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Top 10: Looking Forward to 2008
January 1, 2008 – 3:11 pmHappy New Year! As we roll into 2008 with a head of steam, the BravesBlast crew has compiled a list of the Top 10 things we’re looking forward to in 2008. So without further ado, the Top 10 things we are looking forward to in 2008!
#10 - Frank Wren working his magic from the front office. After working with Schuerholz for years, I can’t wait to see Wren working the trades. Hopefully he’s as masterful as Schuerholz and maybe even a little more gutsy in going for exciting trades.
#9 - Watching a healthy bullpen emerge. We should see Soriano as the closer and some decent setup work, but we want to see Soriano and Gonzales both stay healthy.
#8 - Watching Josh Anderson, Jordan Schafer, and Brandon Jones battle it out in Spring Training for the open outfield slot. This will be fun and I think bring some more energy to the team.
#7 - Yunel Escobar and Matt Diaz in the starting lineup with consistency. These guys will be fun to watch, and I can’t wait to see Diaz rake pitchers regularly. We love Yunel’s energy.
#6 - Bobby Cox yelling at numbskull umpires and getting ejected. The man protects his players and we won’t see that change in 2008. Here’s to Bobby informing umpires how useless they are!
#5 - Watching Brian McCann and Jeff Francoeur continue to develop both as baseball players and young leaders in the clubhouse. These guys are going to be the leaders for years to come.
#4 - Tom Glavine’s return to a Braves uniform. Great to see a familiar face and a great guy back on the Braves team. Let’s hope he, Smoltzie, and Hudson all have great seasons and bring dominance back to the pitching staff.
#3 - The battle for the fourth and fifth rotation spots. If we can get Hampton to stay healthy, we’ll see Jurrjens and James battle for the five spot, but if Hampton has health issues I think we may see Jurrjens and James pitching regularly. Should be fun as it unfolds.
#2 - Watching Mark Teixeira play a full season in Atlanta. No, he wasn’t born here, but he did go to Georgia Tech (only the best college in Georgia, according to most BravesBlast staff). Welcome home, Tex. Can’t wait to see you blister those baseballs.
And now, the number one thing we cannot wait to see in 2008:
Watching the Braves regain the Division Title. The Phillies will be their main competition from the looks of things, but I think the Braves can pull through and kick it in this year. And heck, we need to make it back to the World Series.
Think we missed something? Let us know. Everyone has a different opinion and we want to hear yours!
Remember, a comment is a entry to win a Kelly Johnson autographed baseball! Congratulations to Ethan on winning the Brian McCann baseball. It’s a new month, so you get a new chance this month and the following months for more prizes!
Posted in General, Speculation |
By Brooks Webb on Jan 1, 2008 | Reply
Great Top 10!
By Lauren T. on Jan 1, 2008 | Reply
Nice site! Love the top 10 list…the only thing that I’d add is personal. I’m looking forward to seeing Javy in a Braves uniform again, even if he loses the job to Clint Sammons or Brayan Pena.
By Amir Ali on Jan 3, 2008 | Reply
I’m a little disturbed that a braves top 10 can be written without mentioning the cornerstone of our beloved team! The man who took our young leaders jeff francoeur and brian mccann under his wing when they were rookies. Not to mention the only POSITION player on the team with a world series ring now that Edgar renteria is gone. You guyz can’t really forget CHIPPER JONES right? I’m looking forward to seeing him claim the batting title that is rightfully his… after all, when you play half your games at coors field, you tend to have a slight edge lol… GO CHIPPER!
By Stephen Gray on Jan 4, 2008 | Reply
11. A contract extension for Mark Teixiera by the end of the year, provided a decent season of course. I believe he loves Atlanta and I think if the Braves dont offer him an extension, then they gave up too many great young prospects for a year and a half of Tiexiera and a half year of Mahay.
12. A World Series victory! With Bobby Cox retiring at the end of this year, Smoltz possibly following him, Glavine getting old, and possibly not resigning Tiexiera, this may be our best shot for the next couple years to win it all.
By rob slay on Jan 6, 2008 | Reply
Not a bad top ten list and I can’t wait until the start of the season. I think looking at the pitching Hamton will not be back and healthy so it will be James stepping in and filling that role. He has no better mentor in Glavine to help him out this year.