2009 MLB Team Preview: Atlanta

Potential. This is the word attached to Kotchman ever since he made the big leagues. Unfortunately, for unknown reasons he has failed to live up to his enormous talent level. He's sliding fast.

A manager's dream, Norton is more of a bench player at this stage, but highly productive when he plays more than a few innings here and there. He will find his way into the lineup.

A former outfielder, Johnson is a better leadoff man than a second baseman. He lacks the instincts to play the position, but is very good offensively (.270 average with 13 homers). He could change positions.

The 26 year old is a developing SS with mild upside. He has .300+ potential but not much power as evidenced by only 10 HRs in 2008. Also his lack of SB (only 2 last year) is a bit concerning.

The utility player hits for a decent average without much power or speed. He does offer nice versatility qualifying at shortstop, third base and the outfield and should see fair share of AB behind Chipper Jones.

He is a huge injury risk, but you can't let him drop too far. 2008 marked the fifth straight season at less than 140 games played and he'll turn 37 soon. Chipper is always near the top of the majors in OPS and his average/power combo is huge but make sure you draft a quality backup because it

He is most likely fantasy's top backstop for 2009. McCann played a career-high 145 games in 2008 but the workload caught up to him as he only hit five home runs in the second half. At only 24 years old a .300/25/100 season is very attainable.

Vazquez struggled last season with a 4.67 ERA. However a move back to the National League should lead to overall better stats.

The Braves stole this young gem in the deal that netted the Tigers a one year rental of Edgar Renteria. Look for him to build on last years success

Atlanta will slot this Japanese import into the number 2 slot in their rotation hoping he has a Kuroda like effect on the team.

Hanson smoked through the Arizona Fall league and its only a matter of time before this top 10 prospect takes a hold of a rotation spot.

Gonzalez has good, but not great stuff with an average fastball. He's a solid player who will never put up spectacular numbers. Good for 35 saves. Anything above that is bonus.