Javier Vazquez

The Atlanta Braves went back to what made them successful throughout the 1990s and early 2000s: pitching. The pitching staff (especially the rotation) carried the Braves to playoff contention in 2009, despite some lackluster offense. The Braves added veteran starters Derek Lowe and Javier Vazquez to a rotation that already included young arm Jair Jurrjens, who went 14-10 with a 2.60 ERA in 34 starts (215 IP) with 152 strikeouts and a .237 opponent’s average, and Kenshin Kawakami. Though Lowe struggled a bit (15-10, 4.67 ERA in 34 starts, 111 Ks, and a .301 average), Vazquez put up CY Young quality numbers (15-10, 2.87 ERA, 219.1 IP, 238 Ks, and a .223 average). Right now, the Braves are looking to trade one of these veterans due to an abundance of arms (when does a team ever have too many arms?). In an unpopular move, the Braves cut ties with veteran Tom Glavine to make room for rookie Tommy Hanson. Hanson made fans quickly forget all about Glavine as he finished second in the ROY voting (11-4, 2.89 ERA, 21 starts, 116 Ks, and a .225 average). Even Tim Hudson, who was coming back from Tommy John surgery, got into the dominant pitching act in September. The back end of the bullpen was solid with the combination of righty Rafael Soriano and lefty Mike Gonzalez closing out games. Middle relief was probably the biggest issue in terms of pitching for the Braves.

Yunel Escobar

The offense was another story. Veteran Chipper Jones had a disappointing season that has him contemplating retirement. Chipper hit .264 with 23 doubles, 18 homeruns, and 71 RBIs. Catcher Brian McCann battled eye problems early in the year (but rebounded to have his typical solid season) and right fielder Jeff Francoeur struggled so much that he was traded to the NY Mets. The addition of All-Star centerfielder Nate McLouth from Pittsburgh looked exciting, but an injured hamstring ruined his 2009 season. The Braves got help from three unlikely sources (and the addition of first baseman Adam LaRoche in the second half): shortstop Yunel Escobar, utility man Martin Prado, and outfielder Matt Diaz. Escobar, despite sometimes being in manager Bobby Cox’s doghouse, was the National League’s leading hitter with runners in scoring position. Prado settled in at second base and hit .307 with 38 doubles, 11 homeruns, and 49 RBIs. Receiving more regular playing time later in the season, Diaz finished the year hitting .313 with 13 homeruns and 58 RBIs.

With 2010 being manager Bobby Cox’s final season at the helm, the Braves are looking to carry him to a World Series title. To do that, management will need to fill some holes and the players will have to stay consistent and score some runs. Here’s the Braves wish list:

1. 

   Adam LaRoche

   A first baseman: After the great second half by the returning Adam LaRoche, many would think that the Braves would be crazy not to re-sign him. However management is concerned with his typical bad first half and great second half splits. Is it worth signing him for a couple million dollars when he won’t produce until late July? The Braves are looking to a short-term solution (maybe Kevin Millar or Ryan Garko) because of prospect Freddie Freeman’s expected 2011 debut.

2. A corner outfielder: Incumbent Matt Diaz will fill one of the corner outfield spots, but the Braves are looking to fill the other. They could go in-house with top prospect Jason Heyward. Heyward spent 2009 at three different levels in the minor leagues (High-A, AA, and AAA), hitting a combined .323 with 25 doubles, 17 homeruns, 63 RBIs, and 51 BB/ 51 Ks. However he could need some more seasoning in the minors so they are looking at veterans like Marlon Byrd or Rick Ankiel to fill the void until Heyward is ready.
3. Relievers: The tandem of Braves closers are gone (Mike Gonzalez to Baltimore and Rafael Soriano to Tampa Bay) and the Braves filled the void with veterans Billy Wagner and Takashi Saito. The hard-throwing lefty should figure to be fully healthy from his Tommy John surgery and be better than what he showed late in 2009 (1-1 with a 1.72 ERA in 17 games with 26 strikeouts and a .154 opponent’s batting average). Saito was not spectacular in his season with the Boston Red Sox (3-3 with a 2.43 ERA in 56 games with 52 strikeouts and a .244 opponent’s average), but he proved reliable. He should team with Peter Moylan and Boone Logan in setting up for Wagner.