Avoiding Injuries Again Key to Braves’ Pitching Success

The Atlanta Braves' roster is a virtual rerun of last year's team, so it's no surprise that the team will likely rise or fall on the strength of a similar situation: the health of a pitching staff prone to injury.

The Braves are known for having a solid pitching staff year after year, augmented with a few good, consistent bats on offense. This has been their key to success for two decades now. Unfortunately, as in the case of last season, it has increasingly become a contributing factor in their inability to lockup a playoff position.

Avoiding Injuries Again Key to Braves’ Pitching Success

Brave re-sign Jurrjens, avoid arbitration

The Atlanta Braves avoided arbitration entirely for 2012 by signing the last of their eligible players including starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens, which means GM Frank Wren is mostly standing pat by bringing his 2011 squad back for a one year shot at the playoffs before quite a few changes are due.

Jurrjens was brought on board with a $5.5 million deal. The Braves have also reached agreements with centerfielder Michael Bourne and lefty reliever Eric O'Flaherty, and previously came to terms with outfielder/infielder Martin Prado.

Braves Re-signing of Jurrjens indicates they will stand pat for 2012

MLB Winter Meetings and the Braves Pitching Roster

The MLB Winter Meetings are upon us and that may mean some changes in the Braves pitching situation, including the possible trade of Jair Jurrjens.

Despite their epic collapse at the end of last season, the Braves seem bound for an offseason devoid of too much drama. That may not be what fans want to hear, but it is probably the wise strategy. The Braves were an underperforming team in 2011 and are still amazingly young (outside of their starting lineup) with a startling cast of hot rookies and prospects banging on the door, especially on their pitching staff.

Derek Lowe is now gone since the Braves took a $10 million hit to trade him. The other pitching veteran, Tim Hudson, has just had back surgery and the prognosis is for him to be on track by spring training. Even if that happens it is clear that the future of Braves pitching is based on youth.

Here is a look at the Braves pitching situation going into the MLB Winter Meetings:

Yahoo Sports: Braves Pitching Options Headed into MLB Winter Meetings

Tim Hudson has back surgery, Braves hope ace back by spring training

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Tim Hudson had back surgery earlier this week, but the team hopes that the veteran 36-year-old will still be ready for the start of spring training.

With the departure by trade of Derek Lowe, the 36-year-old Hudson is now clearly the dean of the Braves starting rotation. In fact he is probably still the ace of the staff even though he is rarely regarded as such by the press and the fans.

Unlike Lowe, Hudson had another strong year in 2011 going 16-11 with a 3.22 ERA. And unlike some other Braves starters, Hudson seems willing to pitch through pain and eat innings despite nagging injuries. The crafty right-handed vet led the Braves in wins, ERA, and innings pitched.

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Tim Hudson Back Surgery Has Braves Hoping Ace Continues Remarkable Career

Injuries to Jurrjens and Hanson could hurt Braves in postseason

Atlanta holds a healthy lead in the wild-case race despite trailing the Phillies in the division. But in a short first playoff series, their vaunted starting rotation is now in doubt.

Injuries to Jurrjens and Hanson could hurt Braves in postseason

Injury to Jurrjens is huge hit to Braves’ rotation

The Atlanta Braves' starting pitching rotation took a huge hit with the news that Jair Jurrjens is going onto the 15-day disabled list with a right knee sprain. The move sent a ripple of shock through Braves fans as Jurrjens had not been known to be hurt, and Atlanta has already been dealing with some serious injury issues.

Injury to Jurrjens is huge hit to Braves’ rotation

Which Braves pitcher would you be willing to trade?

The Atlanta Braves nation is buzzing about the upcoming trade deadline, and that is no surprise considering that while Atlanta has had pretty strong pitching all year and has a number of upcoming young arms, the offense has been inconsistent and sometimes downright nonexistent.

Which Braves pitcher would you trade?