Hello,
I'm so glad MLB's Spring Training is going on now. This is refreshing after what honestly has been a depressing NBA season. (Dwight Howard is talking about playing in the 2016 Olympics. Please, he won't even be considered for those Olympics as his athleticism continues to deteriorate. And as many predicted it looks like Andrew Bynum won't be playing any games at all this season for the 76ers. It's so appropriate those two deadbeats were traded for each other. I predict there's a very good chance both Howard and Bynum will be malcontents on different teams next season. I'm also glad to see that Andre Igoduala is flourishing in Denver. He's the forgotten part, and ironically the best player from that trade.) Miami is going to win the NBA title this season anyway.
This should be the first of what I hope will be previews for each one of the 5 MLB teams I follow. I expect the Braves to be better than last season after all the changes that have been made. I don't think many people will think of this song when they think of this season's Braves:
Brook Benton's "A Rainy Night In Georgia":
Some quick questions and answers. First, what will the Braves do to fill the sizable hole that Chipper Jones has left behind? Also Bourn is gone, no not Jason Bourne, but their leadoff hitter Michael Bourn. Bourn will be a Cleveland Indian this season, he'll be playing for their new manager Terry Francona. He signed a 4 year- $48 million contract just a couple of weeks ago. Obviously the Braves felt confident enough in their other players to let Bourn go.
Also how will the Upton brothers work together and with the rest of their teammates this season? I have a feeling there's going to be no middle ground with the Uptons. They'll either be a killer duo as they pace the Braves to the playoffs. Either that or they'll be a killer duo to the Braves and severely hinder their playoff chances. As a Braves fan I'm going to be optimistic.
I suggest one thing that Braves fans don't have to worry about is the relief pitching. After two years of dominance 24 year old Craig Kimbrel returns for another season. He practiced with his Braves teammates and then left for WBC prep on February 28th. After playing with the USA team in the WBC, he'll rejoin the Braves. (I'm always glad when players want to represent their country, too many don't want to.) Solid middle reliever Jonny Venters will also be returning for the Braves. Then in the offseason 6'5' Jordan Walden was dealt to the Braves from the Angels. With Kimbrel and Venters around, Walden could get spot duty and rebuild his confidence.
Two seasons ago the Braves chased the Phillies all season, but never could catch them. They were in prime position to make the playoffs when they completely choked and just barely missed out on the playoffs. Last season they chased the Nationals all season, never able to catch them. Although they did qualify for the playoffs. Sadly they lost in the one game wild card playoff, continuing their history of choking in the playoffs. The fact they've qualified for so many playoffs, but yet have only won one World Series is hard to believe. (I'd wonder if Jerry Jones was making their personnel moves, but then I realized the Cowboys don't even make the playoffs.)
The Braves start their season exactly one month from today and that isn't an April Fool's Day joke. They play their first 6 games at home, starting with one of their NL East nemeses the Phillies. Atlanta then play 3 games against the woeful Cubs. Their first road game is April 8th against the completely retooled Miami Marlins.
Again I'm going to be optimistic, I'm expecting the Braves to make the playoffs this year. I also expect them to battle for the NL East all season, hopefully they can win the division title. I'm also hopeful they can break through and have tremendous success in the playoffs. I'd say that this season they should at least get to the NLCS.
themusicaddict
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