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Sunday, April 1, 2007
Five burning questions
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Braves beat writer David O’Brien asks and answers five questions fans might be wondering about. Do you agree or disagree with DOB? Post comments below.
1: Is the bullpen problem really fixed?
Yes. After re-signing closer Bob Wickman and trading for intimidating Rafael Soriano and lefty Mike Gonzalez, the Braves have contingency closers and a power trio that can shorten games to six innings and reduce last year’s league-high 29 blown saves by 10 or more.
2: Can Scott Thorman fill Adam LaRoche’s shoes?
No, but he doesn’t have to. Between Thorman and Craig Wilson, the Braves believe they can get 25 or more homers and 90 to 100 RBIs from first base. Between the two, they can come close to LaRoche’s production, though the defense won’t be as good.
3: Will Kelly Johnson make people forget Marcus Giles?
No, because many were enamored with plucky Giles for his reckless style. Johnson doesn’t play like that, and isn’t as good defensively. But he can produce a higher average, more homers and a higher on-base percentage as a leadoff hitter than Giles did last season.
4: Will Andruw Jones, eligible for free agency next winter, finish the season with the Braves?
Yes, because they wouldn’t trade him during a playoff race, and he could veto any trade if they tried. He totaled 92 homers and 257 RBIs the past two seasons and wants to stay where he’s comfortable all season and where he has the best chance to put up similar numbers.
5: Is this team good enough to reclaim the NL East title?
Yes, but only if at least two of the Big Three relievers stay healthy and at least three of the starters stay healthy and meet or surpass expectations. The lineup isn’t as good as the Mets’ lineup, but the pitching should be much better than New York’s or Philadelphia’s.
