they will probably just sell their talent to the lowest bidder, right? ha ha ha).

Anyways...I can say for certain that the Braves are done. Oh, they will compete, and they will be in the mix, but they will only be an obstacle for the Mets or Phillies to brush-off.

Mat
(Jackgrey)
:uzi:

[bama45]

I really like the Florida Marlins young pitching staff with Josh Beckett, Brad Penny, A.J. Burnett and Ryan Dempster. They very well could win the NL East if their pitching staff does real well. The Phillies will be in the thick of things too, especially with Larry bowa at the helm. The Mets will be much stronger too. Roberto Alomar was an excellent acquisition.:cool:

[usc2002]

I see the Bravos making one last run at it all this year. Maddux and Glavine and Smoltz one more time for old times sake. Furcal and Giles up the middle is formidable, and If Vinny should falter maybe a Wilson Betimit appearance at 3rd will do the trick. Hey Julio Franco may be ancient but the man has still got some game. Also maybe a Chipper at 1st base possibility depending on the status of Surhoff come spring time. The Jones' and Jordan will be one of the most feared outfields in baseball and as usual a solid supporting staff from the pen with Smoltz at closer should keep it close. Millwood and the 4 and 5 spots in the rotation are still questionable. Really Albie Lopez??? Jury is still out there. But all in all I see one last run possible. Mets are missing the Pitching and Gonzo. Marlins are missing something (managerial ability would be a start). Phillies, well they are a concern. Expos, well for one more year they will be a thorn but alas they will be no more.

So in short Braves One more time in 2002.

[Baseball Guru]

Hey usc....Long time no see...Glad you made it to the party before the season starts.....
Welcome:biggrin:

[usc2002]

Thanks for that kind welcome, great to back amongst friends. Nice place you're running here James!! Brings back some fond memories. Need a Mod for the Bravos?? I might be able to give you some help if you are interested. Just let me know....

[Baseball Guru]

Originally posted by usc2002
Thanks for that kind welcome, great to back amongst friends. Nice place you're running here James!! Brings back some fond memories.

Your right...Very fond memories:biggrin:

[Baseball Guru]

Actually I was thinking more of the Astacio that had a 3.14 era while playing for Houston down the stretch and the Astacio who in his last full season with the Dodgers his ERA was 3.44:biggrin: