STARTS WEDNESDAY IN ATLANTA Astros vs. Braves

HOW THEY ARRIVED The Astros fought back in the final three months, earning the wild card on the final day of the season for the second time in two years and edging the Phillies by beating the Cubs yesterday. The Braves surprised everyone with the way they took over the East in the second half and never faltered, despite new faces. STRENGTHS BRAVES: In a year with this much change, manager Bobby Cox may be the most valuable Brave. Centre fielder Andruw Jones finally emerged as an allround weapon. Braves made the fewest errors in the league and rely on veteran starters John Smoltz and Tim Hudson. ASTROS: The fact they’ve been in a race for most of the second half and that they beat the Braves in the first round a year ago will help their focus and confidence. In closer Brad Lidge, they have a man with the nastiest stuff in baseball. Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte and Roy Oswalt give them a powerful big three in the rotation. WEAKNESSES BRAVES: The inexperience of youth can be devastating, as the Indians learned. Braves need too many youngsters to stay relaxed in October and also need to pray that Kyle Farnsworth can do the job out of the bullpen in the post-season spotlight. ASTROS: The fact that the Rocket was shut out nine times speaks volumes for their inconsistencies on offence. The Astros outhit just the Dodgers and Nationals for the season, despite playing in a hitter’s park. There’s a chance that the backstostyle of the last two months will catch up with them. WHO SHOULD WIN The Astros have momentum, playoff experience and a better bullpen. The Braves have youth and manager Cox. This one could go the distance, with the Astros prevailing. Series previews compiled by Richard Griffin and Geoff Baker