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We’re Goin’ to Disney World! Braves Send 24 Spring Invitations

By Alan Carpenter

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Yesterday, the Atlanta Braves sent out their formal list of Spring Training invitations.  All players already on the 40-man roster are automatically invited, but 24 additional non-roster players have been extended the invitation to start out in the Major League Camp at the end of this month.

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Here is the complete list (which does not rule out additional players being tapped later on):

PITCHERS

CATCHERS

(you can never have too many catchers in camp!)

Kelly Johnson (14) hits walkoff double against the New York Yankees. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

OTHER POSITION PLAYERS

Invites Lost in the Mail

That’s the list of who is going, but you might be interested in the list of who is not getting onto the “A” fields.  Here are a couple of names:

  • Joe Benson.  Signed as a minor league free agent, Joe was a former top prospect in the Twins organization but has struggled to hit the ball well at or above the AA level.
  • Tyler Pastornicky.  Cleared waivers after a DFA last month, but there’s just no position for him at the major league level right now.
  • Edward Salcedo.  Once a highly thought of prospect at third base, RF Salcedo is probably on his last tour now as he’s been cursed with an inability to hit or field consistently well.  Hit .212 for Gwinnett in 2014 w/24 errors.
  • Matt Lipka.  Another once-high-ranking prospect.  Hit .189 in 28 games for AA Mississippi in 2014.

The three latter names on this list had spring invites in 2014.  Not so this time ’round.

Making the Team

Of the 24 names listed above, which have the best chances to make the club?

Right now, 40-man roster slots are running at a premium.  At this time, there is exactly one slot that will be available:  Daniel Winkler‘s.  Once the Braves can put him onto the DL, he’ll go onto the 60-day list, where he will remain for the entire season.  But that does allow Atlanta to add a 41st name for free.

Beyond that – barring injuries – a non-roster player will have to beat out a roster guy – and probably significantly beat them – to effectively force the hand of John Coppolella and add him to the roster.

That could happen:  here’s those with a shot:

  • Eric Stults.  He’s one pitcher who isn’t coming back from an injury or otherwise poor performing year.  He probably has the best shot at unseated Michael Foltynewicz for that 5th starter spot.  After him, I would guess Cody Martin, Wandy Rodriguez, and Jason Hursh – in some order – would be next in line for consideration, should someone falter.
  • John Buck.  Will get enough work in for an evaluation as the typical plan is “rest the primary catcher in Spring”.  But if Christian Bethancourt and A.J. Pierzynski aren’t on the field that often, then there’s less chance of either one getting hurt.  But right now, injury to another is likely Buck’s main path to the 25-man roster.
  • Cedric Hunter.  Might have a shot to unseat Zoilo Almonte with a big Spring.  He is a lefty hitter, so that still works with the expected Jonny Gomes platoon.  Could still break camp with the team if Nick Markakis is not ready.  The problem he’ll face is that Joey Terdoslavich is already on the 40-man list, so Joey is actually first in line.
  • Kelly Johnson.  Has to beat our Philip Gosselin.  Given the latter’s versatility, that’s a tall order.

Last year, Fredi Gonzalez showed that he had little patience for relievers that couldn’t throw strikes.  If that proves to be a problem again this year (I’m looking at Juan Jaime), it could mean losing a player as multiple bullpen incumbents are out of options (still looking at Jaime).  Certainly, the Braves would prefer to keep the bullpen guys they’ve got.  Between that issue and other 40-man guys in the way, that would seem to leave out guys like Michael Kohn.

Next: The New Prospects List: #6-10

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