Atlanta Braves 2012 Preview

Coming off their first season without Bobby Cox at the helm the Braves put together a pretty impressive 2011 campaign, with 89 wins, though it was not enough to overtake the Phillies in the East or garner the Wild Card.  There is a lot to be excited about if you are a Braves fan, the pitching is young and the 9 guys that will be sent out daily by Fredi Gonzalez will hit the ball for power and score plenty of runs.  Atlanta didn't make any big off season moves, but with the core of the team being so young and promising the need to make any moves really wasn't an issue at hand, the only key cog they lost was Derek Lowe, put he was getting a little long in the tooth and the Braves have plenty of young arms to replace him.  Having two guys finish 1-2 in the NL Rookie of the Year standings shows the real upside this club has, and Craig Kimbrel and Freddie Freeman will most likely have another solid year.  The team does have it's share of veterans as well, most notably Chipper Jones, the future Hall of Famer is the face of the team and should have a solid year if he can stay healthy.  Dan Uggla started 2011 poorly but rejuvenated his season with his 31 game hitting streak, if he can play like he did in the second half this lineup will be very potent.  Let's take a look at what Atlanta will look like come Opening Day.
Starting Rotation- Tim Hudson will be the Opening Day starter, with all his experience a role he has very much earned.  The sinker baller is coming off a 16 win season and looks to still have plenty of life in his arm.  After Hudson look for Jair Jurrjens to land in the #2 spot, even though there were some rumors that he was going to be moved in the off season he is still in Atlanta, and if he can pitch the way he did in the first half last year, look out.  If Tommy Hanson is healthy, rumor has it the shoulder is back at 100%, he could get the nod at the #2 spot, but from our view point he slides nicely into the 3 spot.  Hanson has a ton of potential and coming up on only his fourth year in the league the ceiling is very high for him.  Randall Delgado, Brandon Beachy and Julio Teheran will compete for spots in the back end of the rotation, Teheran only got a sample of big league life last year and did phenomenal, Delgado also only had a cup of tea in the big's, Beachy lead the team in strikeouts last year and should be in the rotation come Opening Day.  Mike Minor does have some experience in the rotation but he seems to be the odd man out here, and will either wind up in the 'pen or as trade bait.  With a veteran leader and a lot of young talent this is going to be a solid rotation.
Bullpen-  The closer job is locked up and goes to 2011 NL ROY Craig Kimbrel, he set the rookie record for saves with 46 and despite a his late season struggles looks to have another solid 2012.  Setting up Kimbrel will be key for Atlanta, Jonny Venters was solid in 2011 and is a nice fit as the 8th inning guy.  Kris Medlen, Eric O'flaherty and Arodys Vizcaino will fill out the rest of the bullpen.
Catcher- Brian McCann was an All Star again in 2011 and does a great job behind the plate.  David Ross looks to be the backup for McCann, but with the production McCann gives, it is hard not to pencil him everyday.

Infield-  Chipper will be back at 3b and if he is healthy will be very productive at the plate and in the field.  Dan Uggla is in at 2b, if he plays like he did in the second half last year, he should be a lock for the All Star Game.  Rookie of the Year runner-up Freddie Freeman will be at first and he has so much potential that he should be a key stone to this team for years to come.  Shortstop is only question mark I see with this team, as of right now the job is youngster Tyler Pastornicky's to lose.  The Braves are very high on him, and he will should be  a good fit.  Jack Wilson will be the backup at short in case Pastornicky can't click it up.  This infield could boast 3 All Star's if they can all play at the level we are used to seeing them at.

Outfield-  Martin Prado will man left field, ever since moving to left Prado has not only continued to produce at the plat but also in the field.  Speedster Michael Bourn will be in center, the kid can fly and now that he gets a full season to play with a contender, good things should be coming.  Right field will be Jason Heyward's spot, the kid wowed us his Rookie year but last year he was bit by the injury bug a bit.  After some criticism from Chipper last year the focus looks to be back on for Heyward, he should come into camp in great shape and put up some nice numbers.  Eric Hinske and Matt Diaz will get some looks in the outfield, and hopefully Hinske can bring his postseason magic to Atlanta.
Lineup
1. Michael Bourn- Will get on a lot and steal a lot, very exciting!
2. Martin Prado- Should hit well over .300, nice fit for the RBI guys.
3. Chipper Jones- It's Chipper, no explanation needed.
4. Dan Uggla- Easily will put up 30 HR and should drive in close to 100.
5. Freddie Freeman- Young with lots of pop.
6. Brian McCann- Could slide up a few spots with the way he swings it.
7. Jason Heyward- Rebound year!
8. Tyler Pastornicky- Should hit for a high average.
9. Pitcher's Spot- Just Bunt!

The Braves should contend for the NL East crown in 2012, knocking off the Phillies and the high spending Marlins won't be easy but this club has the pitching and the offense to do it, with a nice mix of veterans and young players it should be a very exciting year.  Let's pencil them in for a 90+ win season and at least take home the Wild Card.  And the new retro uniforms are going to be a nice fit here too!  What do you guys think the Braves will do this season?

-Buddy