For the first time since 1991, the Golden Falcons missed the playoffs and for the first time in franchise history, they finished with a losing record at 80-82. GM/Owner Stump Matiash now faces a rough road ahead to get back to the glory days.What went right in '07: Barry Bonds, Justin Morneau, and Lance Berkman all had solid seasons at the plate. Kenny Lofton defied Father Time yet again and the Falcons were able to work their platoons well over the course of the season. The Falcons finished the season on a 17-7 run and finished only one game out of a tie for the sixth seed. Nick Markakis and Chris Coste were solid draft choices.
When went wrong: The usually reliable Falcon pitching was disappointing. Fans were perplexed when Curt Schilling spent half the season in the minors. When Schilling finally returned to Arkansas, he pitched like his old self, going 8-4 with a 3.62 ERA. Young hurlers Ervin Santana and Daniel Cabrera were disasters and Dan Haren wasn't much better either. The pen blew 20 saves over the season and the Falcon pitching staff had the second highest ERA in the league. David Wright put up mediocre numbers after a great 2006 season.
Overall, the Falcons are looking like an older team and their lack of draft picks did them in early. Although certain questionable managerial decisions (Schilling, Brad Lidge) didn't help matters. The second half run certainly gives them hope, but there are many areas to improve on in 2008.
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