AJC Columnist Jeff Schlultz offers up an overview and analysis of the team's off-season renovation, wrapped around some quotes from our GM Frank Wren:

“We think we’re way ahead of where we were a year ago at this time.”

"Yes, I think we're better."

“We’ve got good baseball people in this organization and we feel good about this group of players. I can’t get caught up in the media perception of what we’ve done to this point. The proof’s going to be when we take the field.”

On the decision to re-sign Tim Hudson and thereby being forced to trade either Derek Lowe or Javier Vazquez: "He’s clearly been a better pitcher than the other guys.”

On payroll: “We feel fortunate where we are. That’s still pretty good, especially with declining attendance. We’re not a three million attendance club, which would allow us to do more.”

On Glaus' signing in light of his medical history: ”It’s a calculated gamble."

“Roll it back a year ago – there wasn’t a whole lot of fanfare when we traded for Vazquez. Two years ago, there’s wasn’t a lot of fanfare for Jair Jurrjens. People said, ‘Jair who?’ I’m looking forward to spring training. I think fans will warm up to this team.”

Here at TC, we've rosterbated ourselves silly and put each and every one of the GM's moves under the microscope.  But the overriding question is clearly the one to which Wren answers "Yes":  Is the team improved?

So, it must be time for a poll. 

Let's please look at it from the standpoint of the 2d half 2009 Braves, a team that played very well, putting up a record of 52-36 after June 27th, the third best in the National League, surpassed only by the Phillies (55-36) and the Rockies (53-35).