MLB PREVIEW: Let's Play Two. Atlanta Braves & Tampa Bay Rays

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#24.

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PROJECTED LINEUP
RF Nick Markakis
SS Andrelton Simmons
1B Freddie Freeman
3B Chris Johnson
LF Zoilo Almonte
CF Melvin Upton
C Christian Bethancourt
2B Alberto Callaspo

PROJECTED ROTATION
Julio Teheran
Alex Wood
Shelby Miller
Mike Minor
Wandy Rodriguez

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Craig Kimbrel
Set-up: Jason Grilli

Top Prospect: Jose Peraza (2B)

BREAKOUT - Sometimes a change of scenery can help, but that was not the case for the Upton brothers. Justin in now in San Diego, BJ is now Melvin, and the GM is John Hart who came in and blew the whole thing up. Shelby Miller maybe did not need a change of scenery that bad, but instead of pitching for a contender, coming to Atlanta may relax him and do wonders for his mental state. Albeit for a losing team.

SPRING STORYLINES - Who is going to stay healthy long enough to pitch? Every time someone takes the mound they have to hold their breath. It all started last spring with Kris Medlen (now in Kansas City) and Brandon Beachy (now a Dodgers), who just needed his second Tommy John. Now Mike Minor is hurt  and the hits just keep on coming.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 79-83 (2nd in NL East)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 77-85 (4th in NL East)

#23.

PROJECTED LINEUP
CF Desmond Jennings
SS Asrubal Cabrera
3B Evan Longoria
1B James Loney
LF Steve Sousza
RF Kevin Kiermaier
DH John Jaso
C Rene Rivera
2B Nick Franklin

PROJECTED ROTATION
Alex Cobb
Chris Archer
Drew Smyly
Jake Odorizzi
Nate Karns

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Kevin Jepsen
Set-up: Brad Boxberger

Top Prospect: Daniel Robertson (SS)

BREAKOUT - Well, when you trade away David Price and Wil Myers younger guys are going to get every chance to breakout. Many people see many players taking the next step this season. Tons of people love Steve Sousza, and he may, but I am a Nick Franklin. He was unwanted in Seattle, but this kid can play the middle infield and swing it a little bit. He has every chance to be as good as Asdrubal Cabrera during his Cleveland years, his current double-play partner.

SPRING STORYLINES - There is no Andrew Friedman this season up in the Owner's Box to rebuild this group of underage, underpaid, future phenoms. Evan Longoria may need to man up and carry this group, at least until Alex Cobb, Matt Moore, and Jake McGee get healthy and fill out the pitching staff. The Rays could surprise like in 2008 or the Rays could be more live the Devil Rays.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 77-85 (4th in AL East)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 77-85 (5th in AL East)

**Check back tomorrow for the Reds and Royals*