The Braves Are the Team to... Um... Be Heard From!
Last year, when we were all caught up in the hype between the Phillies and Mets, the Braves were overlooked as an NL East contender and then damn near took the division by surprise for a while there. And in 2008, it looks like we're off to the same start. All eyes are on Philly and New York again, and there's been little if any mention of the boys down in the ATL.
Until now... Chipper Jones has spoken, and he wants the world to know...
"I really don't care what's being said," he said. "The Phillies and the Mets know we'll be competitive. They know we'll be heard from."
For more commentary, head over to Walkoff Walk, the fine new baseball blog by Rob Iracane and Camp Tiger Claw of Deadspin fame, and bookmark 'em. Don't send them Phillies tips instead of us though. In fact, screw them.
Watch out because the Braves will turn some heads! And make some noise! And stink up third place!
Posted by: Rob I. | Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 06:16 PM
This probably won't be a popular sentiment on this blog, but I agree with Chipper, the Braves will content for the NL East this year. Assuming they avoid injuries, the rotation is deep, the lineup is potent and their bullpen is solid. They are being overlooked across the board and it will probably turn out to be a mistake.
Posted by: Chris Iafolla | Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 07:07 PM
They're too old.
Posted by: Tartan69 | Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 10:20 PM
They actually are not that old. Chipper Jones is the only regular that would be conisdered old, with Mark Kotsay getting close, especially with injury concerns. Consider this:
1b: 28
2b: 26
SS: 25
3b: 36
RF: 24
CF: 32
LF: 30 and 24 (platoon)
C: 24
In terms of starters, they are a bit on the old side there with Smoltz, Glavine and Hampton. Overall, the Braves would not be considered an old team.
Posted by: Chris Iafolla | Friday, February 22, 2008 at 12:07 PM