I was checking out our schedule for 2012 and noticed the significance of April. The following 3 months feature mostly difficult series. However, April seems as though it should be winnable. It may have to be figuring that the "meat" of our schedule is during those 3 mid summer months. We would benefit greatly by getting off to a hot start during the easier portion of the schedule. The biggest change is the NL East games and our expectations. Obviously, the Mets are the only team that is expected to be weak in the division. While I'm not as high on the Miami Marlins as most, I'm higher on the Nats than most; still both will be competitive. And we see plenty of both teams in the middle 3 months of the season. But what stands out to me is the opportunity to be had during the first month. So my question to all of you is what would you be satisfied with on the morning of May 1st?

April

3@NYM 3vsNYM

3@HOU

3vsMIL

3@LAD

4vsPIT

4@ARI

May/June/July

3vsPHI 3@PHI 3vsPHI

3@STL 3vsSTL

2vsCIN 4@CIN

2vsMIA 3@MIA 3@MIA 2vsMIA(2 of 4 game series falls in AUG)

3@TB

3vsWSH 3@WSH 3vsWSH 3@WSH

3vsTOR

3vsNYY 3@NYY

3@ BOS

3vsARI

3vsSF

3@COL

3@CHC 4vsCHC

3vsBAL

3vsNYM

I've been looking at the payroll, upcoming increases and what's coming off, and it got me wondering something I assume all of you are: What will Mac's extension look like? (of course, this is under the common assumption that Brian will be an Atlanta Brave for his entire career, or atleast a good portion of it)

Currently, Mac is entering the final year of his 6 year, $26.8M deal. He is scheduled to earn $8.5M but incentives have kicked that up to $11.5M. The Braves hold an option for 2013 at $12M. While it is wildly assumed he would resign with the Braves if an extension isn't agreed upon, it would be best to not allow it to get to that point.

What's coming off

The highest salaried player on the team was DLowe (still 4th highest at $10M) which will be completely come off the books next year

Huddy has a year left at $9 and a club option for the same. Depending on his performance, maybe more importantly his health, there's a chance his option could be picked up. If he has a down year, for whatever reason, and some of the young guns impress, a $1M buyout could be the most likely scenario. I expect the option will be picked up and Huddy hangs them up after 2013

Chipper is alittle more complicated. He'll earn $14M this season with his deferred signing bonus. If we get what is expected of Chip this year, it's a club option for 2013 at only $7. This option becomes guaranteed at $9 with 123 games this season or an avg. of 127 games between 2011-12. (he'll need to play 2 more games than last season)

Also, the option (in this case would be $9) will increase by $1M each for 128, 133,138,140 games in 2012, or 2 year averages which would be about the same with his 126 in 2011. So if Chip manages 133 games this season his option for 2013 will be at $12M (with the signing bonus) At that rate, which would also mean an increase of games played, I think Chip plays in 2013. If it's at $7, this time meaning a decrease in games, I say he reties.

I also expect this to be Bourn's last season clearing about $7 after this year and atleast one of JJ/Prado to be moved.

Increasing Salaries

2012 - Moylan and Bourn Arb 3 - Prado, EOF and JJ Arb 2

Moylan getting or not getting tendered won't make a huge difference financially. The big questions here are if JJ and Prado will be Braves much longer.

2013 - Prado, EOF, JJ Arb3 - Hanson, Medlen, Venters and Heyward Arb 1

I think FW and Co. will imitate the offers to Mac and Frenchy around this time of their careers to Heyward and FF. I expect Venters to be tendered as long as he has an attached left arm. Other than buying out Hanson's Arb years, I would hope we don't do anything long term with him because of the shoulder.

Others- With the going rate for closers we better lock up Kimbrel for a while (not because threat of him leaving but to save money) Maybe with a good year, we'll try playing TB front office and locking up JT for a while.

I don't foresee anything comparable to Mauer's contract, but in the end Mac is going to require the largest contract on the team. My thinking is, since each have an option for next year, when Chipper does retire, his salary will basically be given to Mac, maybe alittle more. My projection is that his option will be picked up next offseason but he'll sign a 6 year $90M with a club option and plenty of incentives. Probably around $12M for the first 2 years and $18M at the end.

