Atlanta Braves Tickets

Atlanta Braves 2011 Season Preview The Atlanta Braves were very active this offseason as they tried to make enough upgrades to their club to compete with the class of the division and league: the Philadelphia Phillies.

Atlanta traded for second baseman Dan Uggla and then gave him the big contract he had been seeking with the Florida Marlins. He won't wow you with his defense or batting average, but he will add some power to the lineup.

They also made some significant additions to their bullpen, adding both George Sherrill and Scott Linebrink. Sherrill struggled mightily last year with the Dodgers, but seems primed to bounce back in 2011.

The two arms will try to combine their talents to replace Billy Wagner, who finally opted for retirement. It's too bad Wagner decided to throw in the towel because he still had plenty left in the tank.

The team was expecting third baseman Chipper Jones to retire after he suffered a season-ending knee injury, but he decided to have surgery, rehab and return for 2011. His age and extensive injury history means he can't be counted upon to make daily contributions, but his mere presence will certainly help.

Despite the offseason upgrades, the Braves are still two or three steps behind the Phillies. They will hang around in the division race and could end up reaching the postseason as the wild card, but a National League East title is not in the cards.