The "Hotlanta" Braves in 2008... Hype or Hope?

By Trey Cosby

It's 2008, and the Atlanta Braves are just about to get ready for Spring Training once again. After an off-season of many changes, the Braves are primed to make a run at the Mets in the National League East.

With the acquisition of Johan Santana, the Mets are going to be the team to beat in the East. They have also added other key players to a team that obviously has the best starting pitching rotation in the National League. With Pedro Martinez returning from injury and the continuing development of John Mayne, the Mets are really going to be powerful, so the Braves are really going to have to bring their A game if they are going to keep up with them. I think we have a chance, but if we are going to stay with the Mets then we are going to have to get some help from players that we wouldn't have been able to predict.

Gone are Andruw Jones, Jarrod Saltalamachia, Edgar Renteria, and the likes of several other young guys. John Schuerholtz has stepped down in favor of Frank Wren at the General Manager's postition. The team has brought back an old philosophy where they believe that starting pitching and team defense is what wins championships; so they added Tom Glavine back to a future staff that is going to be very formidable. Glavine is a seasoned, wiley veteran with over 300 wins so he knows what to do when he is up on the hill. Now that he is back in Atlanta (where he has been living even since he was traded to the Mets four years ago) Glavine is comfortable and he is certainly capable of putting up numbers that will produce another 15 win season.

With a rotation of Smoltz, Glavine and Hudson, we in Atlanta believe that the Braves are headed in the right direction. Of course, we have been teased like this before, so it will take some time before we will actually start getting our hopes up again. Since 1995 as fans have collectively expected to win at least four more World Series Championships, but that did happen. So here we go one more time.

On paper, the team is loaded. We are young and talented. With the seasoned veterans anchored in the middle of the lineup... Chipper, Tex and Kotsay, the team is going to hit and hit for average, that is for sure. Add Francouer's power and McCann's consistency, and you certainly have the potential formula for great success. That little word—potential—is what scares us a little bit.

I do believe, however, that in the world of sports memorabilia, the Braves have done enough to bring back the old mystique and buzz that will cause Braves fans from all over the world to stand in line waiting for their favorite Braves apparel and merchandise. People are excited right now about the Braves. We feel like the team has not missed a beat with the hiring of Frank Wren at the GM position, and that is very encouraging. Memorabilia sales should absolutely reflect this.

The first jersey that I am going to purchase is a Chipper Jones jersey, since ole' Hoss has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid. I like his work ethic and approach to the game—and I believe he is an excellent role model for the children

Unlike in years past, I won't stop with one jersey this year. I will soon be the proud owner of a Mark Texiera jersey, a Jeff Francoer jersey, and a Mark Kotsay jersey in addition to the first Jones jersey.

Another great way to show love for the Braves is to pick up some signed baseballs or autographed pictures of the team. Signed memorabilia is cost effective and can bring a lot of smiles to the little guys and gals who want to support the team. The kids love to display those items in their rooms or even show them off at school. Mark Texiera signed photos are selling like hot cakes. I think I will pick one up as well.                                                                                      

So yeah, you could say I am looking forward to 2008 for the Braves.                                                 

With all the talent and the mix of young and old that we have now, the Braves and our fans are going to experience a fun and exciting year! There will be more apparel, novelties and memorabilia available than ever before because we have so many different studs in the line-up this year.

So get excited Braves fans! This is going to be a special year. Head out there and support the team. Grab your Braves gear and prepare yourselves for an unforgettable summer. I really have the gut feeling just like I did with the Giants that it is going to be our year!!!