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The Braves always have one of the majors' top pitching staffs, but don't overlook the contribution Javy Lopez makes with his ability to call a game. He's been Atlanta's regular catcher since 1994 and the Braves have won three National League pennants ('95, '96 and '99) and one World Series ('95) during that span. Javy hit 24 homers in 2000 -- the fourth time in five years he has topped 20 -- and drove in 89 runs to go with a .287 batting average. Javy kept it going in 2001 as he belted 17 homers, his eighth consecutive year in double digits.

Javy had his best overall season in 1998 when he set a Braves record for most home runs by a catcher (34). He also knocked in a career-high 106 runs, hit .284 and led all major-league catchers with a .995 fielding percentage. One of the Braves' hardest workers, Javy is always tinkering with his swing in an effort to make better contact. With his ability to hit for both power and average, he remains one of the best at his position.
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