What do you guys think?

OK, so I've have been completely blown away about this dump Martin Prado talk. At this time last year, Martin Prado was viewed as one of our best players and most valuable assets. Other than some of your opinions, nothing has changed.  So let's take a look back at how some of this all came about.

After 2 cups of coffee with the ML team, Prado played in 78 games in 2008 as our super utility man. He posted a .320 BA while appearing mainly at 1B, 2B and 3B and a few at SS and LF. His versatility was proven and in 2009, he replaced Kelly Johnson as our everyday 2B, finishing with a .307/.358/.464 line while slotted mainly in the 2 hole.

All was the same to begin 2010, starting 2B batting 2nd. But a ways through the 2010 season, Bobby moved Prado to the lead off position in favor of the struggling Nate McLouth. He took to it very quickly and improved on his already successful season. In 66 games batting lead off, Marteeen posted a .322/.362/.521 line. He was arguably our best player that season and was beloved by TC members and Braves fans all over.A healthy Prado in the playoffs and a pinch hitter Brooks Conrad on the bench could have led to a different outcome. (Not a knock on Brooks, he's a bat and was forced into a role that just isn't a good fit for what he brings to the team)

Once Dan Uggla was acquired, the questions began, would Prado or Uggla make the move from 2B to LF. Freddi and Co. decided it would be Prado to be shifted, and while it wasn't ideal for him, he easily accepted. (don't think the LF time in winter ball played into it much, nor can it be counted on as "experience") Next came the waterfall of admiration from players, coaches, management and fans. Everyone was raving about his team first mentality, players kept mentioning how great of shape he showed up in, DOB constantly had pics and tweets of how he was first guy in and last guy out during the spring.

So the 2011 season comes around and Prado is still batting 1st, but already adapting to a change to LF. 50 games in, Prado's numbers dipped a bit from 2010 but he was still batting.286/.326/.432 and was easily our best lead off option. Again, because of issues with McCouth, Schafer was called up and immediately entrenched in the lead off spot. With Heyward's struggling, Prado was the best fit for batting 2nd, a place he had been very familiar with in recent years. An injury then help Prado out for most of June and half of July. He returned to the 2 hole and it stayed the same after we traded for Bourn. So after he had gotten accustomed to batting lead off, he was put back to 2nd for most of 2011. But this wasn't the same 2 hole he had in 2009 and early 2010. This time he had speed in front of him. So, not only was he was asked to revert back to the approach of a #2 hitter after succeeding at lead off, but altering that approach as well to allow Schafer and Bourn to do their thing on the base paths. Prado finished the year with a .260/.302/.385 mark.

So in 2010 Prado was asked to add to his success as a lead off hitter but this time as a LF. But don't forget, you're Chipper's replacement at 3B, where he logged 38 games. Then asked to switch his plate approach to a 2 hitter with speed on in front. He was also dealing with an injury. Oh, and one more thing, he had the lowest BABIP of his career, by far.

2008 - .357      2009 - .331     2010 - .335     2011 - .266 

To me, Prado's career has been defined by 2 things that go hand in hand, one positive and one negative. Versatility and change. The bright side, we are in position to fully utilize the positive and completely cancel the negative.

Prado has 2 arbs years left and should see a raise to around 5-6 mil next season. FW can handle it any way he wants, but at some point, Prado should be extended. And anyone reading this that doesn't think Prado will sign for multiple years at an affordable, team friendly salary, you're crazy. 4-5 years for 5-6 per seems like a deal VERY likely agreed upon by both sides to me.

Chipper will be back next year after turning 40 in April. In my rosterbation world, a pitcher should be moved for a corner OF. This would leave Prado as our super utility man. But more super than that. Chipper is going to need a day or two off a week, plus is monthly series off and most likely an injury or two. Prado can get a day in each week at LF, giving (Swisher) a rest or moving (Swisher) to RF giving JHey a day. It also couldn't hurt to give Uggs and FF a day once an a while. And we know the injury bug will show up somewhere and before you know it Prado has 100-115 games in 2012 and the team as a whole is much more rested down the stretch.

