Where Do the Atlanta Braves Stand in 2009?

Have the Bravos shed the image of the consecutive post-season streak team that blossomed multiple Hall of Famers? A streak that lasted more than a decade rooted in pitching, coaching, and scouting to deliver on the big league level.

The streak started in the West against the Giants and Dodgers and ended in the East where Chipper would name his son after his favorite ballpark and Cy Youngs would became an annual tradition.

Has the Turner dugout changed in attitude or demeanor since the major roster switches made after the past ownership and GM regime has passed? Additionally, is the team intimidated by the current World Champions or the Choking Mets?

Well, not if Chipper, Hudson, and Bobby have anything to say about it.

While depending on veterans, the 2009 Atlanta Braves need to be energized out of the gate in order to gain an early lead on the Eastern opponents. The shotgun start will encourage cohesive team play and deep inning pitching that reeks of confidence in the bullpen. Barring the catastrophe of a Manny sighting in D.C., the Braves are always in the running for a pennant in the competitive East.

I’m torn between the heritage of coming up short or building a foundation for the future of the franchise. Some would not heed this philosophy; rather blasphemy has been uttered on the grounds of Turner Field.

From a concerned fan with a degree in baseball kinesiology, Tommy “John” Glavine should relax, invest in hockey, and decide which hat he would prefer to wear in the hall. Smoltz has entered into an entire new market, and I wish him the best. Anticipation boils for the opportunity to how the Sox might utilize his skills, especially after the surgery.

Maddux is enjoying the sun and finally resolved to enjoy his illustrious career as a spectator. With the exits of such great pitchers waiting on their bid for Cooperstown, the Braves must develop their young talent to produce results on the field.

The new roster stems decisions made by the party of Wren. Coming from an Atlantan, local sports radio hosts who deliberate these esteemed decisions on a daily basis have determined from interviews with Wren, that he does not listen to sports radio; therefore, it does not affect his decision.

All teams have felt the pinch of the economy, and the Braves are no different. The farm seems to be delivering with names like Henson, Schaffer, and Heyward delivering in the minor league ranks. Hopefully, the talent translates to the big league level.

The Braves need new memories. As we all know, the majority of Atlanta fans only turn out when win. New memories will encourage the constant stream of transplants in the Atlanta area to become more  involved in the new generation of the team.

New memories will enliven the surviving spine that is the fan base that delivers support year after year, primarily around playoff time, no matter what misfortune may diminish the positive energy built over consecutive years only to be doused by a sudden downfall or simmer slowly by annually under performing. 

We must look not only at the scouting report for our upcoming players, but, also to the manager position. One could assume that this has been on Wren's agenda for quite some time. Bobby deserves all the time he needs. An upstanding and outstanding gentleman of baseball, I do not see Cox "pulling a Torre."

Please do not get me wrong, my aim for the success of my favorite professional ball club is to keep the foundation and fundamentals that Bobby has instilled over his record breaking course. These values are vitally important for young players who are just entering the competitive MLB.

Cox should shoot for the playoffs, but he has to invigorate the new crop of young Bravos in order to achieve success.