Yes, spirits were raised by the signing of the three new starting right-handers, Javier Vasquez, Kenshin Kawakami and Derek Lowe. But only Lowe is really a star. Vasquez, changing leagues, may or may not produce better numbers in the National League. As for Kawakami, his honors in Japan notwithstanding, general manager Frank Wren and manager Bobby Cox never saw him pitch live until pitchers and catchers reported to spring training.

Wren tired on three occasions to see Kawakami pitch in Japan but was foiled each time. It seems that announcing probable starters is not done in Japan -- it's potluck for fans and visiting executives alike as to who appears at the beginning of games.

At least Wren checked off the other remaining wish on his offseason shopping list: a power-hitting outfielder. Free agent Garret Anderson, who signed in late February, may platoon in left field with Matt Diaz. But Anderson hits both lefties and righties -- something that could not be said for Ken Griffey Jr., who courted then spurned the Braves in the span of a few days.

Unsaid in that pursuit of power is the fact the power hitting wouldn't be critical if the Braves were capable of manufacturing runs. That's something to watch for as camp continues, particularly from the young outfielders who thought they had a better shot at making the team before Anderson signed.