MLB

[mshunter77]

I know we have a lot of college baseball fans but looks like my team (Bama) is gonna have a rough year so now I have to look to the Braves. Hopefully Prado and Heyward are healthy and return to being good offensive players. I think they have all the elements to be a much better offensive team than last year. The bullpen is second to none and should be even deeper than last year. The starting rotation is also great if they can keep everyone healthy. I think the NL East could be the strongest division in baseball, with the Mets being the only team not being competitive. Obviously the Phillies have a great rotation but do not have the powerfull lineup they used to have. Marlins should be very tough with all the new additions and the nationals have some good young talent. So what teams do yall like and how are they looking going into spring ball.

[champcaller]

Braves fan here.

After last September's meltdown, I look for us to rebound this year. From everything I've heard the team came to spring training ready to play and in good shape.

Hopefully Heyward turns it around, Uggla can get off to a good start, and Chipper and pitching stay healthy.

Looking forward to the season as I am cautiously optimistic about the Braves chances to do well in post season play. It's hard to find a team with as few weaknesses as the Braves. Gonna be a tough year, though, with all the free agent signings around the league.

play ball.

[Drakeshead]

I see the Braves coming in second place in the NL East and hopefully in the WC chase. I just do not see anyone beating the Phillies this year.

Uggla went 2-3 day before yesterday with one homerun and went 1-1 with a double yesterday. McCann 1-2 with a double yesterday as well.

[Deltamud77]

Bravos fan here as well. I think we are playing for a wildcard spot and even that will be very tough given the number of losses we could have being the #2 team in the NL East. The Phillies are giving us a taste of our own medicine relative to most of the 1990s and early 00s.

[fieldt76]

Chipper says he's done after this season. Hate to see him go, but it's probably time.

[bottomland84]

Chipper says he's done after this season. Hate to see him go, but it's probably time.

Yeah I figure hes about to make a go at the Buck Commander thing full time, and I dont blame him. Hes one of the greats. Never a show boat, just a dang good ball player.

[champcaller]

I bet he stays on with the braves in a management/coaching position.

[mshunter77]

I would not be surprised at all to see him stay in the organization. Always liked chipper, got even more respect for him after he reworked his contract to get less money so they could sign Hudson several years back, don't see that very often. He will definitely go down as one of the great switch hitters.

[fieldt76]

I bet he stays on with the braves in a management/coaching position.

said he has no desire to mangage in the future, but would like to be a hitting coach. He's one of the most fundamentally sound hitters of all time.

[Drakeshead]

Always liked chipper, got even more respect for him after he reworked his contract to get less money so they could sign Hudson several years back, don't see that very often.

He did the same thing back when Furcal was with the Braves, but before the deal could get all worked out Furcal bailed on the Braves and headed to LA.

[champcaller]

after a slow start the Braves have done really well, especially with Chipper in the line up.

How about the season he is having? Walk off in extras, birthday home run, 14-4 (i think) when he plays.... list goes on.

[mshunter77]

He is definetly have a good year. Hitting with a lot more power than he has in probably 5 years. Good to see Delgado coming around and hopefully Jurrjens gets back on track.

[fieldt76]

He is definetly have a good year. Hitting with a lot more power than he has in probably 5 years. Good to see Delgado coming around and hopefully Jurrjens gets back on track.

JJ threw 8 innings 1 ER in his last start at triple A. No schedule for his return yet

[Drakeshead]

He has allowed three runs in 15 innings since being demoted to AAA. This isn't bad, but when he was up with the Braves he gave up 17 runs in 16 innings.

If you get a chance, head to Pearl and get a glimpse of Evan Gattis. If things keep going well for him, he may not be seen in Pearl for long. He is already leading the Minors/Majors in homeruns with 13 and has 38 RBI's! He has been moved from catcher, where the Braves are solid, to left field to get him a fast track to Atlanta.

[Drakeshead]

Correction:

After Hamilton's four homeruns Tuesday, he now has 14 homeruns on the season. So, this would place him about Gattis.