The 2008 season for the Atlanta Braves kicks off Sunday. Spring Training was one of the biggest Spring battles that I can remember. With Hampton dominating, Javy Lopez not making the team and the utility players fighting it out it was a lot of fun to keep up with!

It appears that John Smoltz will indeed start the season on the DL but barely. He intends to make his first start on April 6th which may put Tom Glavine as the home opener on Sunday.

Tim Hudson will kick off the Braves season in Washington for the Nationals home opener.

The Braves Lineup is likely to look something similar to this:

Kelly Johnson
Yunel Escobar
Chipper Jones
Mark Teixeira
Brian McCann
Jeff Francoeur
Matt Diaz
Mark Kotsay
Pitcher

Though Kotsay could be higher up in the lineup.

The Braves rotation could likely resemble this:

Tim Hudson
John Smoltz
Tom Glavine
Mike Hampton
Jair Jurrjens

We'll know for certain the Braves bullpen and backup catcher soon!