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2005 finish: 90-72, 1^st place in NL East

Manager: Bobby Cox (17^th season)

Free agents: SS Rafael Furcal, RHP Kyle Farnsworth, 1B Julio Franco, OF Brian Jordan, OF Todd Hollandsworth, C Eddie Perez, RHP Jay Powell, RHP Jim Brower

On the block: C Johnny Estrada, 3B Andy Marte, RHP Dan Kolb, IF Wilson Betemit

Looking for: Relievers, corner outfielder

What’s going on: The big question is can they hang onto Rafael Furcal? He is seeking something in the five-year, $50-million range, and that’s probably more than where the Braves want to go. At least he has expressed a desire to stay put, but the Cubs and Mets – among others – have interest. If Furcal leaves, the Braves would be looking at Wilson Betemit at shortstop, or be forced to make another move. If Furcal re-signs, teams could come after Betemit, who has shown that he can hit. They also will try to re-sign Kyle Farnsworth, one of the few dependable arms in the bullpen. With Mike Hampton out for 2006, they exercised a $4.5-million option on John Thomson. They want to keep Julio Franco, but he also has drawn some interest from the Mets. Dan Kolb isn’t likely to be offered arbitration. The organization is loaded with catchers, so someone other than Brian McCann could go, possibly Johnny Estrada. Roger McDowell has the tall task of trying to replace Leo Mazzone. The former big-league reliever has been in the Dodgers organization the last four seasons.

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Tony Gutierrez / AP

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