Although Atlanta’s 2009 didn’t live up to expectations, they enter the 2010 offseason with a great deal of confidence. This time last year Atlanta was engaged in talks with the San Diego Padres about starting pitcher Jake Peavy. Braves general manager Frank Wren was unable to land Peavy, but was able to sign veteran Derek Lowe to a hefty contract. With the recent signing of Tim Hudson Atlanta has six quality starting pitchers from which they can trade to fill one of their needs.

With a large contract and a below average season from Lowe, it appears Atlanta will attempt to move him first. Lowe’s contract will make trading him difficult, but it can be done. Both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels could be looking for starting pitching if they can’t land John Lackey. After Lackey there is not great depth at starting pitching in this year’s free agent class. If Atlanta is unable to move Lowe they will likely turn their efforts to trading Javier Vazquez. Vazquez is coming off a career year and will undoubtedly bring back more in a trade than Lowe. Vazquez not only had a better season than Lowe, he is owed only $11.5 million next year compared to Lowe’s $15 million. If Atlanta chooses to deal Vazquez they will likely bring in a player such as Nelson Cruz, Josh Willingham, or Carl Crawford. Cruz and Willingham would provide power to what was at times an anemic offense while Crawford would bring the speed that Atlanta has lacked since losing Rafael Furcal to free agency.

Although adding a bat will clearly be Atlanta’s primary concern, they will likely need to add a few relievers. The likely departures of Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez will leave a gaping hole at the back of Atlanta’s bullpen. The Braves have already brought in Scott Proctor and will likely pursue Billy Wagner through free agency. Boston will most likely offer Wagner, a type A free agent, arbitration, costing the team that signs him a first round draft pick. This however will not alter Atlanta’s plans as they will gain draft picks from the departures of Soriano and Gonzalez.

If Atlanta can bring in a power bat as well as relievers to bolster the back end of the bullpen, they will prove to be a force in the National League East. The addition of Nate McLouth and the emergence of Tommy Hanson should be felt for an entire season, while Martin Prado will likely man second base for the duration of the year. The likely addition of Jason Heyward near midsesaon should also give Atlanta an added boost to the offense.