The 2004 Atlanta Braves season marked the franchise's 39th season in Atlanta and 134th overall. The Braves won their 10th consecutive division title, finishing 10 games ahead of the second-place Philadelphia Phillies. On September 29, 2004, Bobby Cox won his 2,000th game as a manager. He became the ninth manager to achieve the feat, doing so with a 6-3 win over the New York Mets at Turner Field in the final home game of the year He was named Manager of the Year after the season ended. J. D. Drew replaced Gary Sheffield (lost to the Yankees in free agency) in the outfield, free agent John Thomson joined the rotation, and rookies Adam LaRoche and Charles Thomas saw significant playing time on a younger 2004 Braves team. The Braves would face the Houston Astros in the Division Series (the fourth time that these two teams met in seven years, all of which were won by Atlanta), but the Braves lost three games to two. Offseason October 25, 2003: DeWayne Wise was signed as a free agent with the Atlanta Braves. November 14, 2003: Jorge Velandia was signed as a free agent with the Atlanta Braves. December 10, 2003: John Thomson signed as a free agent with the Atlanta Braves. December 13, 2003: J. D. Drew was traded by the St. Louis Cardinals with Eli Marrero to the Atlanta Braves for Jason Marquis, Ray King, and Adam Wainwright. December 23, 2003: Antonio Alfonseca signed as a free agent with the Atlanta Braves. January 12, 2004: Julio Franco was re-signed from free agency to the Atlanta Braves. February 5, 2004: Russell Branyan was signed as a free agent with the Atlanta Braves. March 26, 2004: Chris Reitsma was traded by the Cincinnati Reds to the Atlanta Braves for Bubba Nelson (minors) and Jung Bong. Regular season Opening Day starters Season standings National League East Record vs. opponents Notable transactions April 25, 2004: Russell Branyan was traded by the Atlanta Braves to the Cleveland Indians for Scott Sturkie (minors). June 7, 2004: Clint Sammons was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 6th round of the 2004 amateur draft. Player signed July 12, 2004. Roster Player stats Batting Starters by position Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in Other batters Note: G