Baseball has long been my favorite sport and the Atlanta Braves have forever been my favorite team.

I grew up watching Greg Maddox, John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones and a parade of other players dominate the division year in and year out.

Then came some not so great years that saw the Braves miss the playoffs year after year.

Now, the Braves are showing every indication that this is team that could be really good for years to come.

There are still some areas of concern, mainly the need for bullpen help and an actual closer.

Many didn’t like the addition of Josh Donaldson before the season and I admit I wasn’t too thrilled with what they are paying him for a year, but the guy is heating up along with the rest of the line up.

If they can add a closer, this team could make some noise in the playoffs.