Braves vs. Mets

Ever since the Amazin' Mets railroaded the 69 Braves in the first ever NLCS, I have considered the Mets a formitable foe (I continue to date myself as old school, which I hate!). I cherish every division title the Braves win...a crown is certainly not a birthright, but a title earned every year, won between the lines as well as with the superior efforts of John Schuerholz and Bobby Cox.

Many debate whether the loss of pitching coach Leo Mazzone will be the straw that breaks the Braves' backs. Many debate on each side, and I can only hope for the best. Luckily the pitching cupboard is full, with the exception of the closer role. Even with Mike Hampton out for the year, the starters are stocked with Smoltz, Sosa, Hudson, Davies, and Ramerez. Several of last year's fearless rookie cast return to the pen, including Boyer, McBride, and Devine. Either of those three could turn into a dominant closer, if Schuerholz isn't able to charm another one by opening day. Chris Reitsma could also get the nod.

In a predictable move the Mets signed 47 year-old Julio Franco to a two year contract. Two million dollars isn't that much these days, especially for a New York team. That's money not available for the Mets, and extra salary room for the Braves. If anyone can play at such an advanced age it's Julio, but Adam LaRoche has shown he's ready to play everyday at first base. The pinch-hitting slack will be ably handled by Wilson Betemit and Pete Orr, who both hit .300 most of last year.

The Braves steer away from most veteran (read: high priced) free agents because they've discovered that less experienced players can be just as productive. The younger guys also usually hustle more and have better attitudes. In the past few days Jeremy Burnitz has been rumored to be picked up by the Orioles, who follow the same big money free agent approach as the Mets (with similar results). Jeremy is a supposed power hitter, but his overall stats aren't much better than what the Braves got from rookie leftfielders Ryan Langerhans and Kelly Johnson last year.

Many Braves fans view Tomahawkin' Tom Glavine as a traitor for signing with the enemy. It was just as much the Braves' decision not to open the vault for an aging arm. I'm just sorry his quest for 300 wins has slowed since he moved north. Cagey Greg Maddux stayed around long enough to get 300 wins easily within his reach no matter where he went.

Yes, the Mets annual free agent signings produce high expectations from the 'experts', who usually don't bring up the predicted division title come postseason time. I'd rather every NL East team dismantle thier roster like the Marlins. The Mets look good, but I'll stick with my Braves.