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I have already stated in a previous post that I think the Atlanta Braves will win the National League this year. What I saw in spring training only solidified my prediction. There have been several changes to the team including a new manager Fredi Gonzalez who replaced Hall Of Fame manager Bobby Cox. Gonzalez was a coach for the Braves Richmond affiliate in 2002 before moving to the big league club as a 3rd base coach for Bobby Cox for 4 seasons. The routines and drills the team did in spring training are about 90% the same as Cox did. The biggest difference was the use of all the fields at the spring training complex. The pitchers for instance would go to a field by themselves to work on their defense. But the Cox influence is everywhere and Gonzalez and the players like that.  Veteran reliever Peter Moylan says it’s the same message, simply being delivered with a fresh voice. Gonzalez was hand picked by Cox to replace him.

Also Glenn Hubbard the old Braves 2nd baseman was the 1st base coach the last few years. He has been replaced with former hitting coach Terry Pendleton, who now assumes the 1st base coaching position. Lance Parrish is the new hitting coach.

Chipper Jones was red hot hitting the baseball during spring training. Many experts said this may have been his best spring. To make it to the World Series they will need his leadership along with his hitting. He did have a barely noticeable limp from the knee surgery during the spring. But he says he is ready to go. I hope so, we need him.

The Braves will have one of the best starting rotations in baseball this year with Tim Hudson, Derek Lowe, Tommy Hanson and Jair Jurrjens. Jurrjens started the year on the 15 day disabled list for a strained oblique muscle and will be eligible to come off the list on April 16. Hopefully he can return on time. They think all he needs to do is rest the muscle and he will be alright. Mike Minor was brought up from AAA to replace Jair and will start Wednesday against Milwaukee. Brandon Beachy is the 5th starter and the club has high expectations of him. The will use two closers right hander Craig Kimbrell and lefty Jonny Venters. Peter Moylan will be used as a middle reliever and so far in the first 4 games he has looked excellent.

A big pickup and another reason I think Atlanta will win the NL is veteran power hitting 2nd baseman Dan Uggla. We all know the problems the Braves had at 2nd base last year during the playoffs. Dan solves those defensive problems and adds another big stick to go along with all star catcher Brian McCann. Jason Heyward started his second season the same way he started his first with a home run. He should be even better this year now that he knows what to expect from the long major league season. Martin Prado is back from his season ending injuries last year and can be expected to play LF, 2B, 3B,1B or anywhere else he is needed. Hopefully he can stay healthy the whole year. Rookie Freddie Freeman will take over at 1B. He and OF Jason Heyward are best friends and the Braves are hoping he has a good a first year as Jason did last year. 2008 All Star Nate McLouth is the starting CF and Gonzalez hopes Nate can recapture his all star play. He is batting second in the order behind lead off man Prado who has an uncanny way of getting on base anyway he can. The SS is Alex Gonzalez who was picked up midway through the 2010 season. He is an excellent defensive SS and has some pop in his bat.

Overall the Braves have an excellent starting lineup, great starting pitching and a couple of capable relievers. They have some players on the bench like Eric Hinske with good power and a very capable backup to Brian McCann in David Ross. It looks like a really good lineup. Of course the key is always injuries.

I look for the Atlanta Braves to win the National League East and make it to the World Series in Fredi Gonzalez first year as the Braves skipper.