'08 RAPs: Atlanta Braves

It's not the best of times for Braves fans. Not only did they finish in third, making it back-to-back years without a division title, they lost long-time GM John Schuerholz. Shuerholz, along with an expert scouting team that included Royals' GM Dayton Moore, was the main reason for the Braves 15-year dynasty. Schuerholz was replaced by John Wren, a less than average GM.

Here are Wren's moves as GM of the Braves:

• Acquired pitcher Jeff Ridgway from the Tampa Bay Rays for infielders Willy Aybar and Chase Fontaine.
• Acquired outfielder Mark Kotsay from the Oakland Athletics for pitchers Joey Devine and Jamie Richmond and cash.
• Acquired pitcher Will Ohman and infielder Omar Infante from the Chicago Cubs for pitcher Jose Ascanio.
• Signed pitcher Tom Glavine to a one-year contract.
  

Here's the team rundown:

Rotation:

SP1: John Smoltz
SP2: Tim Hudson
SP3: Tom Glavine
SP4: Chuck James (Middle of April)
SP5: Mike Hampton/Jair Jurrjens/Jo-Jo Reyes
CL: Rafeal Soriano
SUM: Peter Moylan

Field:
C: Brian McCann
1B: Mark Teixeira
2B: Kelly Johnson
SS: Yunel Escobar/Omar Infante
3B: Larry "Chipper" Jones
LF: Matt Diaz/Brandon Jones
CF: Mark Kotsay
RF: Jeff Francoer

Predictions:
Easiest- Mike Hampton will not start more than five games.
Boldest- Peter Moylan/Rafeal Soriano will blow more than 25 saves combined this year.
Team MVP- Larry Jones
Best Season- Mark Teixeira (30-35 HRs, +100 RBIs)
Best Pitcher- Tim Hudson (14-18 wins, sub 3.75 ERA)
Breakout Player- Brandon Jones (8-12 HR's, +.300 AVG.)

Stay Tuned: Tomorrow; Philly Steaks