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)?
Is Chipper Jones back? The real Chipper Jones, that is. The one that hits .290-plus with 20 HR and 80 RBI.
Will the phenom Jason Heyward come anywhere near expectations?
How about Nate McLouth? Was his spring of hitting below the Mendoza line just a mirage? Will he continue to be streaky as he was in '09?
Will that closer, Billy Wagner, hold up all season? He is coming off Tommy John surgery, you know.
Will Jo-Jo Reyes implode in the bullpen just as he has in almost every start he's been given?
How about Tim Hudson? Can he hold up for an entire season after only pitching in seven games following Tommy John surgery last season?
Will Derek Lowe become Derek Lowe again?
The time for the answers to the many questions surrounding the Atlanta Braves is now. The season has begun.
There's no doubt in my mind if all these pieces come together these Atlanta Braves have a chance to be special.
After a career in which Cox has won so many, will the Braves send him out as a winner?
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