SPORTS

First dodgeball intramural game
Pictures of Basketball Dodgeball Tournament

The hometown Atlanta Braves come into this year's spring training looking slightly more solid on paper than they did last season. The Braves battled poor starting pitching and inconsistent bullpen support last year, finishing the disappointing season with a 84-78 record, good enough only for fourth in the National League wild card race.

The upside to last season, however, was acquiring first baseman Mark Teixeira from the Texas Rangers. The acquisition immediately paid dividends for the Braves, as Teixeira hit 17 home runs and drove in 56 runs in only 54 games with his new team. Atlanta enters the season feeling confident that it has one of the most lethal corner-infielder combos in the league with Teixeira and Chipper Jones. Both are switch hitters who should make the middle of this lineup a pitcher's nightmare.

This offseason saw the release of longtime fan favorite Andruw Jones. Many Braves fans think that it was a good move. Andruw may be a phenomenal fielder, but he really struggled at the plate last season, striking out 138 times and hitting an ugly .222. Mark Kotsay, the Braves' new centerfielder, is by no means a star, but he is a capable veteran who can get the job done.

The big news over the off-season was the return of Tom Glavine to Atlanta. Glavine, a lock for the Hall of Fame, brings experience to a Braves rotation that was lacking last season. Hudson, Smoltz and Glavine pack a very solid 1-2-3 punch if they can stay healthy. Chuck James and Mike Hampton will be returning from injury to round out the rotation.

With a more seasoned Francoeur, McCann, Johnson and Escobar, as well as a revamped pitching staff, the 2008 Braves should be better than last year's disappointment.

Whether or not they can hurdle the greatly improved Mets and Phillies remains to be seen. At this point, I wouldn't bet on it, but one key injury for either of these teams could change that. One thing looks certain; it should be an interesting year at Turner Field.