Q: Even with all the talk about the now-defending National League East champion Mets (sounds weird to say that), I’m astounded that the Braves are rarely mentioned – picked to finish behind the Mets and Phillies. Why do you suppose that is, with all the acquisitions John Schuerholz has made?
— C. Taylor, Nashville, Tenn.

A: While the consensus is that the Mets and Phillies are two playoff-caliber teams in the National League, I don’t think anybody is really ignoring the Braves. I think most people around the game have a healthy respect for not only John Schuerholz, but Bobby Cox as well. And at least on paper, the additions of Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano should dramatically improve the bullpen, which was a main source of trouble when the consecutive division title streak ended last season.

But the Braves do have their share of question marks and concerns. Mike Hampton was being counted on as the No. 3 or No. 4 starter, but has had setbacks in his recovery from surgery, and how much he will be able to contribute is unknown at this point.

The right side of the infield is new and while Scott Thorman and Kelly Johnson figure to do well, they aren’t Adam LaRoche and Marcus Giles — at least not yet. Chipper Jones also has been slowed by injury this spring.

The other huge, lingering question in my mind is Andruw Jones’ contract situation. Unless the change in ownership brings on a marked change in payroll direction, I don’t see how they can keep Jones, who is looking at a $140-150-million deal along the lines of Alfonso Soriano’s.

That being the case, do they trade Jones during this season, rather than lose him to free agency this winter? That’s enough of an uncertainty in my mind to put the Braves third in the NL East. But it’s only March, and things can change.  

Q: How do you like the Chicago White Sox’s chances this season?
— Matt Kennedy, Wahiawa, Hawaii

A: As I mentioned above, I’m not that high on the White Sox, Matt. In fact, I have them as one of the American League’s biggest disappointments, finishing fourth in a very-tough Central division.

I could be wrong, but I’m just not crazy about the moves Kenny Williams made this off-season in terms of their effect on the 2007 season. Dealing away Freddy Garcia and Brandon McCarthy for four highly regarded pitching prospects makes a lot of sense from a long-term point of view, and also for payroll containment. But unless fifth starter John Danks and reliever Nick Masset pan out immediately, I think the White Sox’s staff is a bit thin this season. The deals also were surprising to me in light of ongoing health and performance concerns of remaining starters Mark Buehrle and Jose Contreras.

Some other concerns: The bullpen does have several hard throwers, but how the roles formulate in front of closer Bobby Jenks remains to be seen. Scott Podsednik’s injury has thrown more uncertainty into the left field/center field situations, leaving the Sox to count on Darin Erstad, who can’t stay healthy, either.

Q: This has probably been asked before, but I am impelled to ask: When a player is called up from the minors, what is his salary during that time frame? Does he get a pro-rated first-year salary?
— David Barnes, Federal Way, Wash.

A: That is usually how it works, David. If a player is up for 10 days, he gets 10 times a 1/180^th share of the major-league minimum salary, which this season is $330,000. It is 180 days because that’s how many are included in a season, counting off days.

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