Atlanta Braves

Well, the inevitable happened Thursday, and the Cubs took home their first 'W ' for the 2010 season. Cubs pitcher Randy Wells (1-0) pitched remarkably well, although I still be he could go back to catching full time, and perform to the Cubs' standard .

There are several very nice things to be taken from this game.

With three games in the books, the new and improved Atlanta Braves look like they have the chance to be as good as advertised. Impressive performances from the rookie phenom Jason Heyward, Brian McCann, and the bullpen (including closer Billy Wagner) are among popular topics in the Peach State and fans are excited.

However, in my opinion there is one dark spot within the lineup that I feel deserves some attention. That spot is the play of the first baseman, and Atlanta newcomer Troy Glaus. 

Mr. Clutch has returned.

Never one to shy away from a big game situation, Chipper Jones delivered again—proving why he’s still one of baseball’s most feared hitters.

With the Braves trailing the Cubs 2-1 in the bottom of the eighth, Jones smashed a 3-1 fastball from John Grabow over the left-center wall, propelling Atlanta to a come-from-behind 3-2 win.

So, have you heard about this Heyward kid?

I think he's really going to be special someday.

Obviously, you have heard a little about the J-Hey Kid by now, unless you've been in a coma for the last 24 hours—or two years.

Describing my reaction to the moment is not that difficult.

The air is sticky sweet in Atlanta.

Thick with the buzz from a thawed-out spring, this summer breaks entry to a group of men who will have the inhabitants of this great city by the heartstrings.

This collection of great men, some young (too young to go to the bar, in fact) and some old (old enough to call it quits at 68), will take Atlanta deep into September and maybe, just maybe, show the four-year starved city what October baseball feels like again.

All spring, the talk has been about how the Atlanta Braves want Bobby Cox's last season in the dugout to be a big one, hopefully leading to a World Series.

Monday's game against the Chicago Cubs showed they mean business.

The Braves smashed a few offensive Opening Day records en route to a 16-5 pummeling of the Cubbies, who some expect to contend for the NL Central, or at least the Wild Card.

Inside the numbers:

He was phenomenal throughout the minor leagues and continued to put his array of talents on display in Spring Training. At 20-years old, he has the plate discipline and eye of a veteran. He can spray the ball to every part of the outfield, steal bases, and play a superb right-field.

He has it all.

Jason Heyward stood patiently in the batter's box like a watchful hawk, his long 6-foot, 5-inch frame towering over those around him.

In the stands, eager fans sat on the edges of their seats as if balancing on the point of a needle, awaiting the first at-bat of this heralded rookie. Each sat with fists clinched wondering if they could believe the hype.

Not Heyward.

Heyward's joints were loose, his arms were relaxed and his face failed to reflect the enormity of the situation upon which he was embarking.

It's a new season. A new beginning. A fresh start.

It's also the final opening day for one of the greatest managers to ever grace the dugout, Bobby Cox.

Cox has what is possibly his most talented team since the early 2000s.

The Braves have plenty of starting pitching. They have a lineup that has the potential to become quite dangerous. They have a bullpen with one of the all-time greatest closers.

There are still question marks within those units.

Will Troy Glaus continue his torrid pace from spring training (he hit over .400)?