How They Matchup

BRAVES’ ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS: The Braves were considered also-rans in midseason before a strong second-half push catapulted them to their 13th consecutive division title. Atlanta is 21-12 since Aug. 30, primarily because of its starting pitchers. Jaret Wright, Mike Hampton and John Thomson -- the three scheduled starters in the series -- were a combined 24-5 with a 2.82 earned-run average in 42 starts since the All-Star break. Newcomer J.D. Drew has been impressive on offense, silencing critics who questioned his resilience. All-Star catcher Johnny Estrada has lessened the loss of Javy Lopez with a breakout season, and Chipper Jones has returned to form after missing almost three weeks early in the season because of a strained right hamstring. Jones is expected to be ready for Game 1, despite having sat out the final regular-season game because of a bruised right hand.

WEAKNESSES: Each of the Braves’ starting pitchers probably is at less than 100%. Manager Bobby Cox announced Monday that Thomson, the scheduled Game 2 starter, had not fully recovered from the muscle strain on his left side that Thomson suffered Saturday against the Chicago Cubs. As a result, Hampton will replace Thomson, who is tentatively scheduled to start Game 3. Hampton tore cartilage in his left knee Sept. 11, but he has made two solid starts since then. Wright will start Game 1 in his first appearance since getting hit on the right foot by a line drive Sept. 28. Russ Ortiz probably will be relegated to long relief after recording a 6.71 ERA in his last 10 starts. Usually reliable closer John Smoltz has wobbled in his last 10 appearances, compiling a 8.68 ERA.

KEY RESERVES: 1B Julio Franco (.309, 6 HR, 57 RBI); OF Charles Thomas (.288, 7, 31); 2B Nick Green (.273, 3, 26); 3B Mark DeRosa (.239, 3, 31); OF Dewayne Wise (.228, 6, 17).

TEAM BATTING: .269, 5th in NL.

TEAM ERA: 3.74, tied for 1st in NL.

KEY TO THE SERIES: The Braves have a challenge (see Astros’ keys), but they have won nine of 10 postseason games with the Astros, eliminating them in 1997, 1999 and 2001.

-- Ben Bolch