Projecting the 2008 Braves: Rotation Edition.

#1 - Smoltz - 33 GS, 220 IP, 16-7, 3.20 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 8.5 K/9
#2 - Hudson - 33 GS, 210 IP, 15-9, 3.60 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 5.5 K/9
#3 - Glavine - 33 GS, 205 IP, 14-9, 4.20 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 4.5 K/9
#4 - Hampton - 24 GS, 145 IP, 10-8, 4.00 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 4.5 K/9
#5 - James - 24 GS, 145 IP, 12-8, 4.10 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 6.5 K/9

Once again, I'm feeling quite optimistic. This projection leaves only 15 starts unaccounted for, so I guess we'll let those be league average to round out the optimism. Hampton and James are question marks and it would probably be a good year if they combined for 24 starts and even then their production could very well be much worse than what I'm expecting. Glavine is another that may be declining more than I project, but I have faith that his return to Atlanta will have a positive effect. As for Smoltz and Huddy, I think they should be every bit as good as I published above.

This rotation is deep and strong throughout, coupled with the previously described offense, could well lead to a return to the top of the division. I'm assuming that most everything will break our way, but I'm tired of my own pessamism. We're due for a little good luck after two empty Octobers in a row. I feel so good about this team's upside that I'll be placing a small bet on them to reach the three possible championships: division title, league pennant and World Series winners. Go Braves!

Projecting the 2008 Braves: Line-up Edition.

C - Brian McCann: .300/.350/.490 with 20 HR, 89 RBI and 57 RS in 140 G
1B - Mark Teixeira: .295/.380/.550 with 35 HR, 120 RBI and 100 RS in 152 G
2B - Kelly Johnson: .270/..360/.450 with 15 HR, 70 RBI and 90 RS in 150 G
3B - Chipper Jones: .320/.415/.590 with 25 HR, 87 RBI and 88 RS in 117 G
SS - Yunel Escobar: .310/.375/.430 with 7 HR, 40 RBI and 90 RS in 130 G
LF - Matt Diaz: .330/.365/.485 with 10 HR, 40 RBI and 42 RS in 130 G*
CF - Mark Kotsay: .265/.320/.390 with 8 HR, 54 RBI and 51 RS in 108 G
RF - Jeff Francoeur: .280/.320/.460 with 25 HR, 103 RBI and 85 RS in 160 G
*Many of his "games played" will be pinch hit appearances.

As you can see, I'm quite optimistic about this Braves line-up and I think I have a right to be. Atlanta ranked near the top of the league in nearly every offensive category last season and there is no reason to believe they can't at least duplicate that effort. A significant thing to point out would be the fact that there are 209 games' worth of AB not accounted for here, as well as those of the pitcher's spot.

This underscores the importance of bench play, something that I believe could be improved from last year's edition if we pick the right guys from within the organization to fill out the active roster. Having guys like Pete Orr and Chris Woodward replaced with Martin Prado and Brent Lillibridge goes a long way. Brandon Jones as the primary outfield substitute and Gregor Blanco over Josh Anderson as the 5th OF would help as well. Hopefully Javy Lopez doesn't stick in Atlanta and either Clint Sammons or Brayan Pena get their shot at the bigs. Finally, Scott Thorman could be a wildcard, as we sorely lack power off the bench and he should be the anwer.

All in all, the Braves should be able to trot out a reliable line-up out there even on the worst of days. If everything goes well, this could once again be among the elite unit in the National League and, along with an improved pitching staff, should help restore the rightful order to the NL East.