March 03, 2010 Michael Vescio

Team Outlooks
    Philadelphia Phillies
    A year ago, the Phillies were defending World Series champs! Now, the Phillies are two-time NL champions with Roy Halladay atop the rotation. Arguably, the Phillies with Halladay, Cole Hamels, healthy closer Brad Lidge and new third baseman Placido Polanco – in addition to studs Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins are better now than they were a year ago.
    The word "dynasty" is starting to coming to mind when it comes to this team. This is a club with swagger, talent, drive and every chance to reach a third consecutive World Series.

Atlanta Braves
    This is Manager Bobby Cox's last year and could be his and this club’s best year in awhile. The rotation is as deep as anybody's in the game: Tommy Hanson will win a Cy Young Award one day; Tim Hudson is in the best shape he’s been in years; Jair Jurrjens was in the Cy Young conversation last year; Derek Lowe's sinker remains devastating on its best days; and new closer Billy Wagner is a good gamble.
    The offense with Nate McLouth, Brian McCann, and Chipper Jones gives the Braves a good core of veterans and power. That coupled with a talented group of youngsters led by Jason Heyward, Yunel Escobar and Martin Prado should give this team a great shot to make the playoffs and make Bobby Cox reconsider his retirement options.

Catcher Tiers
    The Elite: Joe Mauer, Victor Martinez, Brian McCann
    Second Tier: Miguel Montero, Kurt Suzuki, Matt Wieters, Ryan Doumit
    Third Tier: Russell Martin, Geovany Soto, Bengie Molina, Jorge Posada, Chris Iannetta

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