The Atlanta Braves haven't exactly blown the competition away in the early parts of this 2009 season. The starting rotation has been pretty good from the start. The starters have pretty much made their appointed rounds on the mound every fifth day, which will be crucial in keeping everyone, including the bullpen, healthy and rested up for the stretch run of the season. Sure, the bullpen hasn't been totally consistent, but with them being more rested than other teams during the home stretch, they'll have that chance to stay in games and get some important wins that a tired bullpen blew last year. That shouldn't be a problem this year with more consistency. Most importantly and obvious for the start of this year, the offense has been downright bad. Without throwing numbers out, let's just say that one night it appears the offense is ready to go; the next they couldn't hit themselves out of a wet paper bag. It starts with getting guys on base, taking advantage of the situation and getting them home. Maybe the acquistion of Nate McLouth will help their cause. He's a young guy, who's got power and speed; two things of which they could really use. The Braves can get guys on base okay, but with McLouth hitting, they'll be able to move the runners into scoring position, drive him in, use power for homers, or even add the dimension of stealing a run from time to time. Obviously, he wouldn't be the greatest thing ever, but anything would be better than the poor excuse for power and speed the Braves have shown to this point. I think the offense will come around, and will be fine, as long as everyone else gives at least what they've done to this point. This is the big thing that will either keep them out of the playoffs, or lead them back for the first time in three years. We'll see over the next few months. e