The 2007 Atlanta Braves are looking to regain their old form after a disappointing 2006 that saw them miss the playoffs for the first time in 16 years.

Manager Bobby Cox has worked wonders for the Braves ever since he took over in 1990. Excluding his first year, he led Atlanta to 14 straight division titles from 1991-2006, a remarkable feat in an era where rampant free agency changes the names and faces of every team. His World Series championship in 1995 against the Cleveland Indians has been the highlight of those dominant Braves teams of the 1990s.

Unlike the Braves of today, those Atlanta teams had exceptional batting, but it was their pitching that separated them from the rest of baseball. Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz provided stability to their rotation for several seasons until Maddux and Glavine dispersed via free agency. Since then the Braves have acquired some big-name pitchers in Tim Hudson and Mike Hampton, but thus far they both have underperformed.

The Braves have a chance to compete in the National League East because they have a talented pitching staff, but injuries could derail that chance. Hampton recently strained his left oblique in spring training and 39-year-old John Smoltz isn’t getting any younger.

Regardless, Smoltz should be commended for putting up great numbers as he approaches 40. Always a team player, Smoltz switched to the closer role from 2002 to 2004 and excelled, recording an average of 48 saves per year and a 2.38 ERA. Since returning to the starting rotation in 2005, Smoltz has gone 30-16 with a 3.28 ERA. In spring training Curtis Granderson hit a line drive that bounced off Smoltz’s chest, leaving him on the ground for several minutes. Although he is fine and will be ready to start on Opening Day, one has to wonder how long Smoltz can continue to pitch at such a high level without suffering an injury that puts him on the DL.

Both Tim Hudson and Mike Hampton have had enormous expectations thrust on them in Atlanta, and, both have failed to live up to them. Hampton, who was acquired by Atlanta in 2002 in the midst of an eight-year, $121 million deal he signed with the Colorado Rockies in 2000, had Tommy John surgery last season and is hoping to be ready to start the season. Although he has posted a 32-20 record with Atlanta, his ERA remains high. He is expected to be out until mid-April because of his oblique injury, although the elbow injury he suffered two seasons ago seems to show no ill effects. Hampton isn’t weak at the plate like many other pitchers either; he was hitting .320 in 2005 before his injury.

Hudson was one of baseball’s best pitchers when he played for the A’s for six seasons. However, in 2006 he was a big disappointment, going 13-12 with a 4.86 ERA. Many have been perplexed as to why he has struggled so much in the NL (since pitchers usually have the opposite result when arriving from the AL), but an inconsistent bullpen can’t shoulder all the blame for his substandard statistics. Hudson has pitched better this spring, making two starts totaling six innings for a 1.50 ERA. Expect an improvement from Hudson in 2007. He is too good of a pitcher to let his numbers slip again and will respond accordingly.

Mark Redman’s shining moment last year came when he was selected to be the Kansas City Royals’ All-star representative (not the biggest honor in the world). He went 11-10 for one of the worst teams in baseball and should be thrilled that he has the opportunity to be the #4 starter for a contending team. Lefty Chuck James is will be part of the rotation as well. He’s drawn comparisons to Tom Glavine because of his ability to be effective without any overpowering pitches; his fastball doesn’t even reach 90 mph. James enjoyed success last year with Atlanta, going 11-4 with a 3.78 ERA. Kyle Davies is also in the mix for the rotation despite inconsistent results in his first two major league seasons (10-13, 6.38 ERA combined).