Jair Jurrjens and Yunel Escobar Key to Atlanta Braves' Resurgence

If you think the Atlanta Braves are going to be carried by their franchise players like Chipper Jones, John Smoltz, and Andruw Jones in their quest to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2005, you're dead wrong.  

Every baseball fan who hasn't had their head in the sand since September knows that the Braves cut ties with Andruw Jones after the 2007 season.  His dismal performance, coupled with a ridiculous asking price, brought an end to a decade-long relationship. 

Chipper and Smoltz, while shoe-ins for the Hall of Fame, can't be relied upon consistently, simply because of their age and the inevitable physical ailments that go along with it.  With that in mind, over the last couple of years the Braves President, John Schuerholz, and new General Manager, Frank Wren, sought out some of the most exciting, young, and disciplined talent discovered in many years.  

Jair Jurrjens and Yunel Escobar will prove to be either the Braves saviors or their biggest burdens.  Each has his own unique history, talent, and role to play, but they are bonded by a common drive and discipline that is rarely seen in young talent. 

When Atlanta announced the trade of Edgar Renteria in late 2007, many in the media, and indeed many Braves fans focused on the loss of one of the most solid pieces of the line up over the last two years.  After joining the Braves at a bargain price from Boston, Renteria was able to provide stability both offensively and defensively.  His willingness to be a team player was perhaps most notable; he seldom failed to do simple things like move runners over or lay down a sacrifice bunt when needed. 

But, after several injuries to the middle infielders at times throughout his stay, management and fans saw the Cuban refugee showcase his talents.

Yunel Escobar resembles Renteria in many respects for good reason.  He worked out with him during the off season and added a substantial amount of muscle.  Like Renteria, he is willing to give himself up for the team.  He's got both an accurate and strong arm. 

However, perhaps his biggest difference from his mentor is his dynamic personality; he's a spark plug for the rest of the team. 

This was first evident when he stole a base, while a pitcher casually walked around the mound.  It almost immediately led to a run, and certainly peaked the interest of management.  If the Braves are to be successful this season, it will be in large part because Yunel. Not only must he give himself up for the good of the team when it's required, but he must also provide a spark both offensively and defensively.  This will allow the Braves to gain momentum that they often struggle to generate consistently.

Then there's Jair Jurrjens. 

Already, he's bringing back visions of the early 90's to Braves fans, when we had the most talented, young starting pitching in the major leagues.  He's been compared to Greg Maddox and Tom Glavine almost on a daily basis.  Not bad for a guy who is the fifth youngest player in the majors. 

He has already proved himself through spring training and his first regular season start. The Braves will need him to fill a solid No. 3 or No. 4 spot in the rotation as Hampton, Glavine, and Smoltz go through the pains and strains of age throughout the year.

2008 promises to be a special one for the new crop of young Atlanta Braves.  Jeff Francoer is looking to add to his power numbers while trying to maintain a .300 average and the RBI output that he accomplished last year.  Kelly Johnson is attempting to solidify himself as one of the most dependable second basemen in the game.  Brian McCann is looking to add to his two-time All-Star resume with yet another stellar year.  The biggest pieces of the Braves puzzle, however, will not come from these already established young men.  Jair Jurrjens' and Yunel Escobar's will either make or break this team. 

As they go, the Braves will go.  And, judging by Spring Training and the first few games of the regular season, they will all go far.