2008 Atlanta Braves: Can It Be Done?

In Major League Baseball, teams often choose a quote or saying to live by and push the team in a common direction.

For the 2008 Atlanta Braves, the mantra should be "it's now or never."

Sure there are plenty of young prospects in the Braves' farm system, as has always been the case, and sure the team appears to be rebuilding, or at least more so than a team like the Mets, but the time to win is now.

Winning now is essential because this may be it for a large chunk of the pitching staff and even some positional players. Guys who were riding high during the amazing run of 14 straight division titles are now looking at this season with desperation.

Will John Smoltz finish his career on a high note with at least one final division title?  Same for Tom Glavine, who left a possible World Series ring with the Mets to rejoin the team that gave him everything.

Mike Hampton also may be running out of time. His numerous injuries might be inching him towards inevitable retirement, so he may only have a year or two of solid production left. The Braves will need a solid year from him in the middle of the rotation to be a real threat for a playoff run.

Speaking of injuries, Chipper Jones has been plagued by several in the last few years, but put together a solid season in 2007. Having a solid veteran at the hot corner will also be a must if the Braves are looking to get back to the promised land.

In addition to changes on the field, off-the-field adjustments may be looming sooner rather than later. Bobby Cox has stated recently that he may not be around much longer, and losing one of the best managers in the history of baseball would certainly change the face of the team.

Braves fans should not panic, however, the young arms and bats are here to stay.  Players like Matt Diaz, Jeff Francoeur, and Brian McCann should be cornerstones of the next Braves dynasty, even if it may take a few more seasons.

So is it reasonable to assume the Braves have a shot at adding a second championship trophy to the case this season? 

With veteran leadership, young talent, and one of the best managers in the game, it is never unreasonable to think postseason.

With baseball in a state of change these days, however, it may be now or never.