MLB Preview: Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves got off to a good start in the 2007 season, but ultimately their lack of pitching depth caused the team to come up short in the NL East. The Braves hope they have solved that this year by bringing in a familiar face. Tom Glavine rejoins the Braves, and his hoping he can rebound from a disappointing season with the Mets.

It's now time to take a look at three issues regarding the 2008 Atlanta Braves.

(1) Did the team make the right decision by trading Edgar Renteria?

Edgar Renteria was a key contributor on the Braves offense last season as he hit .332, and was on base nearly 40% of the time. Renteria also provided some pop as he hit 12 homers, which is solid for a shortstop. The Braves dealt Renteria because they felt they had some quality options in the minor leagues, who were ready to take over.

It remains to be seen if that's the case for the Braves, as shortstop is a key defensive position for the pitching staff, and if a young player isn't ready to perform it can have drastic consequences. The Braves will go with Yunel Escobar, who performed well during his stint with the Braves last season.

The Braves received some much needed pitching help in the trade as Jar Jurjeans comes over from Detroit. Jurjeans pitched well for Detroit last year, as he got a slot in the rotation last year as injuries befell Jeremy Bonderman and others. Jurjeans doesn't have dominant stuff, but should provide the team with some much needed consistency in the rotation.

(2) Will the Braves young players be ready to step up for departed veterans?

This is a key issue for the Braves this year as Escobar will be asked to fill the shoes of an All Star quality shortstop. The team also will need to find a long term answer for the departed Andruw Jones. It appears the team will be going with Mark Kotsay to open the season, but it's clear that's just a stop gap solution to provide time for prospects Brandon Jones and Jordan Schafer to develop.

Escobar hit over .300 last year so he does have the tools to be a fine shortstop, he also has impressed defensively during Spring Training this year. Escobar is not likely to develop power as a shortstop, but the Braves should get that from their other positions. It's important for Escobar to play solid defense and do enough at the plate so the team won't be reminded of Edgar Renteria this season.

Andruw Jones will never be replaced defensively in CF, it's unlikely if many could fill his shoes, as during his prime he was regarded as one of the game's best defensive outfielders in the history of the game. Jones has bulked up over the years, and it has shown as his defensive range did suffer a bit as a result.

Mark Kotsay will never produce the power numbers Jones did, but his defense is a strength, and although he won't cover the range Jones did, he will be serviceable until the minor leaguers are ready to take over. Brandon Jones is a candidate to take over, and if he doesn't take over CF, he will probably have one of the outfield spots at some point this season. Jones is a five tool caliber player, and at the age of 24 is ready to use those skills at the major league level.

The team also has Brent Lillibridge who is available to play shortstop if Escobar falters at any point this year. It is thought that Lillibridge may get time as a spare infielder this year, and with Chipper Jones injury history, it's very possible that he gets time at 3b this year.

Jordan Schafer is another option for the club in the outfield this season, and his overall game may be better suited for CF. Schafer doesn't project to be a big power source but he makes solid contact and has great speed.

(3) Do the Braves have enough pitching to be serious contenders this season?

The Braves rotation is perhaps the biggest concern for the team going into this season. The team definitely has more pitching than the Phillies, but in order to compete with the Mets they will need to get more production this season.

John Smoltz is defying father time as he continues to post impressive numbers despite being on the other side of 40. Smoltz posted an ERA barely over 3 last season, and won 14 games for the Braves. Smoltz did suffer an injury in Spring Training, but it's not expected to keep him out for a significiant amount of time. The Braves can ill afford to lose Smoltz to a significiant injury this season.

Tim Hudson also appears ready to have another big season for the Braves, and the afore mentioned Tom Glavine is looking for a rebound season. Glavine posted his 300th win last season, but wore down at the end of the season, as he posted an ERA of 4.45.

The team is counting on a comeback from Mike Hampton this season, and that seems to be a big gamble at best. Hampton hasn't been healthy in years, and it's unclear if he still has the stuff to retire big league hitters. If Hampton succumbs to injury or falters the club will rely on Chuck James who looked solid at times last year for the Braves. James posted 11 victories for the club last year with a respectable 4.24 ERA. The club will go with the aforementioned Jar Jurjeans at the fifth slot.

If the Braves are able to round out their rotation, there is no reason why this team can't contend with the New York Mets this season. Despite all of the hype surrounding the Santana trade the Mets are an aged team, that can't afford any injuries. The Braves are looking for a breakout year from Jeff Francoeur this season as he looks to make the jump into superstardom.

The Braves lineup looks to be solid at almost every position, and if their young talent develops, this team will find themselves in the playoffs this October.