Marlins and Braves

Just six games into the young MLB season, the Florida Marlins and Atlanta Braves are battling for the top spot in the NL East. It's early. Very, very early in the 162 game season of 2009. But, if you're a fan of one of these two franchises, you can't help but feel excited about the future of your team. As a lifelong Braves fan, my main concern is the bullpen. From what I've seen, it appears as if Atlanta has embraced a philosophy that served them best during their 15 year reign as NL East Champs; pitching and defense. Don't get me wrong. There are holes on this roster. Although the starting 5, led by newly acquired ace, Derek Lowe, seems solid, the bullpen ain't as strong. But, if healthy and capable of chewing up innings, the Braves starting rotation could take some heat off their later inning replacements. I guess you could say that the key to Atlanta's success is keeping the relief pitchers fresh. Throughout the latter portion of last season, their over worked bullpen collapsed.

As for the fighting fish from Florida, 2009 might be the year this
squad re-emerges as a NL power. Led by Hanley Ramirez and youngsters, Emilio Bonifacio (3B) and Cameron Maybin (LF), the Marlins could be a serious threat in the NL East. Although others are content to wait until Memorial Day before they analyze records and "jump on bandwagons," I can confidently say that Florida's 5-1 start demands recognition. This is a franchise that knows how to build a contender. The Marlins draft well and trade well, even if it means dealing player(s) the home crowd adores.

On Tuesday night, these two southern rivals begin a three game series at Turner Field. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 eastern as Javier Vazquez (4.50 ERA) takes the mound for Atlanta. Opposing him will be Marlins pitcher, Chris Volstad, who brings a 1.80 ERA into this contest. On Wednesday night, Atlanta's ace, Derek Lowe takes on Florida's Andrew Miller. Lowe enters the game with an ERA of 0.82 and Miller brings a respectable 3.86 ERA to Turner Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PM Eastern. Thursday afternoon at 12:10 ET, Kenshin Kawakami is slated to make his second start for the Braves. The 33 year old import from Japan looks to improve upon an ERA of 4.50. The Marlins will give the ball to 25 year old Anibal Sanchez. The 3 year veteran from Venezuela enters this match up with 5 K's and an impressively untouched ERA of 0.00.

Sporting identical records of 5-1, the Braves and Marlins both hope to make a statement in this series. This is the most exciting match up of the young 2009 season. Championship caliber teams don't win divisions in August, they build upon their foundation for success now! Don't shrug off the importance of this series, regardless of the fact that it will be played in April. The Marlins travel to Atlanta and take on the Braves Tuesday night. Don't miss one pitch!