As a Braves fan, this writer has seen it all from 100 losses in 1990 to 104 wins in 1993. Fans have seen 14 division titles and now three straight years of fruitless Octobers. This year, if the Braves get a few wishes granted, the team may once again find itself in Turner Field in the fall.
Below is a wish-list from this Braves fan.
1. 130 or more games played by Chipper Jones
There are two Braves teams out there: the one with Chipper and the one without. The one with him is a viable contender. The one without him has no punch and is stuck with Omar Infante playing third base.
2. A backup catcher
If you suffered through more than five Corky Miller at-bats last year, you should be up for sainthood. Miller is the worst catcher to play for the Braves since...Mike Heath?
Last year, Miller's batting average, slugging, and on base percentage were below his weight. Even Andruw Jones had a better year than Miller.
If the Braves are to start a new run, they need someone in the Eddie Perez-Henry Blanco-Paul Bako mold; a catcher who plays solid defense with some pop in his bat. Miller was not the answer last year.
3. Some power hitting from someone other than Chipper
The Braves' outfield last year was at the bottom of the majors in home runs. This year, they have added the sweet-swinging Garrett Anderson to the lineup. At first base, it will be Casey Kotchman on opening day instead of Mark Teixeira.
To be successful, the Braves will need to find some power in the order from either Anderson, Kotchman, or Jeff Francoeur.
4. Someone to take the ball in the late innings other than Blaine Boyer
Boyer's 5.88 ERA last year was less of a product of ability and more of a product of over-work. Boyer's April, May, and June ERAs were 4.30, 1.80, and 3.46, respectively.
When the dog days of summer hit and the innings piled up, Boyer had an ERA of 11.17 after the All-Star break. This was due to Boyer pitching in 51 games prior to the midsummer classic. In 2009, Bobby Cox will have to find another workhorse to take the load off the talented, but greatly overworked Boyer.
5. On a personal note, no more damn blue jerseys
I understand the need to market your team and to sell more stuff, but the all blue jerseys and hats last year were atrociously boring. Here's hoping that the Braves return to the classic, all-greys in 2009.
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