Return of the Blogger

It's been nearly three years since the last article, and now "Braves Baseball Blog" will spring back to life again with abundant information and opinions on the Atlanta Braves. Hurray for those dedicated readers I had during my time(none); your life is now worth living as I plan on writing at least one article a day. Let's see how I do this time.

Most likely there are already several sites covering the Atlanta Braves. Take a look at TalkingChop if you haven't already. Not only that, there are numerous sites that cover all of the major league team's latest moves such as MLBTradeRumors. Just consider this another source I guess. I like to label myself as one with a good understanding of baseball. I have good knowledge of baseball statistics including saber-metrics. Not just knowing what they mean, but how to use them correctly. OPS vs RBI? One is meaningful and the other is almost trivial.

I don't know where to start. I haven't done any kind of serious writing in some time. I don't consider a comment here and there on Facebook or on a message board to be writing.

I did go back and read a few articles I created ages ago. Obviously a lot has changed...including my feelings towards those Philadelphia Phillies.

It doesn't make sense to go posting detailed articles about things that have already happened months ago, but I will do a quick summary of some of the more important changes that have happened recently.

-Some things to take note of:

• Legendary Braves Manager Bobby Cox retired as a manager, however he still has a role with the Braves
  
• Braves acquired slugging second baseman Dan Uggla from the Florida Marlins for Omar Infante and Mike Dunn
• Dan Uggla signed five year $62 million extension
• Braves signed relief pitcher George Sherrill
• Relief pitcher Scott Linebrink and $3.5 million obtained by trade from the Chicago White Sox
• Eric Hinske re-signed for $1.35 million
  

The team's roster moves have gone pretty well for this off-season; no outrageous moves or real head scratchers. Rookie Freddie Freeman brings excitement as he will be given the job at first base at just 21 years old. With the current roster, they should contend for the upcoming 2011 season barring any serious injuries.

The NL East won't be easy to grab. The Phillies remain a huge threat and have signed top of the line starting pitcher Cliff Lee after trading him a year ago for Roy Halladay. I like to label this this Phillies team as the "Yankees of the NL" with their recent spending ways. They are clearly trying buy their future titles. Atlanta may end up with the wild card for a second consecutive season. Nothing wrong with that.

That's it for the first post of my return. Following this will be the most recent team transaction.