2012 will be Chipper's final season and Prado is waiting. He is the best and most reliable option to replace Chip. He will successfully hold the hot corner down for many years and, as I said, for a reasonable cost. Theres already talk about Joey T being shifted to the OF. Everyone has something good to say about Salcedo but they also say the same word, raw. It doesn't matter what improvements he makes, he isn't going to be ready until atleast 2014. Drury still has alot of question marks and who's left, Leonard? And these are all prospects, nothing is guaranteed. Prado is proven. He may not compete for the batting title every year like he did in 2010, but he has Placido Polanco written all over him. And while his power may not be ideal for 3B, he's not too far off. Plus we'll have plenty of pop in the line up for years to come. He isn't the greatest fielder but far from a weak spot. He's an above average player where ever we stick him and his very respected in this clubhouse. He never lacks in hustle and hard work and has proven he is a "team" guy. His value to this team is worth much more than anything he would be signed for through arb or extension. AND this is probably the lowest return he'd bring in the trade market in the last three seasons. So we trade him?

None of us know if FW and Co. have even thought about trading Prado. But it's been a hot topic here. So, please, those of you TC'ers that think Martin Prado SHOULD NOT BE TRADED, sign here   x.................................

This question is basically for those of us whose significant other wouldn't know one player on the Braves roster if it wasn't for yourself. This question is for both sexes but I would assume most females on here with a boyfriend or husband don't have a hard time getting them to watch baseball. Anyway, I, as I would assume most of you, have a hard time, getting your other half to really find an interest in the team. (if i lived anywhere near Atlanta it may be different) I have found that if you can get them to find one guy they liked, they will show more interest and it won't be as difficult to watch every game without a complaint. The favorites in my situation were Schafer and Beachy. Now, Brandon is left as my only hope. So my question is, who is your saving grace on this Braves team?

We have seen rumors after rumors, availables and not availables, lefties and righties, CF's and LF's, cheap and pricey. Everywhere from Pence to Willingham, and Gomes to Upton, and everything in between. I even saw Coco Crisp's name mentioned today. Beltran, Gomes and Rasmus are already off the board. When it comes to bats, who do you think FW and Co. will land come Sunday night? 

For non rosterbation purposes, if you are leaving a comment, only say the players name. Not why, not how.  If you feel the need to smack a  few keys, tell us how said player will perform in Atlanta.

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The Braves are in a very good, but unique, situation as we near the Mid Summer Classic this season. There is a core group of players nearing the end of their career (Chipper, Lowe), a number of veteran players under team control for a few years (McCann, Uggla, Hudson), and a number of youngsters proving themselves and under team control for a while (Hanson, Jurrjens, Heyward, Freeman and the bullpen). And with the supply of arms in the minors, the team appears to be in good shape for years to come. The only question is, who stays, who goes, and where is the money spent.

There is about $23,000,000 coming off next year with Nate McLouth, Alex Gonzalez, Scott Linebrink, George Sherrill, Kenshin Kawakami, Scott Proctor and Julio Lugo.

I believe that Alex Gonzalez should and will be resigned to a one year deal for about the same amount. I also feel that the team expects Julio Teheran and Mike Minor (if he is still ours) on the big league club to begin next, season if not sooner. This all but guarantees a starter will be dealt before the deadline or during the offseason. With the situation the team is in right now, FW's stand on trading pitching prospects and the costs of our pitchers, I feel if anyone is dealt before the deadline it will be Minor. I'm also 99% sure we will ship Lowe in the offseason for anything we can get. This would clear another $15,000,000 (although I imagine we would have to eat alittle).And the question every off season is if Chipper is coming back. I don't think he is ready just yet, but that would clear another $14,000,000.

If all 3 of these happen we could be looking at about $45,000,000 coming off the books after 2011.

Either way, there will be money to spend. Obviously some will be spent on FA to fill some bullpen spots, the bench and LF if Chipper retires (BOBBY ABREU). But with the group of core players under contract and some not even at Arb yet, we could look to spend the leftover money on locking up a few guys for a number of years.

Who do you see as the next player to get a multi-year deal? I've tried to make a comparison for each player to what I expect their contract would look like.

