A year ago, the Atlanta Braves defended their 14th straight division crown while looking to Chris Reitsma and a host of untested arms to protect leads in the late innings. The bullpen failed miserably in 2006, blowing 29 saves and recording a 56.7 save percentage -- both the worst marks in the National League last season.

Bob Wickman was acquired in late July, and he posted 18 saves and a 1.04 ERA in 28 games with Atlanta. Over the winter, the Braves traded for hard-throwing right-hander Rafael Soriano and the Pirates’ left-handed closer, Mike Gonzalez. They begin the season with three legitimate candidates to close, and it’s expected that Soriano and Gonzalez will set up the 38-year-old Wickman. Either one could take over if Wickman is injured, traded or relinquishes the job. None of the three has posted an ERA as high as 3.00 over the last two seasons.

Of course, there was a price tag attached to Gonzalez and Soriano. For Gonzalez, the Braves dealt first baseman Adam LaRoche to Pittsburgh after a breakout season that produced 38 doubles, 32 home runs and 90 RBIs. Soriano looks like a bargain, acquired for lefty starter Horacio Ramirez, who may never live up to the promise of his rookie season in 2003. Southpaw Mark Redman, signed after Mike Hampton was injured this spring, could fare just as well as Ramirez in 2007.

The loss of LaRoche is a key subtraction from an Atlanta club that ranked first in the National League in slugging and second in runs. The Braves are looking to 25-year-old Scott Thorman to fill the hole at first, but the key question they face is whether the bullpen will get it done in the late innings, something it failed to do in 2006.

The Mets and Phillies are built to succeed in 2007, and both look like playoff contenders in position to play deep into the postseason. They will be among the best of the National League. Still, if the Braves are able to both score and protect leads this season, perhaps another division title is within reach and they will be in the mix to play October baseball once again.