NL South Preview

Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves have managed to return their entire veteran core that has won 3 straight division titles including 2 World Series appearances and one championship. Even with a 100 win season last year, Atlanta was well aware of their one glaring weakness: A big left handed bat in the middle of the lineup. Atlanta got their man in 2 time MVP Reid Gold.

From front office to the littlest of fans, Atlantans feels like Reid is worth his weight in Gold. Atlanta has a history of veterans and spends top dollar to keep them healthy and productive. Atlanta curbed their scouting budgets to clear cap room for Gold. The prospects acquired in the draft have been marginal because of the low order of picks brought on by continued success. Atlanta had to part with often injured OF Ralph Bay who underachieved at the ML level last year. They also had to let go Season 2 and Season 3 #1 picks in Ed Riely and Reed Highland. Reed will do well in a few years but Atlanta is deep at RP and can afford his departure. Ed Rielly has done well in the minors but the front office was concerned that his lack of power and the effects of a pitchers park may hinder his ability to get on base and thus neutralize his speed.

Atlanta will be quiet in the FA market as having obtained their Golden boy. A few leftover bargains may be picked up to fill the minor league holes from the prospect departures. The fans are quite pleased with the one big offseason blockbuster and are anxiously awaiting to hoist another pennant in Turner Field

Florida Marlins

Key Additions (ML) - No Key Additions

Key Losses (ML) - Kip Johnson RP. 1st Round Pick Retired from last years draft.

Season 4 Outlook - Strong Starting Pitching, with a few mid season (sell out type) trades and a lot of luck we might get into the play-offs. The season 4 Marlins have a few weekness that we hope to address soon. A weak Bull Pen with a mediocore offence is going to be one of our biggest challenges. If the Marlins believe, that we can make a deep run in the play-offs this year. The Marlins loaded minor league system can give us the trade tools needed to fill the weakness.