Braves Set to End Postseason “Slump”: After years of watching the Atlanta Braves play in October, the past two seasons without their presence have been tough to get used to. Sure, they only won a single World Series in that time. But their 14 consecutive division championships was a feat that may not be surpassed. Despite losing one of the icons of those champion runs in Andruw Jones, the Braves appear ready and able to return to the postseason behind a couple familiar faces.

Bats. Last season’s biggest acquisition, Mark Teixeira, was resigned for the 2008 season after a torrid second half with his new club. After four and a half great seasons in Arlington, Teixeira brought his big bat to the Dirty South and didn’t miss a beat. Now, in his first full season with the club, it’s not farfetched to predict an MVP caliber season from Tex. The middle of Hotlanta’s lineup is loaded with sluggers, so expect Teixeira to see plenty of pitches and drive in tons of runs.

Across the diamond is ageless wonder Larry Wayne Chipper Jones, who had one of the finest seasons of his great career in 2007. Jones hit .337 with 29 homers and 102 RBIs. That batting average was good for 2nd in the National League, just three points behind Rockies slugger Matt Holliday. When a 35-year-old future Hall of Famer is setting a career high in batting average, you know it’s a good year. Jones is getting up there in age and his body is usually prone for a trip to the disabled list every year. But if he can limit it to one trip rather than the two or three like in ‘05 and ‘06, the Braves will be much better off.

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