James Pitches Well In Braves Win

Chuck James pitched well tongiht after being called back up from Triple-A to make this start. Mark Teixeira is starting to warm up a big as he drove in 2 of the 4 Braves runs tonight. James got the win after going going 5 innings and only alowing 1run to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Jorge Campillo pitched well in relief going 2 more scoreless innings. Another sidenote about the game is Yunnel Escobar stretching his hitting streak to 12 games.

Player Profile: Kelly Johnson

Kelly Johnson is coming into the 2008 Season in his 3rd year with the Atlanta Braves. He will be the Braves starting Second Basemen and will most likely stick as the Braves leadoff man aswell. Kelly Johnson is one of my favorite all around players because of his ability to hit for power and average and also show decent speed at times. Johnson is also much improved as a defensive Second Basemen aswell.
Look for Kelly to have a strong year this year and improve on his numbers from 2007.

Player Profile: John Smoltz

John Smoltz is one of the top Starting Pitchers in the league and has been for the past 15 years, except of course the few seasons he was the top Closer in the league.
He is still going strong at age 40 aside from a few aches and pains. I know he has some soreness right now but I think they are just being cautious and setting him up to start against them Mets next week. Smoltz is good for 12 to 15 wins a year and at least 200 innings barring any major injuries. Look for Smoltz even at age 40 to be the leader of this pitching staff again in 2008 along with Tim Hudson.