Around the Division: Atlanta Braves

TT:  Not much. The Braves got a decent center fielder and former All Star, but he’s still a guy who to date has had one good year. Nate McClouth was the best available at the time and he should be a decent fit for the Braves, who seriously lack power. Letting Tommy Glavine go and bringing up Tommy Hanson had to happen. Glavine was not going to be productive for the Braves, who remain under .500. 

TT: The Braves need a big-time power hitter. They ought to consider trading Jeff Francoeur because it looks like he lost his luster. They have no power and no speed. A true lead-off man would be a steal threat and the Braves haven’t had one in years. The rotation seems solid and does OK and the bullpen has what it takes to close out games. So, if the Braves still had Texeirra and could get a true lead-off hitter such as Jacoby Ellsbury, then I think they would be strong. 

TT: There’s a few guys in that bullpen, namely Jeff Bennett, who scare the heck out of me. The bullpen is good. But if a pitcher is shelled early and the Braves have to use a rotation of three or four relievers, it won’t be pretty. If they can get to the 8th up by two runs, they have two guys who can almost always end the game. 

TT: Who knows. It was disappointing because the Braves could really use a guy from the farm system to light it up. He looked good that first week and then horrible the rest. I had high hopes for him and would give him one more year. Tommy Hanson looks decent so that’s some good news, but the Braves were really banking on Schaffer doing something for them this year. 

TT: I like Chase Utley a lot and I could see him carrying a lot of teams. The Phillies do not look dominating, but it is still early. I was surprised they won the World Series last year, but that doesn’t matter. They have power and they have guys who hit for average. The bullpen is a bit shaky. The Phillies would love to fill in a hole in their bullpen I would bet.