Atlanta Braves Tickets

Atlanta Braves 2010 Playoffs Preview Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox made it clear before the season that he would be retiring at the end of the year, but he looks like he might have to postpone any vacation plans for at least another couple of weeks.

The Atlanta Braves clinched the National League wild card berth on the final day of the season, squeaking out an 8-7 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. The San Francisco Giants then beat the San Diego Padres, assuring the Braves of a spot in the postseason.

Atlanta was lead by a strong group of starting pitchers, beginning with ace Tim Hudson. Hudson won 17 games, including the final contest of the season to push the Braves into the playoffs. Tommy Hanson also put together a strong season in his sophomore stint, and Jair Jurrjens and Derek Lowe also made fine contributions throughout the year.

The Braves lost third baseman Chipper Jones to a season-ending knee injury, a huge blow that many thought would immediately end any playoff hopes. The team was able to overcome his loss thanks to other players stepping up their play in his absence.

Omar Infante was sensational filling in for Jones once he went down with the injury, and the Braves went out and traded for outfielder Rick Ankiel to give them a strong defensive presence. Most of their offensive production came from catcher Brian McCann, who came alive in the second half of the season, and rookie Jason Heyward.

Atlanta isn't a tremendously good offensive team and they don't have one of the best playoff pitching staffs either, so they are going to find it tough to advance even past the first round of the playoffs. That said, Cox has a ton of playoff experience and isn't quite yet ready to go quietly into retirement.