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Friday, March 31, 2006
NL East ours again
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Don’t worry about the Braves’ spring training record and enjoy the final two preseason games against the World Series champion Chicago White Sox this weekend at Turner Field.
It could be a lot worse. Remember the start of last season?
Raul Mondesi was in right field, a sore-kneed Brian Jordan was in left and Dan Kolb was already psyched out about trying to be the Braves’ closer.
Thanks to the minor league system and manager Bobby Cox’s steady hand, everything worked out all right. Although the postseason was disappointing again, the Braves won a 14th consecutive division title.
Can they make it 15? Sure. Will they? Well, we’ll just have to wait and see.
Certainly there are concerns, but the New York Mets - despite all their winter moves - and the Philadelphia Phillies have them as well.
If healthy, the bullpen could be surprisingly good even without a major move and the starting rotation should be the best in the National League East.
The offense, though, doesn’t look as potent as the Mets’ or Phillies’. But the Braves owe their success to pitching and defense for the most part.
Regular blogger David O’Brien (good ole DOB) is taking the day off to drive back to Atlanta from Florida. He’ll be back online Monday, when the Braves open the season in Los Angeles against the Dodgers.
While he’s away, here is your chance to get on board with your 2006 predictions.
In Sunday’s special baseball section, I have the Braves winning the NL East again, with the Mets claiming the wild-card. The other NL winners should be St. Louis and San Diego. It’s a down year in the National League, so the World Series winner should again come from the American League.
Unfortunately for Yankee haters, I give the edge to the Bronx Bombers despite the question marks in their rotation.
And what is your opinion on Barry Bonds? How many homers will he hit this season and will be challenge Hank Aaron’s career record of 755?
