Did Leo Mazzone make that big of a difference? We shall see.

Great ballclub. One of the best all around teams in baseball. I think a 15th straight divisional title is on the way.

I've long since given up on predicting doom for them, I see a real battle with the Mets, and The Phillies if everything breaks the right way for Philadelphia. If they do wind up winning the division, it'll be by a nose, I think.

The Atlanta Braves War Chant: Hey----Ay-----Ay Hey-----Ay-----Oh Win----the----NL----East Get-----swept----in----the----NLDS Hey----Ay-----Ay Hey-----Ay-----Oh Sore---a---million--runs--in--the-regular--season get--one-earned-run-in-the-NLDS Hey----Ay-----Ay Hey-----Ay-----Oh Beat---up---on---the---Brewers---Reds---and---Pirates---all---season Get-----beat----by-----10---runs----in--each--game---the---NLDS Hey----Ay-----Ay Hey-----Ay-----Oh Draw---10,000---fans--to--each---home---game Draw---less---than---that---in---the---NLDS Hey----Ay-----Ay Hey-----Ay-----Oh Who---cares---about---the---Braves When---do---the---Falcons----Play

The gig is finally up. This team will not make the playoffs in 2006 nor will they contend. It's all over Atlanta!

Until somebody else in the NL East dethrones them, they will still be my choice to come out of that division. They still have their superstars Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones, and Marcus Giles, and also have an up and coming star in Jeff Francoeur. The big loss for the Braves was pitching coach Leo Mazzone heading to Baltimore. Will his departure have a significant impact on the Braves pitching staff? That will be the most important issue for the Braves this year.

Not a chance. Likely bet to win their division, all but certain bet to choke in the first round. After all, why break a streak.