The Atlanta Braves: A Team On the Rise

About two months ago, I looked at what the Atlanta Braves were doing in the offseason, and shook my head in disbelief. Every major free-agent they tried to sign went somewhere else.

Now that it is early March, my opinion of the Braves has changed dramatically. Their offseason moves might not grab the most headlines, but GM Frank Wren and the rest of the Braves' brass had a underrated offseason.

First, they addressed their need for more depth in the starting rotation. They went from one of the worst rotations, to one of the best. Most teams hope to add a couple of starters for the new season.

The Braves added Javier Vasquez, Derek Lowe, Kenshin Kawakami, and re-signed Tom Glavine. What was a weakness, is now a strength.

Second, they added much needed depth in the outfield. I wasn't comfortable with the Braves starting the 2009 season with a bunch of kids in the outfield. The addition of veteran outfielder Garrett Anderson gives the Braves a leader for the other outfielders to look up to.

If Jeff Francouer, and whoever wins the centerfield job, have good season, the Braves will contend sooner, rather than later.

Last, the Braves kept their bullpen practically the same. Except for Boone Logan and Eric O Flaherty, the same guys will be coming out the pen.

Last year, the Braves' bullpen was solid. They wore down toward the end of the season because the relievers would have to come in the game by the fifth inning. With a dependable rotation and a healthy Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano, the Braves bullpen will be a major strength.

In conclusion, the Atlanta Braves have the makings of a contending ball-club. A month ago, I would have said the Braves would struggle to get to 85 wins. Barring major injuries, I think the Braves can win 90-plus games.

They have stiff competition in the NL East, but the Phillies, Mets and Marlins aren't the only big boys in that division. It should be a fun season.