Troubles for Braves Early

By Staff Writer Matt Sanders
The Atlanta Braves, who entered 2008 as a World Series contender, are staring a 0-3-1 record in the face. General Maneger Tyler Boxburger, who stockpiled draft picks in the inagural 2008 Minor League Draft and made several off-season moves has been relativly quiet since the season started, evident in his unavilibility for comment.
The Braves, who have several All-Stars in their line-up such as Mark Teixara, Miguel Cabrera, Torii Hunter, and Vladimeir Guerrero, are sitting in the bottem half of the league in every single offensive catagory.
DH Gary Sheffield has missed some of the season, OF Andruw Jones isn't helping much either, and only two of the nine superstars in Atlanta's line-up are hitting above .300.
Atlanta's pitching isn't producing either. Similar to the line-up, the pitching staff is full of great players 1-5. Tim Hudson, Chuck James, Joe Blanton, Rich Harden, and young sensations Johnny Cuento and Chad Billingsly fill out the rotation, but again, the pitching isn't getting it done. Bobby Jenks and B.J. Ryan look like a dominate bullpen on paper, but they only have nine saves total.
The point is, Atlanta is in trouble. After several pre-season gloats, Boxburger has disapeared, and his team is taking a direct impact. The Minor League system, possibly the best in baseball, isn't going to bail the Braves out now.