The obvious choices:

Tommy Hanson

He will be in his first year of arbitration next season and recently switched agents to Scott Boras.

Comp - Matt Cain (covering Arb years)

After his first full season, he signed an extension carrying him through his arb years.

07:$0.4M, 08:$0.7M, 09:$2.65M, 10:$4.25M, 11:$6.25M club option

After 2 good years, the club rewarding him by replacing the next 3 years for 10:$4.25M, 11:$7M, 12:$15M

Lester (Beyond Arb years)

Signed to a 5 year contract with a team option for a 6th beginning a year before he hit arbitration.

09:$1M, 10:$3.75M, 11:$5.75M, 12:$7.625M, 13:$11.625M, 14:$13M club option

Obviously, the first year of that wouldn't work with Hanson. But guaranteeing the $13M and a team option for another year around $15M should get the job done. With Boras in his back pocket and how he has preformed thus far, I would expect him to get a contract in this range.

Jair Jurrjens

Will be heading into his 2nd arb year next season after agreeing to $3.250M in his first go around. Also a Boras client.

Comp - Cole Hamels (through Arb year)

After his 3rd year, he got a contract carrying him through his arb years at 09:$4.35M, 10:$6.65M, 11:$9.5M

Buchholz (beyond Arb years)

In April, signed a 4 year extension with 2 club option years avoiding his 3rd year of arbitration.

12:$3.5M, 13:$5.5M, 14:$7.7M, 15:$12M, 16:$13M club option ($0.245M buyout), 17:$13.5M club option ($0.5M buyout)

Since any deal will most likely take him to atleast 1 year after ARB, an extension might cost alittle more but I would imagine it would take something similar. And while he was good in '09, injuries slowed him last year and he really only has this year to negotiate on.

Martin Prado

Comp - Aaron Hill (contract wise)

Heading into his 2nd full season, he signed a 4 year contract with 3 club option years.

08:$0.41M, 09:$2.59M, 10:$4M, 11:$5M, 12:$8M club option, 13:$8M club option, 14:$10M club option

Obviously, the 1st year of this contract is irrelevant, but this guy just screams "team friendly" to me and I could see this contract with only the final year being a club option.

Other Possibilities:

Brian McCann

He is signed through next season with a club option for 2013. But just as the Brewers did with Braun, it isn't out of the question that the Braves would want to extend him now, solidifying his role as the leader of the club for many years to come.

Comp - Michael Young

Became following 2008 and signed for 5 years at $16M annually. Just as Young's contract stated, Mac would have some trade protection until he hit 5-10 rights and plenty of performance bonuses.

I don't see this happening only because he is the one guy on this team (other than Chipper) that I can see retiring a Brave. He is under contract for a few more years and FW and Co. probably get the same impression and aren't too worried about waiting til 2014 to re-up Mac.

Others:

Heyward - I don't see anything happening until atleast his first arb year.

Freeman - I can see him getting a contract for the 3 arb years, but not anytime soon.

Kimbrel - He has to prove a lot more to get a multiyear deal as a relief pitcher, but if he keeps this up he will

Venters - They'll want to make sure he has an attached left arm in 2012 before they extend him

Beachy - I only put here because of these 5, to me, he is the most likely to get a multiyear deal. Nothing crazy, but they really seem to like him and he is responding well. Obviously, he'll have to maintain this for the rest of the season. But with Hanson and JJ being Boras clients and already hitting arb, Huddy and Lowe nearing the end, and the influx of great potential question marks coming in during the next few seasons, it'll be nice to have some stability. I can see Beachy signing for what he'd get through his pre-arb years and then for another year or two at a very small cost.

If I titled it John Coppolella Podcast I'm not sure how many of you would have opened it.

Anyway, I don't know how many of you listen to the Baseball Prospectus Podcast but the most recent one which was released earlier this week features a interview with the Braves Director of Baseball Administration John Coppolella. The interview is about 35 minutes long and is a very good listen. The interview covers EVERY SINGLE detail of a ARB process as he is the one who handles our cases. He discusses Frenchy's cases in good detail as well as talks alot about JJ's and Prado's from this year. I definitely recommend you take a listen. I think it is available on their website but I do it on iTunes.

