2007 Atlanta Braves Predictions & Season Preview
The Braves missed out on the stale Champagne celebration in 2006 after 14 consecutive division titles in the previous years. The Atlanta Braves finished third in the National League East behind the Mets and Phillies. As if that weren’t enough of a stunner, the principal culprit was pitching. The Braves ranked second in the NL in runs scored and first in slugging percentage, but finished tied for 10th with a .460 team ERA. With the Mets loading up, Pat Gillick reconfiguring the Phillies’ roster, and the Marlins stockpiling young arms, it’s going to be a challenge for the Braves to rediscover their old mojo in 2007.
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John Smoltz’s velocity is down a tick or two at age 39, but his slider and savvy still make him a legitimate No. 1. Tim Hudson, conversely, has regressed. When his arm slot drops and his trademark sinker stays up in the zone, he’s eminently hittable. Mike Hampton returns this season from Tommy John surgery to man the No. 3 spot, and young Chuck James has been characterized as a poor man’s Tom Glavine. Bob Wickman should continue his success as a closer after being aquired on July 20 th last season from the Cleveland Indians. He recorded 18 saves in 28 games with a .104 ERA for the Braves. Rafael Soriano will be a key reliever as well after recovering from a line drive to the head back in August. He only gave up a .212 batting average in 5 seasons in the American League. Oscar Villarreal, another reliever, had a .206 ERA in road games last season and a .263 ERA after the All-Star break.
Brian McCann looks very promising at the Catcher position. He is slow-footed even by catchers’ standards, but that is the only knock on him. McCann was the only catcher in the Majors to hit better than .300 with more than 20 homers in 2006 while driving in 64 runs after the All-Star break. Adam Laroche is now a full-fledged power hitter as the Braves’ first baseman. He comes off a 32-homer season before getting offers from a trio of teams in the offseason. The Braves are very fortunate and happy to have him back. The Braves have a solid left side of the infield with Edgar Renteria at short and Chipper Jones at 3rd. Jones is a fan favorite and bleeds red and blue. Second base is going to be a weakness as Willy Aybar and Martin Prado get a crack at replacing Giles.
Andruw Jones broke into pro ball with Atlanta at age 16, and he’s been a fixture in the outfield since hitting .400 in the 1996 World Series. He is a streaky hitter and is prone to chasing high fastballs. If he can be a little more patient at the plate, this guy could earn MVP status in 2007. Jeff Francoeur has a gun in right field and a flair for the dramatic with his 53 2-out RBI’s last season. His .293 on-base-percentage needs work, but that will improve as he matures. The platoon of Matt Diaz and Ryan Langerhauns will man left field after an attempt at free agent Dave Roberts fell through. If the second base and left field positions can contribute decently, this will be another solid batting order from top to bottom. Look for a much improved pitching staff and another solid year offensively in Atlanta with the Braves earning the Wild Card spot in the National League.
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