Top 5 Overall Atlanta Braves Players - Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide 2009

The Braves had an interesting year in 2008. They saw the rebirth of Chipper Jones as an offensive machine, but they also saw their aging pitching staff lose significant time too, dooming them to a fourth place finish in the National League East. Some young players stepped up, notably Jair Jurrjens, but they also had some players regress, like Jeff Franceur. 2009 is looking to be another year of mixed bag baseball in Atlanta.

#1 Overall Atlanta Braves: Chipper Jones (3B) - Fantasy Baseball 2009

2008 Stats: .364 BA, 22 HR, 24 2B, 75 RBI, 4 SB, 82 RS

The question with Jones is never about whether or not he'll produce. Rather, its more along the line of whether he'll be healthy enough to have an impact for Atlanta in the races and for you on your fantasy team. If he was on an American League team where he could DH, this would be a different story. He's too good to pass up, but with his injury history, its better to try to grab him later in the draft if he's available. Still, if you're committed to having him, expect some regression, to the tune of .320, 20 home runs, and 80 RBI.

#2 Overall Atlanta Braves: Yunel Escobar (SS) - Fantasy Baseball 2009

2008 Stats: .288 BA, 10 HR, 24 2B, 60 RBI, 2 SB, 71 RS

Escobar was given the reigns at shortstop in 2008 and he didn't disappoint, having a decent season for a shortstop and being one of Atlanta's most consistent hitters on the year. He has been shopped a bit this offseason, most notably in regards to a trade for Jake Peavy, so there is some worry about him shifting teams, especially if he goes to a park like Petco. Regardless, he should be a decent option for anyone's fantasy team and should not be overlooked on draft day. Expect a season of .295, 15 home runs, and 65 RBI if he stays in Atlanta.

#3 Overall Atlanta Braves: Brian McAnn (C) - Fantasy Baseball 2009

2008 Stats: .301 BA, 23 HR, 42 2B, 87 RBI, 5 SB, 68 RS

Along with Joe Mauer, McAnn is one of the most coveted catchers on the draft board thanks to his power and his ability to play almost everyday. He consistently is a threat in the Braves line-up and as such, is constantly in position to make an impact for fantasy players. Some time at first would be a nice addition and would keep him healthier in the long run, but he still a top option. Use his 2008 season as a solid example of what to expect from him again in 2009.

#4 Overall Atlanta Braves: Casey Kotchman (1B) - Fantasy Baseball 2009

2008 Stats: .272 BA, 14 HR, 28 2B, 74 RBI, 2 SB, 65 RS

Every year we wait for Kotchman to come into power, and every year he teases us out of the gate, only to sort of putter out at the end of the season. A trade to Atlanta should have done more for his home run total than it did, but he only managed two home runs after the deal. He compares quite well with Conor Jackson in Arizona, but Jackson seems to have pushed past him a bit at this stage in his career. Still, the promise is there. Grab him as a sleeper late and hope for .285, 20 home runs, and 90 RBI.

#5 Overall Atlanta Braves: Derek Lowe (SP) - Fantasy Baseball 2009

2008 Stats: 14 Wins and 11 Losses, 3.24 ERA, 1.133 WHIP, 147 SO

It took almost all winter to reel him in, but after losing John Smoltz to the Red Sox, the Braves ponied up and brought in the sought after free agent, stealing him from the Mets in the process. Lowe has been one of the most consistent starters over the last seven seasons, winning 12 or more games in each while posting an ERA below 4.00 in five of those. He'll have to rely on his sinker a little more in the thing air of Atlanta, but he should continue to be effective, to the tune of 15 wins, 3.70 ERA, and 150 strikeouts.

Sources

MLB Standings, MLB.com

MLB Team Stats, Hitting, MLB.com

MLB Team Stats, Pitching, MLB.com

Chipper Jones, Baseball-Reference.com

Yunel Escobar, Baseball-Reference.com

Brian McAnn, Baseball-Reference.com

Casey Kotchman, Baseball-Reference.om

Derek Lowe, Baseball-Reference.com