Last year saw the end to one of the most impressive streaks in all of baseball, the Atlanta Braves 14 consecutive NL East champions and post season births.  Many have written them off as a team that is rebuilding, but I think they are poised to take the NL East again this year.  Their weakness last year was in their relief pitching which they shored up this year with the addition of Mike Gonzalez.  He would be the closer on any other team, but for now Bob Wickman has that role.  That means they have an effective set up man and a good closer.   I look for Gonzalez to take over the role of closer before the year is out, but until then if teams plan on scoring on the Braves they better do it in the first 7 innings. 

As for offense, the Braves have Andruw Jones who is at the end of a contract year so expect big things from him.  Chipper Jones is as healthy as he has been in years.  Edgar Renteria is a good power hitting shortsop and of course they have Brian McCann behind the plate.  He should be the starting catcher this year for the National League All Star team, if he remains healthy.  Many think the offense of the Braves depends on Chipper Jones, but I feel that McCann will be the most important piece to that puzzle this year.  Especially since they traded away Laroche for Gonzalez.  The pieces are in place for the Braves to dominate this year.    Let's see how long they can remain on top.

SoCalSportsFan