Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves are once again looking like a championship-caliber team. The Braves have held first place in the National League East for nearly three months and show no signs of slowing down. In fact, they are showing signs of improvement. (see: Derrek Lee)

Atlanta's success has undoubtedly been a 25-man effort, but that does not mean that the incredible individual performances should go unnoticed. Here are the handful of Braves that are amongst the top candidates to win some of Major League Baseball's most coveted awards.

In the old days, ballplayers were expected to go out there and fight tooth and nail for all nine innings, or however long it took to beat the opposing team to dust. Come hell or high water, you got your hind parts out there and played.

But no longer. Even without injuries, nobody ever plays every inning of every game any more.

On Wednesday, the Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs completed a deal to send first baseman Derrek Lee to Atlanta for three pitching prospects. 

The Braves needed a first baseman with some pop to complement Troy Glaus' decision to rehab in the minors and readjust himself to third base.  Lee and Glaus could also platoon, giving Glaus the time to rest his knees and give both guys solid playing time. 

David Kaplan of Chicagonow.com, who originally broke the story, has reported that the deal sending Derrek Lee to the Atlanta Braves is done. The Braves acquired Lee and cash considerations from the Cubs in exchange for minor-league pitchers Tyrelle Harris, Robinson Lopez, and Jeffrey Lorick.

In case you haven’t noticed, the Atlanta Braves are beating people senseless at Turner Field. The Braves’ 42-16 record at home is the best in the majors and Atlanta shows no signs of slowing down.

If Cooperstown is meant to be a place for players that demonstrate a certain standard and integrity, and in doing so serve as role models to others, Chipper Jones has my vote.

When talking about the favorites to win the National League Cy Young Award, the most common names mentioned are Ubaldo Jimenez, Roy Halladay, Josh Johnson, and Adam Wainwright.

While most 38 year old third basemen with 17 MLB seasons under their belts would probably call it a career after tearing their ACL with fifty games left in the season, Chipper Jones is going to rehab his injury with spring training in mind. How Jones' body reacts will remain to be seen, but this comeback is a must.

Earlier this week the Braves third baseman Chipper Jones tore his ACL. He tore his ACL when he fell down trying to throw out a runner off balance.

This injury may end Chipper Jones Hall of Fame career and now the Braves are looking for a new third baseman.

One player they have looked at is Chone Figgins. Figgins is having a down year this year as the Mariners second baseman but he could be a good fit at third base for the Braves.