Braves 2010 Season Preview

Unless the Braves can put together a win streak like the Rockies of 2007, it might be safe to say the season is over.

While the Braves are just four games back in the wild card, the Rockies and Giants are playing like teams possessed.

The Giants are winning with pitching, something Braves fans know alot about.  You know, back in the 90's when the Braves had guys like Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, Millwood etc.

The pitching seems to be back.  They signed Derek Lowe and traded for Javier Vazquez in the offseason.

Vazquez is showing that he is an NL pitcher.  He is second only to Tim Lincecum, with 199 strikeouts.  Derek Lowe is leading the team with 13 wins.

The phenom Tommy Hanson has been as good as advertised and then some.  He has nine wins in his first 15 starts.  He could win the NL rookie of the year award.

Then there is Jair Jurrjens, who since coming over from the Detroit Tigers has been nothing but spectacular. He would have more wins to show for his great pitching, but does not get the run support needed.

Tim Hudson, who had Tommy John surgery last August, seems to be fully recovered.  The Braves have a tough decision to make with him.  He has a $1 million dollar buy out and a $12 million dollar option for next year. 

Keeping Hudson could be a great choice.  While the Braves do not have too much financial flexability, a rotation consisting of Lowe, Vazquez, Hudson, Hanson and Jurrjens could be one of the, if not the best in the NL next year.

I know the offense needs major help, but if phenom Jason Heyward, who is ranked in the top five of Baseball America's top prospects is ready for the show next year, that gives the outfield a major boost.

Heyward, only 19, has the physical and mental attributes to contribute as soon as 2010.  With Nate McLouth and Ryan Church already surplanted in the outfield, adding Heyward could prove lethal.

If Adam  LaRoche can be signed back for another year or two until the other top prospect for the Braves, Freddie Freeman is ready, will give the offense a big boost.  Not to mention that Jordan Schafer could produce next year as well.

Given the Mets decline the last few years, the Braves might finally be able to challenge the Phillies next year and once again make a run at the playoffs. 

The Braves have some tough choices, but Frank Wren will do what is best for the team, and I think he knows that pitching is important.  Look at what happened to the Red Sox of a couple years back.  They had more pitching than needed, but that helped them greatly.

Whatever choices are made, Braves fans need to know it is what's best for the team.