NL South - Preview

Atlanta Braves
Time for the new season and Braves fans are wondering once again if the aging vets have what it takes for a repeat. The magical playoff run of last year was certainly bolstered by the last minute acquistions of slugging OF Tomas Rojas and former Brave SP Joe Hannity from the Reds. Both of these guys came with hefty salaries, but were huge contributers down the stretch. If Hannity continues to pitch like he did in his first 2 years in Atlanta then the Braves starting 5 will be among the best in the league and will minimize the losses of Josias Mercedes and Freddie Desmond who left via FA.
The Braves also lost SS Curt Leslie and 2B Darron Harding to FA, however last minute negotiations are rumored to be in the works with both Leslie and Desmond. Because of cap restrictions (due in large part to picking up Rojas and Hannity) the Braves were quiet in the FA signing dept. They did manage to pick up versatile IF/OF Darren Whitaker for only 2M. Could be a bargain for a guy who can hit 35HRs and drive in 100RBI and has a career OPS near .900. The Braves also made 1 off-season trade with NL rival SD. The Braves sent up and coming RP Shelby Stinnett to the Padres for the speedy Gold Glove CF Daryl Durham. The Braves will surely miss Stinnett, but just signed RP Rudy Pote to try to replace his prescence in the bullpen. The question now is," Will Chief Noc-A-Homa's tribe dance Bravely in the southern heart of Atlanta once again?"

Florida Marlins
Key Players added
Buddy Connrad LF 22 promoted
Bubba Rasmus RF Rule 5
Fernando Park CF 25 Rule 5
Rafael Franco CF 34 FA
Geraldo Guardado 3B FA
Jesus Torres SS 31 FA
Evan Howard P 38 FA
Sean Griffin 3B 35 FA
Diory Machado C 28 FA

Key Players Lost
None

Rooies
Buddy Connrad just promoted before spring training will be a huge asset to our line up.

Outlook
A new Florida Marlins Team this year. A much younger Minor League system, I had 75% of my minor league system retire this Spring, and only had 3 returning coaches. The Major adjustment we made this year, was adding guys that can hit right handed pitching and play defense. I think our biggest worry is that our bullpen wil get over worked. Remenber the name Buddy Connrad for Rookie of the year