When John Smoltz was last feeling healthy as a member of a starting rotation, Tim Hudson was establishing himself in the A's system and still following that great rotation he had admired for so many years in Atlanta. Now as Smoltz makes his way back into the Braves rotation, it is absent the names of Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine. But with Hudson now around, there is already talk that Atlanta's 2005 rotation may be among its best ever.

"We think this pitching staff has the potential to pitch as well, if not better than any staff we've ever assembled," said Braves general manager John Schuerholz, who has constructed an unprecedented 13 consecutive division winners, largely on the strength of pitching.

With Hudson, Smoltz, Mike Hampton, John Thomson and Horacio Ramirez, the Braves possess a very formidable staff. But this is the time of year where doubts exist, and with this group there are obviously a few questions.

Will Hudson make a smooth adjustment to the National League and Atlanta? Can Smoltz again endure the rigors of being a starter? Have Thomson and Hampton overcome the injuries that beset them at the end of last season? Is Ramirez's shoulder healthy enough for him to resume his promising career?