MLB 2010 Opening Day: Team Preview: Atlanta Braves

College basketball season is over and spring has officially began. This really can mean only one thing. Major Leauge Baseball is underway and excitement is in the air for fans of all 30 big league clubs. Unfortunately, for some that excitement will turn to disappointment for many teams very quickly as they realize that "top prospect" is more of a pipsqueak than a Pujols. However, let Pittsburgh Pirate and Kansas City Royal fans have there week or two of enthusiasm before there hopes and dreams get shattered like the back window of Tiger Woods' escalade. But onto happier stories and teams that have brighter futures, such as the Atlanta Braves. I will preface this article with the fact that I am a die hard tomahawk chopper. I love all sports and I have many different favorite teams in those sports, but none are as beloved as my Braves. So in short, there could exist some bias with this team preview. Enjoy and feel free to comment beow.

Without further adu, the 2010 Atlanta Braves (everyone cheers wildly)! The Braves are coming off of a 86 win season, and one in which they were in playoff contention until the final week. The Braves played their best baseball in the final months of the season, a sign that a young team is about ready to make it over the proverbial playoff hump. At least on paper, the 2010 version of the Braves looks better than the 2009 version.

So long Javier Vasquez, Rafael Soriano, Mike Gonzalez, and Jeff Francouer (traded mid 2009 season). Those departures have paved the way for new Braves Melky Cabrera, Billy Wagner, Takashi Saito, Troy Glaus, Eric Hinske and Jason Heyward. Of the notable new Braves, Heyward is the most dynamic. Only 20 years old, but already expectations are as high as the batting practice bombs Heyward has been seen crushing in early April. Heyward is getting all the attention, but many say the under the radar signing of Hinske could be there most valuable move. Hinske is a good utility player and brings a load of experience to Atlanta. He is the only player to play in both the 2008 and 2009 World Series for the Yankees and Devil Rays, respectively.

The bottom line is the Braves pitching staff is loaded. With phenoms Jair Jurrjens and Tommy Hanson being supported by veterans Tim Hudson and Derek Lowe, the front four is arguably tops in at least the National League. Manager Bobby Cox says Billy Wagner looks as strong as ever in the closer's role. Saito and side-armer Peter Moylan both suit the role of setup man very well. I am very excited about this years team, here's hoping they stay healthy. 95 wins will be tough in the NL East, but that is hope from one optimistic Braves fan.