The headline in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution says it all: "Braves' offseason of mediocrity".

We're about a month out from the beginning of spring training, and the Braves still don't have a solid starting rotation. That's a problem since pitchers and catchers report on February 14.

Fans expected big moves after last season's dismal display by the back end of the starting rotation and the bullpen. The Braves tried to sign San Diego Padres ace Jake Peavy, but that fell through. Free agent pitcher A.J. Burnett turned down the Braves' offer of $80 million.

And just last week the Braves lost the face of the team, John Smoltz, after failing to make an offer comprable to that offered by the Boston Red Sox. Yes, Smoltz is at the end of his career and, yes, he had multiple injuries last year. But, he bounced back from each of those injuries ahead of schedule and continued to pitch very well. And, frankly, the Red Sox know a thing or two about picking good players what, with their making the playoffs three times and winning the World Series twice in the last fours years. If they think John Smoltz can pitch, who are the Braves to say otherwise?

Now, the Braves are left with Javier Vasquez, recently acquired in a trade with the Chicago White Sox, who went 12-16 in 33 starts with a 4.67 ERA last year; and Jair Jurrjens, who went 13-10 and had an ERA of 3.68 in his first season with the Braves last year. The Braves just a few days ago signed Kenshin Kawakami, who went 9-5 with a 2.30 ERA and 112 strikeouts in Japan. They are trying to get the LA Dodgers' Derek Lowe, but no contract has been signed.

So, one month out from spring training, the Braves have three starting pitchers out of a five-man rotation. And, we haven't even delved into the problems with the Braves' bullpen. Since pitching was one of the team's main problems last year, one would think that would be high on the priority list for the offseason. Apparently not.

It's definitely going to be a rebuilding year, and it's going to be a tough season for fans who counted on watching John Smoltz pitch his final season in Atlanta. The face of the team now will be Chipper Jones, who has said he doesn't anticipate being in Atlanta the entire season. His contract hasn't been renewed and, since he becomes a free agent next year, a trade seems likely. And if he leaves, what will the Braves' fans have?