It comes in around the 1 hour and 25 minute mark of the show right after the music during the break.

Nearing the end of the calendar year the roster seems to be closed to a finished product. I still expect to see a CF signed before the season begins. MLBTR  just did a piece on the possible options, internal and external. While one of those players could very well be a Braves in 2011, I wouldn't rule out a signing of a lesser CF just to add competition for Schafer, Mather and Young for the 4th OF. If i had to guess, I'd say it will be Andruw, Bloomquist or Hairston. I am a huge believer in Schafer and fully expect him to be a very good CF for us in the future. But I don't expect him to be on the roster on Opening Day. Even if he tops his 09 ST.

I also wouldn't rule out another reliever signing. Probably not someone they expect to be on the 25 man roster, but someone with a ST invite and you never no what can happen then.

There are some contracts still to be worked out as well, for players who are already locked in for the bigs. Uggla will have an extension of $10m+, and Moylan, O'Flarherty an Prado still have arb cases to be settled. Plus the money will we pay for someone to take KK off our hands.

On thing I have heard rumblings about that I don't expect to see is an IF signing. Nor do I expect to see Diory, Hicks,  Ed Lucas, or any other internal options on the roster. I know people want some insurance for Freddie at 1B but we already have a nice R/L combo in Prado and Hinske who can take some pressure off FF.

The one thing that could change all of this is if Chipper has any set backs and we are aware before the season that he won't be available from the start.

With that being said, here is my expected opening day roster and salary:

Lowe 15,000,000
Huddy 9,000,000
JJ 2,400,000*
Hanson 480,000
Minor/Beachy 440,000

Mac 6,666,667
Freeman 400,000
Uggla 10,000,000*
AGon 2,500,000
Chipper 13,000,000
Prado 2,750,000*
Nate 7,750,000
Heyward 440,000

Mather 440,000
Ross 1,625,000
Hinske 1,350,000
Andruw 750,000*
Conrad 440,000

O'Flarherty 1,000,000*
Linebrink 2,000,000
Sherrill 1,200,000
Proctor 750,000
Venters 440,000
Pemo 1,725,000*
Kimbrel 400,000

Kawakami 5,550,000

Salary - 88,496,667

I am still a fan of Nate McLouth. But a fan is a whole different thing than a believer. And I feel I'm with a whole lot of you when I say that Nate McLouth isn't going to turn things around this year; and if so, not enough to be a reliable factor. Now I'm not ruling out Nate returning to 2009 form an post a.256/.352/.436 mark. Or even his .276/.356/.497 line from 2008. But I wouldn't bet on it.

At the same time, there is no way we are moving his contract for anything that even approaches value. If he is moved it will be for another bad contract. In which case, I say, keep Nate. Most "bad" contracts are players who are older and experiencing a predictable decline. Nate is 28 and has before proven a solid bat and defense in center. I believe he has a better chance of turning it around than most bad contract guys.

So what should we do about CF?

I do believe that FW is being sincere when he says we are done doing "big" moves and his stand on not moving any of our young stable of arms.  However, there are 4 cheap players out there that I can see us making a move for if the offer was right. I would consider 2 to be "big' moves and 2 considered as adding depth.

Before getting into the deals, I also believe that Freddi wants some speed in our line up. (I haven't seen this mentioned or rumored anywhere. Just a hunch) Bobby was old school and didn't put a great deal of emphasis on speed. I feel that if we didn't have it Bobby just said, "we'll have to move the runners with the bat." Freddi seems a bit different and had alot of speed on his Marlin clubs. These moves would not only give us another option in CF and add speed to our line up.

(in no order)

B.J. Upton for Beachy, Vizcaino and a low level guy

 Prado

Heyward

Chip

Uggla

McCann

Upton

Freeman

Gonzalez

I don't see us hitting Upton at the top of the order if we were to acquire him. So it wouldn't add speed to where it is desired but still we would have a proven stolen base threat. We know his defense is elite and having him and Heyward out there already, defensively, I'd feel comfortable with any of you reading this in left. Upton had 2 solid seasons at the plate followed by 2 down years and could benefit from a change of scenery. Even a year like last year would be better than Nate's. Still if he didn't turn things around, he and Uggla would be 2 K heavy bats in the middle of our order. It seems the Rays are trying to move players and with Jennings coming up, I see them moving him for the right offer even without Crawford.

