The Braves Have Questions - I Have Answers

The 2007 season was a disappointing one for the Atlanta Braves. For a short time in August, they were considered the team to beat in the National League. Now, in October, they are at home watching the post-season. There are lots of questions for the Bravos to answer this off-season, and, luckily for Cox, Schuerholz and Co., I have answers.

Should the Braves re-sign Andruw Jones?

No. Like most Braves fans, I have a love/hate relationship with Andruw Jones. At times, he looks like a legitimate clean-up hitter, and his defensive ability in centerfield is Mays-like. At other times, he looks J.D. Drew-esque - unmotivated, lackadaisical and uncaring. With Scott Boras as his agent, Jones is going to demand top money even after he failed to hit his weight during a contract year. The Braves can no longer spend freely like they did a few years ago, and Jones just isn't worth the money. Unfortunately, the best options on the market (Mike Cameron and Torii Hunter) are probably too expensive as well.

I think the answer in centerfield is going to be Willie Harris. Even though he struggled down the stretch of the season, his speed as a lead-off hitter and ability to cover ground in center makes him the best option. There have been suggestions of Jeff Francoeur or Kelly Johnson playing there. I hate the idea of moving Franceour's arm out of right-field and just don't see Kelly Johnson as a major league center-fielder.

What should the Braves do at shortstop?

As much as I hate to type it, the Braves ought to see what they can get for Edgar Renteria and go with Yunel Escobar. Escobar needs to play everyday, not platoon at 2nd base. Renteria showed this year he can still hit and field, so the Braves might be able to get a starting pitcher, some bullpen help or even a center-fielder in exchange for the veteran. There are already rumors of the Detroit Tigers' interest in Renteria, so I imagine it will not be too difficult to move him and his hefty salary. I can guarantee, however, that Boston won't be a suitor.

What should the Braves do about their starting pitching?

#1 - Forget about Mike Hampton. All year long, Bobby Cox and John Schuerholz have complained about not having Mike Hampton. Did they really build their season plans around the broken-down lefty? The Braves owe Hampton a ton of money and have gotten zip for it over the last two years. They ought to expect more of the same next year. If Hampton is able to be a 5th starter next season, great. It will be an upgrade from Jo-Jo Reyes or Mark Redman. Otherwise, the Braves must find a #3 starter behind Tim Hudson and John Smoltz.

#2 - Forget about Tom Glavine. Glavine runs out of gas in September (as evidenced by Sunday's 1/3 inning effort) and has never been a big game pitcher (as evidenced by Sunday's 1/3 inning effort). I would rather see Atlanta go after a younger free agent or discounted veteran than bring Glavine back. Remember - the Braves declined to bring Glavine back this season when he wanted to return for his 300th win and there has been a riff between John Schuerholz and Glavine since Schuerholz's book came out last year. I don't see Glavine as being the best fit for Atlanta next year.

#3 - Forget about Buddy Carlyle, Jo-Jo Reyes and Lance Cormier. If the Braves are serious about making a post-season run next year, it won't be with these guys in the rotation. They must find something via free agency or trade to upgrade the staff.

So that is what not to do. I would love to see the Braves sign someone like Jason Jennings who, after a terrible season in Houston, might come at a bargain. There are some other durable veteran free agents like Livan Hernandez or Kip Wells who would be upgrades. If the Braves are willing to spend money this off-season (there have been disputed rumors that orders from upstairs are to spend less, not more next year), it has to be for a strong #3 starter.

What about the bullpen?

This has been an annual concern for the Braves since the beginning of the early 90s run. The list of closer busts is long - Mark Wohlers, Chris Reitsma, Danny Kolb, Bob Wickman - and painful. Rafael Soriano might be the best answer since John Smoltz. He looked awful during the middle of the year, but did a fine job as a closer after the Braves dumped Wickman. Hopefully the Braves can re-sign Octavio Dotel for less money to be the set-up man for him. Pete Moylan had a great year out of the 'pen. And don't forget Mike Gonzalez, who might emerge as a future closer if he can rebound from Tommy John surgery. Finally, it looks like the Braves have a solid bullpen - hopefully they can upgrade their starting pitching so they won't have to use it so much.

Are the Braves contenders in 2008?

Absolutely. There is no way the Braves won't hit next year, even without Andruw Jones. The big question for Schuerholz and Cox will be the same one they never answered this season - what to do about an inconsistent starting rotation. If Atlanta is willing to splurge on some arms, there is no reason the Braves cannot return to the top of the National League next year.