I concede that at 6 1-2 out, with only 16 games to play, the Braves are not going to make the playoffs this year. That being said, there was an article posted on the SI.com website asking an expert for his take on the Braves this year, and this is what was said.
According to SI columnist Tom Verducci, he says that the poor 2006 for the Braves comes as a result of the injuries, and will just be a blip on the radar, and in his view, Atlanta will be contenders in 2007.
Looking at the Braves for 2007, IF everyone is healthy, they have a potentially solid team. Their top three pitchers of Hudson, Smoltz, and the returning Mike Hampton, should win 15 games each, or more, if healthy. Their number four guy, Chuck James, if he doesnt have a sophmore slump, can be solid, and with either Kyle Davies, or someone else as the number five starter, that looks like a decent rotation.
In the bullpen, the Braves key is probably re signing Bob Wickman. He has pitched almost lights out since coming to Atlanta. Yes, he's old, but he is still solid. I dont know the contract status of Dennys Baez, but if Wickman cant be re signed, Baez can be a good closer.
This columinist had an interesting viewpoint. Center Fielder Andruw Jones contract is up after next year. He felt that if Atlanta knows it cant re sign Jones, they should trade him for two or three top notch players, before losing him for nothing. That is a realistic scenario, considering the Braves budget problems. I would say if we trade Jones, we need another outfielder, a third baseman, and some bullpen help.
After his two injury plagued seasons, I wish we could trade Chipper Jones. He has had an okay season when healthy, but he hasnt been healthy over the past two years, and, at age 35 next year, making 15 mill a year, I think the money would be better spent on other players. If you are going to pay someone 15 mil a year, my take is you trade Chipper for whatever you can get for him, and offer Andruw a long term, 15 mil or plus a year contract. This way, you keep the younger player who is productive, and send off the older, injury plagued one. I dont know if the Braves would do this, but it would make sense.
I am hopeful that the Braves can at least contend for the wild card in 2007. If everyone is healthy, and they make a few moves, I think they will be able to.
Mitch
According to SI columnist Tom Verducci, he says that the poor 2006 for the Braves comes as a result of the injuries, and will just be a blip on the radar, and in his view, Atlanta will be contenders in 2007.
Looking at the Braves for 2007, IF everyone is healthy, they have a potentially solid team. Their top three pitchers of Hudson, Smoltz, and the returning Mike Hampton, should win 15 games each, or more, if healthy. Their number four guy, Chuck James, if he doesnt have a sophmore slump, can be solid, and with either Kyle Davies, or someone else as the number five starter, that looks like a decent rotation.
In the bullpen, the Braves key is probably re signing Bob Wickman. He has pitched almost lights out since coming to Atlanta. Yes, he's old, but he is still solid. I dont know the contract status of Dennys Baez, but if Wickman cant be re signed, Baez can be a good closer.
This columinist had an interesting viewpoint. Center Fielder Andruw Jones contract is up after next year. He felt that if Atlanta knows it cant re sign Jones, they should trade him for two or three top notch players, before losing him for nothing. That is a realistic scenario, considering the Braves budget problems. I would say if we trade Jones, we need another outfielder, a third baseman, and some bullpen help.
After his two injury plagued seasons, I wish we could trade Chipper Jones. He has had an okay season when healthy, but he hasnt been healthy over the past two years, and, at age 35 next year, making 15 mill a year, I think the money would be better spent on other players. If you are going to pay someone 15 mil a year, my take is you trade Chipper for whatever you can get for him, and offer Andruw a long term, 15 mil or plus a year contract. This way, you keep the younger player who is productive, and send off the older, injury plagued one. I dont know if the Braves would do this, but it would make sense.
I am hopeful that the Braves can at least contend for the wild card in 2007. If everyone is healthy, and they make a few moves, I think they will be able to.
Mitch
