First posted on Monday, Sept. 26

Since John Schuerholz took over The Atlanta Braves in 1991, they have finished first every year. And this year will be no different.

They have a five-game lead with six to play. So let's just say they've got an excellent chance of winning their 14th straight division title.

Now people will say, but they only have one world championship and five pennants. Well, that's one more world championship and five more trips to the World Series than most teams, so just drop that crap right now.

What the Braves have done behind Bobby Cox and John Schuerholz is amazing, and while they have done this they have been as classy and creative as you can be.

This just may be their best year. When Raul Mondesi hit .211 through 41 games, he was sent packing. When Brian Jordan struggled or got hurt, Cox and Schuerholz went to work. They were able to bring in players like Jeff Francoeur, Ryan Langerhans, Kelly Johnson, Wilson Betemit, Brian McCann and Pete Orr. They also traded for players like Jorge Sosa, Todd Hollandsworth and Kyle Farnsworth.

This doesn't make them great on its own. But their ability to evaluate talent, put it together with the existing club, and their awesome minor league system, which they use to replace injured or old players ... that's what makes them great.

Then they give the players a place to thrive, and a chance to succeed. You know why you never hear players moan and complain after playing in Atlanta? Because Schuerholz, Cox and pitching coach Leo Mazzone have made Atlanta the closest thing to home as you can have in the major leagues.

As for winning in the postseason, John Smoltz said this a few years ago. "Once the regular season is over, it's up to the players to win a championship."

I agree with you totally John. To the Atlanta fans, please support your dynasty, they deserve it.