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Atlanta Braves
By Douglas Barton, CNNSI.com Leave it to Braves GM John Schuerholz to pull out another ace just when it looks like his winning hand is about to fold. After watching the New York Mets retool with a winter spending spree, Schuerholz countered by trading Brian Jordan and Odalis Perez to Los Angeles for Gary Sheffield. The National League runners-up acquired the cleanup hitter they had been lacking to protect Chipper Jones in the lineup. Sheffield will play right field as the Braves chase a record 11th consecutive division title. His presence solidifies one of the top outfields in baseball with Chipper in left and perennial gold glover Andruw Jones in center. Free agent Vinny Castilla takes over for Chipper at third base after hitting 23 home runs with the NL Central champion Astros last season. But the Braves' fortunes, as they have for most of a decade, will come down to a starting rotation anchored by Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine. Maddux enters camp having not won a game since Aug. 22. Glavine is working on a curveball to help complement one of the game's best change-ups. Both are in the final year of their contracts. The Nos. 3, 4 and 5 spots in the rotation will make or break the Braves. Kevin Millwood is trying to rebound from a shoulder injury and will be the No. 3 hurler. Jason Marquis is a star on the rise and seems to have the inside track for the No. 4 position. Albie Lopez, who lost 19 games last season with the D'backs and Devil Rays, will see work as the fifth starter. Closer John Smoltz finished last year by saving 10 of 11 opportunities. Mike Remlinger, Kerry Ligtenberg and Jose Cabrera all return as capable set-up men. Tim Spooneybarger's impressive stint at Richmond has him in line to win a bullpen spot this spring. Javy Lopez re-signed after an injury-plagued year to remain as the starting catcher. Backup catcher Eddie Perez is back after missing last season with a shoulder injury. The infield continues to be a youth movement. Atlanta welcomes the return of speedy shortstop Rafael Furcal, who missed the second half of the season with a shoulder injury. Second baseman Marcus Giles hopes to build on his impressive as a rookie season. The upgraded offense will give manager Bobby Cox more options, allowing him to lean on the three-run homer more often. Having Smoltz to finish games gives the Braves an edge they need to capture the NL East one more time. A trip to the World Series could be in the cards, depending on what the starting rotation deals. Up for grabs: First base continues to be an enigma, where 43-year-old Julio Franco will platoon with upstart Wes Helms. Franco is one of the team's most consistent contact hitters, and Helms has the potential to become a decent power hitter. Spring chicken: Shortstop prospect Wilson Betemit is the organization's best pure shortstop but has only played as high as Class AA so far. His left-handed swing will be a weapon down the road but needs work for now, and he figures to start the season in the minor leagues.
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