- earned $3M in 2010, entering his 2nd year of arbitration

Jacoby Ellsbury for Beachy and Delgado

Ellsbury

Prado

Chip

Uggla

Heyward

McCann

Gonzalez

Freeman

This would give us the ability to raise some hell on the base paths at the top of our order. Ellsbury is also been a very efficient bat and on-base guy. However, we would take a slight hit on defense as the range is there, but no arm. He is coming back from a pretty bad injury too. Also, batting Ellsbury first would knock Heyward down in the order and we would have to bat Gonzalez 7th to prevent 3 consecutive lefties in the order. Not that he has blazing speed, but I would prefer his legs on base for the pitcher over Freeman's. I think alot of Ellsbury's availability rests on the Red Sox landing Jayson Werth or Carl Crawford.

- Entering his first year of arbitration

Dexter Fowler for Beachy....... (possibly KK, Schafer and a decent prospect not named Julio, Randall or Arodys)

Fowler

Prado

Chip

Uggla

Heyward

McCann

Gonzalez

Freeman

Fowler is from Atlanta and would give us a decent bat and very godo speed, as well as an average glove in CF.Like Ellsbury he has great range,  but I don't think his arm is too good though.As the same with Ellsbury, I don't like the fact of having Freeman in the 8th spot. Still, would what it would take to get him, I feel this is our best option and I have seen the Rockies were looking to add pitching through trade. The Rockies have a few options in the OF in Cargo, Seth Smith and Ryan Spilborghs.

- $480K, arbitration eligible in 2012

Carlos Gomez for JJ Hoover  or KK and a low level prospect

Prado

Heyward

Chip

Uggla

McCann

Gonzalez

Freeman

Gomez/McClouth

Gomez would give us a dimension of speed we don't have and a right hander in the OF. Adding Carlos also wouldn't take alot in return. This is a guy who has been a serviceable hitter but still not that reliable. Possibly a change of scenery would assist in improving his bat. This would however leave the 6th spot for Gonzalez. While I am a bigger fan of him than most on here, I don't want him batting 6th. The Brewers are looking for pitching and I think would be willing to part with Carlos for little in return.

- Entering his first year or arbitration

One thing I haven't seen mentioned anywhere is, "What happens is Chipper isn't ready in time?"

The way I see it, it will be Prado at 3B and Nate in CF leaving LF for Mather?( assuming Diaz isn't retained)

If Diaz is brought back that would answer the question. But if not we are left with a bigger problem in LF than Nate in CF.

Bringing in one of these 4 players would protect us in this scenario.

Here is the link

According to Bob Nightengale, both Upton brothers are among the many good players being discussed in trades right now. I have thought about what it would take to get a BJ and what a BJ would do for us, I'd much prefer getting a Justin. I haven't seen his name anywhere, on any site being discussed in a trade with any team out there.I have seen some discussion of Chris Young but not Justin Upton. However, if this is true, there may be something to it. If you've noticed the DBacks have been stock piling young pitching lately.(Daniel Hudson, Rafeal Rodriguez, Dontrelle Willis and Ian Kennedy) This is something we have a great deal of. Now I am not saying this is true, or even likely for that matter. but I would be ok with letting for of anyone not named Jason, Freddie, Craig or Julio in order to acquire Upton. This means if we were to offer Vizcaino, Delgado, Dunn/Marek(their pen was as bad as the Marlins) and some mid level guy, I'd be perfectly fine with it.

What would you give up to have Heyward and Upton patrolling the corners in Atlanta for a few years?

Again, I'm not saying this happens. Just some good wholesome rosterbation.

I had some time and was curious to see how many players from Georgia are on MLB rosters. From that I developed a Georgia All-Star team and think it looks pretty good. This shows that Georgia is becoming a hotbed of baseball talent and starting to compete with California for the top spot. As long as our Braves keep drafting locally, and the state keeps producing, we should have a very nice future.

