Looking forward to 2008: Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves come into the 2008 season after missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, something Braves' fans aren't used to after winning the NL East an impressive 14 straight times (1991-2005).

Though, one familiar face from those NL East Championships is returning to the Braves' rotation, Tom Glavine. Glavine has spent the last 5 seasons with the Mets, picking up career victory #300 in 2007. He adds another veteran to an already experienced staff, along side John Smoltz, Tim Hudson and Chuck James. The Braves may also get Mike Hampton back after missing the last 2 seasons.

Offensively, they lose a big bat in Andruw Jones to free agency but having Mark Teixeira back for one more season, especially after the production he gave them after coming over from Atlanta, should more than make up for it.

The Braves will have to replace shortstop Edgar Renteria, who was traded to Detroit for 22-year-old right-hander Jair Jurrjens, with possibly Yunel Escobar. The rest of the infield remains in tact, with Brian McCann (C), Mark Teixeira (1B), Kelly Johnson (2B) and Chipper Jones (3B).

As far as the outfield goes, there will be a battle for positions during spring training between Matt Diaz, Brandon Jones, Josh Anderson and Jordon Schafer. Assuming Jeff Francoeur will replace Andruw Jones in center field.

Here are the full list of arrivals and departures:

Arrivals:
LHP Glavine
INF Infante
LHP Ohman
RHP Jurrjens
C Javier Lopez
RHP Chris Resop

Departures:
CF Jones
SS Renteria
LHP Ron Mahay
RHP Octavio Dotel
INF Julio Franco
OF Willie Harris
RHP Lance Cormier
RHP Ascanio
INF Chris Woodward

The Braves no doubt will have a good young squad for next season, but how well they do will depend on their pitching staff. The Mets and Phillies still have two of the more potent offenses in the NL East, so the Braves will have to come up with their own spark at the right time and not let either team get too far in front of them.

Prediction Time:

Tom Glavine, Tim Hudson and John Smoltz will need to shoulder the load, but look for Craig James to be a big part of the rotation in 2008.

Braves - 88-74