Braves 2008 season

Atlanta Braves

Braves 2008 season

Atlanta Braves 2008 season in photos

Everyone was happy during spring training with the reunion of Tom Glavine and John Smoltz, but that feeling would be short-lived when both players' seasons were cut short because of injuries.

Chipper Jones had one of his best seasons as a Brave and flirted with hitting .400 for much of the season. He went into the middle of June hitting .400 before he cooled off.

One of the few highlights this season was John Smoltz reaching his 3,000th strikeout, becoming the 16th pitcher in history to do so. "There were so many people pulling for me to get this done," Smoltz said. "I wanted it to be at home. I think the fans deserved to see it here and be a part of something."

Bobby Cox could only sit and listen as John Smoltz announced he would have season-ending shoulder surgery. Smoltz hopes to pitch next season, he has come back from four elbow surgeries to surpass 200 wins, 150 saves and 3,000 strikeouts, the only pitcher to accomplish that feat.

Chipper Jones added to his Hall-of-Hame career by becoming the 43rd player in major-league history to hit 400 home runs in a 7-5 victory against the Marlins at Turner Field. The 36-year-old third baseman got a standing ovation and a curtain call, stepping out of the dugout to wave his helmet to an adoring crowd of 27,238.

Jeff Francoeur, one-time Sports Illustrated cover boy, struggled this season at the plate, which forced Braves management to make a difficult decision.

After struggling during the season Jeff Francoeur was sent down to the minors for three days with the Mississippi Braves before returning to Atlanta. "This season has taken a toll, there's no doubt," Francoeur said. "It'd be really nice to finish strong and go into the offseason knowing what I need to do to be back where I know I can be next year."

After a delayed start to his season when he injured himself during warm-up, Mike Hampton pitched again after a 35-month absence from the majors for two elbow surgeries and sundry injuries.

Tuner Field security officer Marcus Booth said good-bye to Mark Teixeira after the first baseman was traded to the Los Angeles Angels for first baseman Casey Kotchman and minor-league reliever Stephen Marek, two days before the non-waiver trade deadline.

Casey Kotchman became a Brave in the deal that sent Mark Teixeira to the Angels. Kotchman hit .287 with 24 doubles, 12 home runs and 54 RBIs in 100 games for the Angels, including a .319 average with four homers and 10 RBIs in his last 11 games before the trade.

The Braves lost an important member of their family when Skip Cary died. With his nasally voice, wry and witty delivery, and tongue often in cheek, Caray became an enduring sound of summer in the South. He described more than 4,000 Braves games, from the last-place finishes of the 1970s and '80s through the 14 consecutive division titles of the 1990s and beyond.

Chip Caray thanked fans and the Braves organization for their support following his father's death. Skip Caray was accorded a 21-gun salute by the Atlanta Police Deparment Honor Guard after highlights of his 33-year career with the Braves were shown on the centerfield video board during a pregame ceremony.

Tim Hudson had his season end in August when he had "Tommy John" ligament surgery. "I've got to have a lot of patience," he said. "I'm going to be able to do it. I'm going to work hard, and my goal is to be back next year at some point, stronger and better than I was."

Rookie Jair Jurrjens became the unexpected workhorse of the pitching staff this season. He is among the favorites for this year's National League Rookie of the Year honors. The 22-year-old right-hander is the only rookie among the top 30 in the league in ERA, wins, innings and strikeouts.

Mark Kotsay became the fifth player in Braves franchise history since 1900 and the second Atlanta Brave to hit for the cycle when he did it this season against the Cubs. Kotsay's success with the Braves was cut short when he was later traded to the Red Sox.

Tom Glavine's return to the Braves this season was bittersweet. The pitcher went 2-4 with a 5.54 ERA in 13 starts before surgery on his elbow and shoulder ended his season early.

Rafael Soriano had few opportunities to celebrate this season. The closer's season ended in August with elbow surgery. He posted a 2.57 ERA with 16 strikeouts in 14 innings this season in his 14 appearances among three stints on the disabled list.

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Everyone was happy during spring training with the reunion of Tom Glavine and John Smoltz, but that feeling would be short-lived when both players' seasons were cut short because of injuries.

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