First Time To Catch Our Breath, What Have We Learned About the 2016 Atlanta Braves?
By Jeff Schafer
Questions Have Been Answered, But More Decisions Need To Be Made
Twenty-three days ago we were all ecstatic about the first game of the 2016 Atlanta Braves Spring Training season. Twenty-three games later, the Braves sit 6-15-2 and have only 11 more games left prior to the start of the regular season. Today is the first off-day for the Braves and it’s the first time to catch our breath.
As we headed into March 1st, the Braves and fans had many questions. We sit here on March 23rd and many of these questions have been answers…but others still linger.
Transactions over the past two months
February 19 – Braves sign Carlos Torres to a minor-leauge deal with a Spring Training invite
February 22 – Braves sign Jeff Francoeur to a minor-leauge deal with a Spring Training invite
March 5 – Braves released pitchers Ryan Kelly and David Carpenter
March 11 – Braves sign left-handed pitcher Phil Coke to a minor-league deal, but no Spring Training invite
March 12 – Braves released pitchers Kyle Kendrick and Chris Volstad
March 18 – Evan Rutckyj was returned to the New York Yankees
March 19 – Braves claimed pitcher Jesse Biddle off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates
The Kendrick comeback story was short lived with the Braves after he didn’t impress during his two outings this spring. The 31-year-old was competing for a starting rotation spot, but gave up 14 hits, 10 runs, and three walks in his 3.2 innings pitched.
What does the roster space look like
Carlos Torres and Francoeur were both signed to a minor-league contract and had a small chance of making the team. After having a terrific spring so far, Frenchy is on the verge of making the team. If he can continue to swing the bat like he has – .308/.386/.436 with two doubles and a homer – it’s a good chance he makes the team. With him possibly making it, you’ll have to think Emilio Bonifacio‘s days with the Braves could be shortcoming. Also, the Braves could part ways with outfielder Nick Swisher. They could put up his pink slip and eat the $15 million that they are suppose to pay him.
The 25-man roster is beginning to take shape…he’s what I’m seeing
Two catchers
2. AJ Pierzynski
six Infielders
3. Erick Aybar
Five Outfielders
10. Michael Bourn
11. Ender Inciarte
12. Nick Markakis
13. Jeff Francoeur
That gives us 13 positional players and leaves the Braves with 12 pitchers. Atlanta will most likely start the season with eight bullpen pitchers and four starting pitchers since the Braves won’t need a fifth starter until April 12th. This will also give them more time to decide on roster moves for the pen.
What’s the rotation look like?
Going into Spring Training, we pretty much knew three spots were locked for the rotation – Julio Teheran, Matt Wisler and Bud Norris. The final two, they were anyone’s guess. With 23 games behind us, it looks as though veteran pitcher Jhoulys Chacin will secure a spot in the rotation…baring anything ludicrous in the final two weeks of Spring Training.
The final spot, well boys and girls…the guy that had a rib removed just six months ago looks as though he could fill in this slot. Mike Foltynewicz pitched in his second game of 2016 yesterday and looked very well on the mound. With two weeks remaining and the Braves not needing a fifth starter until April 12, he could be in line for two more starts in ST and a minor league start prior to being needed.
The rotation picture is starting to clear up, but don’t forget about left-handed starter Manny Banuelos. Braves and Fredi would love to have a lefty in the rotation so they will give him his shot in the final two weeks.
The strong point of the team will be it’s pen, who’s there?
Coming back from ruptured Achilles tendon, the 39-year-old Jason Grilli looks on pace to be in the bullpen for the Braves on Opening Day. He’s pitched in two games so far in 2016, but with no setbacks. Will he be the everyday closer though, that’s the next question.
Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez has mentioned that he may use both Grilli and Arodys Vizcaino in this spot depending on the situation. Not a huge deal for now, unless you’re drafting for fantasy baseball.
Those two along with Jim Johnson were locks for the bullpen. The Braves will most likely carry eight pitchers in the bullpen to start the season so that’s five more names that need to be covered.
Two lefties should be kept in the bullpen and it looks as though non-roster invitee Alex Torres (yes, the one that used to wear the protective hat – hasn’t this spring) will get one slot. The other lefty slot could go to Ian Krol. The Braves will give him every shot to make the team in the final two weeks, but he’s shown no interest in wanting it while he’s been on the mound so far. Look for the Braves to fill this position with a waiver claim.
The final three spots? Winner take all cage matches?
Williams Perez could make the team as a long-relief candidate. Alexi Ogando has pitched very well this spring in his six appearances for the Braves. Carlos Torres is another possibility to make the team. Both him and Ogando aren’t on the 40-man roster though.
The other guy I like is Daniel Winkler. He’s really pitched well in his six appearances this spring except for two outings. In his other four, he’s been almost un-hitable – five innings pitched, one hit, zero runs and seven strikeouts.
What about Jose Ramirez? He’s shined in his first eight outings, but gave up four hits and two runs yesterday to the Astros. If he continues to pitch well, he has a very good shot at making the team.
Prospect John Gant is another option. He’s also had a very good spring training.
How’d the prospect do?
Dansby Swanson, Mallex Smith and Ozzie Albies opened many eyes this spring, but all still need time in the minors. Aaron Blair and Lucas Sims look to be almost ready for a major league call up. Sean Newcomb needs more seasoning in the minors.
All prospects have been assigned to the minors expect for Gant…unless you consider Olivera and Banuelos prospects.
One more item we learned…
The Jones’s were back! Chipper Jones and Andruw Jones were both back at Braves Spring Training and we’ll be seeing more of them in the future.