BRAVES' FAB FOUR RANK AMONG BEST.

Byline: Joe Roderick Contra Costa Times 

They haven't been together for four full seasons, but it's becoming fashionable particularly in Atlanta to lump the Braves' Fab Four among the top rotations in the modern era.

``I think they do rank with the all-time greats,'' Braves pitching coach Leo Mazzone said. ``I think Don Drysdale said it best. He said, our staffs and the way they pitch reminded him of the great Dodger staffs.''

Regardless of whether Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz and Steve Avery remain Braves after next season, some say they merit consideration as the most consistent and durable top four since the turn of the century.

``Do they need to be together longer than the (four) years they've been together?'' Braves general manager John Schuerholz commented. ``I'm not so sure that's necessary. They still might get ranked as the top rotation of all time, even over that span.''

In the free-agent era, the rotation that the Braves have assembled is nothing short of remarkable, an anomaly in today's pitching-poor era. Some teams would love to have one of the four anchor their rotation, to say nothing of two or three.

Maddux has won an unprecedented four straight Cy Young Awards. Glavine was the Cy Young winner in 1991, the year before Maddux began his streak. The award likely will remain in the family this season.

They are a throwback to a near-extinct breed, pitchers who pitched when their turn came up, regardless of minor ailments or the condition of their arm. Until Avery went on the disabled list last week with a pulled side muscle, the four had missed an astonishing three starts since 1993, the year Maddux joined the group.

Durability aside, the Braves would have to remain together for a few more seasons to elicit comparisons to the game's best, regardless of Schuerholz's claim.

You might get an argument or two, but the best four-man staff based on win-loss record and longevity belonged to the Cleveland Indians four decades ago.

Hall of Famers Bob Feller, Bob Lemon and Early Wynn joined Mike Garcia for an astonishing eight seasons, from 1949-56. Lemon won 166 games for an average of nearly 21 per season during that time, Wynn 149 and Garcia 126. Feller, in the twilight of his career, notched 89 victories during the span.

Other historians might contend that the New York Giants' rotation, anchored by Hall of Famers Christy Mathewson and Joe McGinnity, might be the top four-man staff. Joined by Luther Taylor and George Wiltse, they were together from 1903-08.

During that period, Mathewson won 177 games, including four 30-game seasons, McGinnity 143, Taylor 87 and Wiltse 80.

``I don't feel comfortable putting myself in that class,'' Glavine said. ``As a group, we've accomplished some good things and put up some great numbers. Certainly we warrant talk of being the best starting rotation in baseball now. Beyond that, it's real hard for me to think where we fit or don't fit.''

They may not have enough wins to rank among the all-time greats, but their individual winning percentages since the start of 1993 when Maddux was signed as a free agent is impressive. (Keep in mind, the Braves numbers are affected by two strike-shortened seasons and the exclusive use of a five-man rotation.)

As of this past Saturday, Maddux was 65-26 (.714 winning percentage), Glavine 62-27 (.697), Smoltz 50-32 (.610) and Avery 40-30 (.571).

Their won-loss percentage is superior to the numbers posted by the great A's rotation of 1972-75, a staff that was the backbone of a team that won three straight World Series and four division titles. Catfish Hunter was 90-38 (.703), Vida Blue 65-45 (.591), Ken Holtzman 77-55 (.583) and John Odom 21-25 (.457).

Oakland's contemporaries, the Baltimore Orioles, had four 20-game winners in 1971 Hall-of-Famer Jim Palmer, Dave McNally, Mike Cuellar and Pat Dobson. They were just the second team to accomplish the feat; the first was the 1920 Chicago White Sox.

Although Palmer, McNally and Cuellar might rank among the top three starters on anyone's list, Dobson pitched just two seasons in Baltimore. Without a consistent fourth man, the Orioles cannot be included among the all-time greats.

Whether the Braves keep their four-man staff beyond next season will become a hot topic in Atlanta in October. Smoltz and Avery will be free agents after the season and Glavine has an option season forthcoming.

There appears little doubt the Braves will pick up Glavine's $5.125 million option. As for Smoltz? It's a good bet the Braves will sign him to a long-term contract, those close to the team say.

Avery is the wild card. He will make $4.2 million this season but was 7-13 last year and 7-8 this year before he went on the disabled list. A source close to the team said the Braves probably will allow Avery to become a free agent, breaking up the most recognized foursome since the Beatles disbanded.

``That's an unknown,'' Schuerholz replied when asked if Smoltz and Avery would be signed. ``It's all about baseball economics. If our pitchers are willing to be paid very handsomely ... I think there's a reasonable chance we can keep them all.

``If it's more important for them to be the highest paid and not remain a part of this special thing, we may not be able to keep them all.''

If owner Ted Turner can dig a little deeper in his pockets - the Braves have the highest player payroll in baseball at nearly $50 million - their rotation might make a serious run at the record books.

Youth is on their side. Maddux and Glavine are 30, Smoltz is 29 and Avery 26.

``They're right in the prime of their careers right now,'' Mazzone said.