I would think with the age of the OF starters and the depth in the minors, an OF prospect would be packaged and traded to Kentucky for Mark Reynolds to add some pop or Scott Downs for a proven LH starter.

Lineup

3B - Chone Figgins - S

CF - Dexter Fowler - S

RF - Jason Heyward - L

1B - Buster Posey - R

C - Brian McCann - L

LF - Colby Rasmus - R

SS - Stephen Drew - L

2B - Gordon Beckham - R

Bench

C - David Ross - R

1B - Russell Branyan - L

IF/OF - Willie Harris - L

OF - J.D. Drew - L

OF - Mike Cameron - R

Rotation

RH - Adam Wainwright

RH - Tim Hudson

RH - Jake Westbrook

RH - Mitchell Boggs

RH - Kyle Davies

Bullpen

LH - Dan Runzler

RH - Burke Badenhop

RH - Eddie Bonnine

RH - Blaine Boyer

LH - Lee Hyde

RH - Matt Capps

RH - Jonathan Broxton

In The Minors

OF - Domonic Brown

OF - Tyler Colvin

C - Tyler Flowers

OF - Josh Reddick

Facepalm

Jeff Francoeur

While most around here have been hard on him lately, I've tried to control my expectations after a hot start. Whether it was for constant CHOPPAS or staring at too many pitches, or basically because his position in the lineup(not his fault) most here seem to be very hard on him. Obviously when i say optimistic i mean for this season, as even his biggest critic believes he'll have a very special career. And I know this is coming the day after a 4-4 2 HR 4 RBI day but I had to wait for the right time so I don't get torn apart for it.

Let's look at his number so far among rookies

AVG - .265 (13th)  (David Freese is out for the season and Juan Francisco and Logan Morrison have yet to hit 100 AB so some guys could fall back)

OBP - .378 (4th)

HR - 14 (3rd)

RBI -57 (2nd)

Now we all know about the injuries and the slumps he has been through. However, he has been getting on base throughout the season, has been very good with guys on and 2 outs, and has been very clutch late in games. What I'm saying is if he can bounce back to early season form, the Braves could have another 2 man race for a regular season trophy. (Martin Prado and Omar Infante for the batting title as eglenn showed here. This one between JHey and Jonny Venters. If Jason Heyward's last 38 games can be what his first 38 games were his season totals would be

AVG - .271

OBP - .413

HR - 23

RBI - 90

Now that's a big if, but IF he can do it, along with the team keeping pace in the NL, he has a shot at it.

Whether JHey wins ROY or not, we should be in store for plenty of hardware for the regular season.

Prado and Infante could win a batting title.

If not JHey, Venters has a chance at the ROY.

With a good finish, he or Billy Wagner could win the Relief Man of the Year.

Tim Hudson is gaining ground on the Cy Young and I don;t know if he qualifies for Comeback POY with 7 games last year but if he does, he wins hands down.

I'm not sure of the qualifications on games at a position for Silver Slugger, but Prado should win the 2B.

And Bobby Cox could win the Manager of the Year, but preseason expectations always trumps here, which could benefit  Bud Black or Dusty Baker. Still if the Braves finish as the NL champion (and in his last year) it wouldn't shock me if he won it.

Most of these won't be possible however if we don't keep winning and ATLEAST make the playoffs. If so, there could be much more important "hardware" on the way. GO BRAVES

I

SO far this year, we have one of the best and most consistent bullpens in the league. When EOF gets healthy, and with the Farnsworth addition, the bullpen now features 3 dependable righties and lefties, all of whom are having good years. However, no one is perfect, and after watching tonight game they have some memorable(for the wrong reasons) outings. Wags has had had some painful BS and due to overuse, some of the others have looked bad at times.This brought me to this question and I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Forget  about Wags in the 9th with a  save opportunity, R/L matchups and recent use. If we had a one run lead and  one inning to get through to get a win, who would you feel most comfortable with? You can add Dunn if he is in your top 6 but I would think he's last on all, order them 1-6 with your level of faith in them. Remember, forget all else and base it on 3 outs.

