When you talk about the 2011 Atlanta Braves two things come to mind right away Bobby Cox and Chipper Jones. This will be the first time in a long time the Braves will be led by someone besides Bobby Cox. The Braves have hired Fredi Gonzalez to take over for Bobby Cox. Getting Chipper Jones back is also something many people will be watching very closely. The Braves have lost quite a feel people from last years team.
Manager Bobby Cox (Retired)
RP Billy Wagner (Retired)
RP Takashi Saito (Released)
RP Michael Dunn (Traded)
RP Kyle Farnsworth (Released)
OF Matt Diaz (Released)
OF Melky Cabrera (Released)
OF Rick Ankiel (Released)
1B Derrek Lee (Released)
1B Troy Glaus (Released)
UT Omar Infante (Traded)
That is a lot of players for the Braves to lose and the list additions is much shorter and nothing really earth shattering either.
Manager Fredi Gonzalez
2B Dan Uggla (Trade)
RP Scott Linebrink (Trade)
RP George Sherrill (Free Agent)
RP Anthony Varvaro (Waivers)
OF Joe Mather (Waivers)
Picking up Dan Uggla was a good move as he is a player that I really like and the Braves had an issue at second base last season. The starting pitching for the Braves have been in the past their strong suit and they have a nice rotation for this coming season as well. Tim Hudson,Tommy Hanson, and Derek Lowe are three good ones to build around for the Braves. The bullpen was good last season, but will take a hit in 2011. Gone are Billy Wagner, and the departure of Takashi Saito will hurt them.
The projected lineup below is what the Braves will probably go with barring and injuries or setbacks in spring training. I like their starting lineup and if Chipper Jones can stay healthy they should be fine. I think for the Braves it will come down to their pitching and how well the bullpen performs. Do not count this team out as they have enough talent to contend.
CF Nate McLouth
LF Martin Prado
3B Chipper Jones
2B Dan Uggla
C Brian McCann
RF Jason Heyward
SS Alex Gonzalez
1B Freddie Freeman
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