AJC: Braves ‘Under The Radar’

While it’s easy to get caught up in the growing Phillies-Mets rivalry …

• Stark: ‘Let’s get it on.’
• Murphy: Myers gets vocal.
• New York DN: Utley is excited.
  

… you can’t forget that other good team in the NL East.

David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution says the Braves are glad they’re flying “under the radar” while the Phils and Mets gain the headlines for their “heated” barbs.

O’Brien says the Mets and Phillies each have their faults, and the Braves have questions as well. He slips in an Albert Pujols/Brad Lidge dig, but honestly guys, can we cut that out? That’s tired shtick.

The Braves are a team to fear, and should be just as competitive as the Mets and Phils in 2008. Their rotation has more upside than the Mets’, but it also has more risks than the Phils’. Mark Teixeira should have another fantastic season, but will they get protection from Brian McCann, Mark Kotsay and Chipper Jones?

In the New York Daily News piece, Victorino says not to forget the Braves. And regardless of questions, the Braves are no doubt in the picture with the Phils and Mets, and we shouldn’t forget that going into 2008.