Can Kelly Johnson repeat his 2007 performance?

Catchers – Brian McCann, Clint Sammons

Brian McCann is probably the number two catcher in the NL, right behind Russell Martin of the Dodgers. There are maybe three or four catchers in MLB that you can expect a .300 average, 20-25 homers and 90-100 RBI from, so if McCann falls to you in your draft, you will want him. Clint Sammons will compete with former Braves superstar Javy Lopez for the back up job. You will want to avoid both of them.

First Base – Mark Teixeira, Scott Thorman

Teixeira absolutely shredded NL pitching when he joined the Braves last season after a deadline trade. He is expected to post the best numbers of his career this year. I would not be surprised to see him hit 40 homers and drive in 120 RBI. Thorman is a total non-factor, if he even gets to stay with the parent club.

Middle Infielders – Kelly Johnson, Yuniel Escobar, Martin Prado

Kelly Johnson has become a solid second baseman for the Braves, after being the man with no position when he first arrived. What is not to like about 20 home runs along with a .285 average and nearly 100 runs scored. Johnson and his shortstop, Yuniel Escobar, will get to hit in front of Big Tex, Chipper Jones and Jeff Francoeur, so they will both be excellent sources of runs. In addition, Escobar will hit over .300 and they should both add 10-15 steals, making them both very nice multi-category contributors for your fantasy team. Prado will not see much action unless there is an injury. He can hit for a decent enough average, and has good base running speed, but no power.

Third Base – Chipper Jones, Omar Infante

Chipper never ceases to amaze. Last season he played through pain in both of his hands, and his back for much of the season and posted strong numbers again. His skills are still very strong, so another season of .325 hitting, with 25 home runs and 100 RBI is not out of the question. Omar Infante will likely spell Jones occasionally to keep him rested. Infante is a free swinger with some power who will be of little help in fantasy, or the Braves for that matter.

Outfielders – Jeff Francoeur, Matt Diaz, Mark Kotsay, Brandon Jones, Josh Anderson

At this point in his career, Mark Kotsay is little more than a caretaker out in center field. He will keep things warm for the arrival of Jordan Schafer next season. Kotsay is not a fantasy option, as he has little power and will hit in the bottom third of the lineup. Jeff Francoeur has shown nice growth every year, with last season being his best yet. This year should see him break through the 25 homer barrier and rack up 90-100 RBI, as he will see plenty of pitches to hit in the lineup behind Big Tex. Matt Diaz will likely platoon with Brandon Jones in left field, reducing both of their fantasy values. That said, Diaz would help in NL-only leagues with some nice power and a high batting average, along with a handful of stolen bases. If Josh Anderson sticks with the big club, it will be in a fifth outfielder-type role of little consequence to fantasy players.

Starting Rotation – John Smoltz, Tim Hudson, Tom Glavine, Chuck James, Mike Hampton, Jair Jurrjens, Jo-Jo Reyes, Jeff Bennett

Every year since John Smoltz returned to starting in 2005, I’ve forecast his imminent demise, only to watch him post better numbers than he did in the years prior to all the shoulder woes that led to his three plus years as a closer. His shoulder still led to some DL time last season, but he came back strong as ever. Look for another year of 12-15 wins, 3.50 ERA, sub 1.20 WHIP and lots of Ks from Smoltz. Tim Hudson was a ground ball monster again last season, but I do not believe he can repeat that performance. He is not the kind of pitcher I like to draft because of his relatively low K totals, but you have to love his win production. He might win 15 this season, but expect that ERA to be closer to 4.00.
The rest of the rotation is a bit of a crapshoot. I cannot understand why anyone believes in Tom Glavine anymore. He was pretty bad for the Mets last season, and he is someone to avoid. Chuck James has the potential to be very good, but the reality is that he has been very erratic, and too much of a risk for fantasy. Mike Hampton is someone to stay far, far away from.

Bullpen – Rafael Soriano, Mike Gonzalez, Peter Moylan, Will Ohman, Jeff Ridgway, Manny Acosta, Tyler Yates, Royce Ring, Chris Resop, Jairo Cuevas, Charlie Morton, Zach Schreiber, Anthony Lerew.

Rafael Soriano is the closer this season, and he is someone I will personally be targeting in drafts this year. He has electric stuff, and will save 40-45 games this season if the Braves are competitive and can score runs. Peter Moylan is the closer in waiting should Soriano be injured, at least until Mike Gonzales comes back. Both Moylan and Gonzalez are good pitchers to target for holds and in leagues where middle relievers are useful.

Projected Lineup
Yunel Escobar, Shortstop
Mark Kotsay, Center Field
Chipper Jones, Third Base
Mark Teixeira, First Base
Jeff Francoeur, Right Field
Brian McCann, Catcher
Matt Diaz, Left Field
Kelly Johnson, Second Base

Projected Rotation
John Smoltz
Tim Hudson
Tom Glavine
Mike Hampton
Chuck James

Closer

Rafael Soriano
Next in Line
Peter Moylan/Mike Gonzalez