Mark My Words... the Braves Will Tank

I'm no soothsayer, but I bet the Atlanta Braves run of division titles ends in 2006. They just lost the artist known as Leo Mazzone to the Orioles... so I say, "Bye-bye pennant." I think Mazzone's skills with his staff have made the Braves the success that they are. And while their inability to win the big one - is the result of their manager, I do have a lot of respect for the Braves' front office - putting together a winner through acquistions and carefully planned releases.

Braves fans have long stood atop a stoney mountain to claim with indignance that they'd rather be in the cellar, than win division after division without a championship - well now, this dream can be realized. At last, Braves fans will enjoy the wonderful life of a Texas Rangers fan, or a Cubs, Royals, or Brewers loyalist. It will be such a sweet song to hear their moaning cease.

But back to Leo Mazzone- for him to turn Jaret Wright into a triumph - says it all. Wright was worse than a has-been, but Leo made a very good pitcher out of him. Then when Wright left a year later, he reverted to sub-mediocre again. Clearly, Leo Mazzone is the difference.

Braves fans, it's time to live large like the other half - Enjoy.