Atlanta Braves

(10/4/05) -- Atlanta (90-72) won its 14th straight division title while in the midst of a youth movement.

The Braves used 18 rookies and got significant contributions from several, including Francoeur, Langerhans, Boyer, OF Kelly Johnson, C Brian McCann, SS Wilson Betemit, INF Pete Orr and RHP Kyle Davies.

Andruw Jones had best season of his career, carrying the Braves offensively when Chipper Jones went down for two months with foot injury. But Andruw Jones goes into playoffs mired in 6-for-51 slump.

Rotation wasn't nearly as strong as expected, though Smoltz held up remarkably well after three-plus seasons in bullpen and four elbow operations. Hudson and Thomson spent time on DL, and Mike Hampton barely pitched before elbow surgery that will keep him out until '07. Bullpen was a major problem. Dan Kolb failed miserably as Smoltz's replacement at closer, and Reitsma also failed to hold job.

Farnsworth solidified back end of bullpen late in season, but depth remains a major concern. Braves are trying to break streak of three straight losses in first round -- all ending with Game 5 defeats at Turner Field. And, of course, it's been 10 years since Atlanta won its lone World Series title during this streak of division championships.

(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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