Fantasy Forces:
LF-Chipper Jones (30)- Failing to find his power stroke as he acclaimated to his new position, Jones responded with a huge second
half resulting in a .353 average. For years the majors' best hitter at the hot corner, he is now likely the second best left fielder
behind Barry.
RF-Gary Sheffield (34)- While fellow corner man Chipper suffered through a power shortage, nagging injuries led to a dismal
first half average for Sheff, despite a steady stream of homeruns. Also like C Jones, however, he rose up and put on a dominating
performance after the break. He no longer has the wheels to be a baserunning threat but is still a top producer.
CF-Andruw Jones (25)- Just when it seems the multi-talented Jones is ready to establish himself as the game's top all-around
player, his age peaks out and he battles the immaturity prevalent since his debut as a 19 year old. He is already the best fielder in
center and has massive power potential but shows little patience and last year was fairly pedestrian on the basepaths. Still just 25,
he will take another step forward this year.
SP-Greg Maddux (36)- The Scientist rolled through another quality season as he inched his way closer to 300 wins. He is
now 27 wins shy and will again anchor the Braves' staff but will be without long-time teammate and fellow future hall member Tom Glavine.
A master at location and varying his speeds, Maddux's approach will allow him to avoid a dramatic dropoff at any point in regards to age but
he does allow more hits these days than in the past.
SP-Russ Ortiz (28)- While Ortiz lacks the potential of Moss, he is further along in his career and gives the Braves an
immediate replacement for Glavine. Much like A Jones though, everytime he appears ready to establish his name among the best, he takes
a step backward. Pitching in Atlanta will only help him.
CL-John Smoltz (35)- Not only did Smoltz successfully make the jump to closer, he responded with one of the best campaigns by a
closer. He broke the NL record for saves in a season and was nearly unhittable the second half. His new role could get him into
the HOF yet.
Past Their Prime:
3B-Vinny Castilla (35)- Castilla started well enough last year but by the end provided more proof his best days are past.
Besides his '01 season with Houston he has done little since leaving Colorado and is battling for playing time with Mark DeRosa. The
end is near.
C-Javy Lopez (32)- Lopez was at one time a steady fielder with good pop and decent ability to get on base without the walk.
Years of catching and recent knee problems have made him a shadow of his former self. Although Estrada doesn't have Lopez's ability,
he is younger and more productive at this stage and will slowly begin to take over Javy's spot.
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Supporting Cast:
SS-Rafael Furcal (24)- Furcal has tremendous speed and some periodical pop but has not shown any developments in his plate
approach, often swinging at balls off the plate. He will leadoff again and provide huge runs and steals but may find himself lower in
the lineup if he can't improve on his .323 OBP.
1B-Robert Fick (29)- Once touted as a huge homerun threat, Fick failed to live up to the hype in Detroit and his attitude was
questioned on more than one occasion. While he will never be the player he was thought to be, he gives the Braves their first
legitimate first baseman since the Crime Dog and he should respond nicely in the #2 hole.
2B-Marcus Giles (24)- With DeRosa vying for the third base job, Giles seems to have a firmer grasp on the pivot. Given
the starting job in the spring last year, he struggled through failures, tragedy and injury while earning a demotion to Triple A halfway
through. He is healthy and focused and comes equipped with attractive power potential.
INF-Mark DeRosa (28)- DeRosa was a reliable backup last year but may be looking at an expanded role this year. He has
decent power and the ability to drive the ball and he will battle Castilla for the third base job although his versatility will provide
steady ABs for him regardless.
SP-Jason Marquis (24)- Marquis pitched steady in the first half before plummeting the second. He has loads of talent and a devastating
arsenal, but lacks the command needed to be a consistent force. He is slated to be the #5 starter this year but won't have long to
prove his worth.
Better Days Ahead:
SS-Wilson Betemit (21)- Betemit was projected to play a bigger role this year but took a big step backward last season as he
struggled to handle Triple A pitching. Part of his downfall was the result of numerous injuries but he also proved he is not ready to
handle the bigs. When he arrives, Furcal will likely shift to second.
Risky Business:
SP-Mike Hampton (30)- Relieved to be away from the thin air of Colorado, Hampton has gone from the poorhouse to the penthouse of
rotations and will be under the strict tutelage of pitching guru Leo Mazzone. Given the success he had prior and the results of other
Rockies pitchers once they fled Coors, Hampton should be able to get back his steady pre-Coors numbers.
SP-Paul Byrd (32)- Perhaps the most questionable addition, Byrd cashed in on his 17-win season last year by landing a spot in
baseball's most productive pitching warehouse. Hampered by shoulder injuries throughout his career, he has average stuff with
excellent command but there is no reason to believe he will continue his winning ways. Regardless of where he pitches, he is a #4 at
best and could cause troubles in the back of the rotation. |
