The Braves entered the 2007 season confident that they'd gain entry into the postseason, and despite four months of mediocrity, their hopes weren't officially dashed until September's final days.

With a torrid finish during the season's final two weeks, the Braves provided optimism for 2008. At the same time, they gave themselves reason to wonder why they hadn't been able to live up to expectations until it was too late.

Injuries that sidelined both Chipper Jones and Edgar Renteria certainly played a part. But the most consistent weakness came from the back end of the starting rotation. While John Smoltz and Tim Hudson both enjoyed stellar seasons, Chuck James regressed, and the Braves simply were never able to compensate for the absence of Mike Hampton.

Even with Jones enjoying an MVP-caliber season and Mark Teixeira providing nothing but consistent production, the offense wasn't able to consistently provide enough production to compensate for the rotation's weaknesses.

Braves general manager John Schuerholz will aggressively attempt to fix his rotation during the offseason, and at the same time, he looks forward to seeing young players like Peter Moylan and Yunel Escobar build off the success they enjoyed this year.

Record: 84-78, third in National League East.

Defining moment: Just two days into first baseman Teixeira's tenure in Atlanta, shortstop Renteria suffered a high right ankle sprain that sidelined him more than a month. Thus, instead of seeing their potent lineup at full strength for two months, the Braves instead didn't truly reap its benefits until the season's final two weeks. Escobar impressed in Renteria's absence, but some youthful defensive mistakes proved costly in multiple games.

What went right: Even before Teixeira's arrival, the Braves possessed a potent offense that was led by Jones and Renteria, who both battled for the NL batting title. Jeff Francoeur displayed more patience and consequently proved his offensive game can possess both power and consistency.

What went wrong: Losing left-hander Hampton to elbow surgery in early April for a second straight season put far too much pressure on Smoltz and Hudson. James battled shoulder fatigue much of the season, and Buddy Carlyle's feel-good story didn't last long enough to have a lasting positive effect on the rotation.

Biggest surprise: Making the transition from outfield to second base after missing the 2006 season while recovering from Tommy John elbow surgery, Kelly Johnson showed a steady glove and also effectively manned the leadoff spot during the season's first two months.

Lineup: With Jones and Teixeira returning to man the corner infield positions, the Braves will be as strong as any team in the 3-4 spots of their lineup. If Renteria isn't used to acquire a starting pitcher, this lineup will once again be considered the NL's strongest. All-Star catcher Brian McCann and Francoeur are coming into their prime. Likely gone will be the power and inconsistencies of Andruw Jones, who is entering this winter's free agent market coming off a career-worst season.

Rotation: Right-handed aces Smoltz and Hudson provide the rotation a solid base. The ability to gain a starting pitcher on the free agent or trade markets is vital to next year's success. Although he's expected to be healthy, left-hander Hampton hasn't pitched since 2005 and nobody knows what to expect. Left-hander James and right-hander Lance Cormier appear to be nothing more than fifth starters, and left-hander Jo-Jo Reyes may need more seasoning before being regarded as a reliable member of the rotation.

Bullpen: Despite some midseason struggles, right-hander Rafael Soriano proved capable of being a reliable closer. Left-hander Mike Gonzalez, who missed the final 4 1/2 months of this season recovering from Tommy John elbow surgery, will return by June. Coming off a stellar rookie season, right-hander Moylan is a versatile reliever who has the stuff and mindset to be a closer. Right-hander Manny Acosta adds depth to a relief corps that doesn't seem to need much adjustment heading into the offseason.

Biggest need: Schuerholz's primary offseason desire is to find a reliable veteran starting pitcher to back Smoltz and Hudson. If he needs to find a center fielder to replace Andruw Jones, he may look for a one-year fix that will give Jordan Schaefer further opportunity to prepare for this role.

Prospect to watch: While the athletic Schaefer will compete for a roster spot in 2008, Brandon Jones appears the most likely young outfielder to be in Atlanta next year. He tallied 100 RBIs in the Minors this year and might platoon in left field with Matt Diaz next year.