1. Moylan

2. Venters

3. Wags

4. EOF

5. Farnsworth

6. Saito

Today marks 25% of the MLB season. We currently sit in last place of the N.L. East and 6.5 games behind the Phillies. I haven't been present in many of the open threads in the past few games. Just as I had an excuse two weeks ago (Finals) my reason for this is the works hours college kids put in when school ends. However, I feel every single emotion you all feel. I have yet to miss a "LIVE" game yet this year thanks to the DVR (top five greatest invention ever). Anyway.... with tomorrow being 25% of the MLB season and almost 25% our beloved Braves season, I have a few questions.

1. DESCRIBE THE SEASON SO FAR, IN ONE WORD?

2. WHAT IS THE BEST PLAY OF THE SEASON?

3. WORST PLAY OF THE SEASON?

4. DO WE HAVE TO MAKE A TRADE?

5. EXPECTED OUTCOME?

6. (Know the answer, but want to hear it anyway) MOST UNDERRATED PLAYER IN BASEBALL?

Also, since the the "Heywardisms's and his face through history images I've been quite. So here is my newest piece of work. Hope you like it. (not that next year is already in mind....just the first thing that came to mind when I had some spare time)

http://www.jetsdaily.com/2010/04/report-jets-trade-for-santonio-holmes.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

The Jets have traded this years 5th round pick to the Steelers for Santonio Holmes. Off the field issues and all, he is still a pretty good receiver and is a very nice acquisition for the team. I think he will be great alongside Braylon Edwards. This came as a surprise to me, though. I haven't been on here in a while and didn't see any rumors of this. Anyone else hear about it?

Living in Phillies country(Scranton, PA. for you Office fans) I don't get to see the Braves live much. I get out to Philly for a couple each year and even got to ATL for the 5th time last year. I do have family in Myrtle Beach and spend a couple weeks there in the summer and have the Yankees AAA team here, who GBraves play, so I do get to see some prospects. I'm getting to a good amount of Braves games this year at a couple different levels. I've seen a few fans on here from PA and was just seeing if anyone here will be at the same games and would want to have a little non-Atlanta based TCer  gathering or if anyone wanted a certain picture I could try and get. Here's my list.

@ Philly - 5/7

@ Philly - 5/8

@ Pit - 5/21(and Brewers @ Pit 5/20. Wanted to go for the weekend series but at some point school needs       to  take precedence over sports and I have to graduate)

@ NY - 7/9

(maybe) @ Philly  for one of the late Sept. games. 20-22

and as I'm sure many of you will

@ The TED for Bobby Cox/Take Back The Division Weekend 10/1,2 and 3. (I got a plane ticket and tix for Sat. and Sun. Need to find a place to crash, a good tailgate party and a $1 ticket for Friday

AAA

@ WIlkes-Barre Scranton 7/19,20,21,22(plan on getting to atleast 3)

A+

@ Carolina/California League All-Star Game in Myrtle Beach 6/22

@ Myrtle Beach for 6/30-7/6 (try to get to all 7, that's a great place to see a game. Braves or not.)

          - can expect many pics of my man crush Adam Milligan if he is still there

Again, anyone who will be at these games let me know. And you can be sure I'll do my part for "View From Your Seat"

Sidenote - In games I am present, which mainly is at Philly and Pitt. the Bravos are 24-3. 23-1 with the loss being to the PIRATES until that debacle against the Phillies in ATL late last Sept. This is something I take alot of pride in and while I'm the least superstitious TCer, I'm hoping that unlikely coincidence continues this year. 

GO BRAVES...

 to the TC community.

We have been waiting for this day since the 14th pick in the 2007 MLB draft. Jason Heyward is our starting RF. So let's celebrate TC. And now that we know we have the Jay Hey Kid for the entire year let's make some predictions.

Keep the answers short.

1. What number will Jason Heyward wear?

2. What will be the result of JHey's first AB?

3. Spot in the batting order on opening day?

4. Season SB total?

5. Season AVG/HR/RBI?

6. How many years will Jason Heyward wear a Braves jersey?

7. R.O.Y.?

8. Braves 2010 record?

9. N.L. East Crown?

10. N.L. Champs?