Atlanta Braves Morning Chop – Let the Battles Begin!
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Scott Van Slyke(33) out. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Position battles at Atlanta Braves’ spring training
SEVERAL POSITIONS ARE UP FOR GRABS, INCLUDING PITCHING
DAVID O’BRIEN in the ALBANY HERALD.COM
After one of the busiest offseasons any team’s had in recent years, the Braves report to spring training — pitchers and catchers on Friday, position players next week — with a revamped 40-man roster, improved depth in their minor league system, and a whole lot of decisions to make before opening day.
“It’s going to be fun,” said Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez, who’ll conduct the first workout for pitchers and catchers Saturday and first full-squad workout Feb. 26.
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Who’ll be the fifth starter? There are options young and old to fill the final spot in the rotation behind Julio Teheran, Shelby Miller and left-handers Alex Wood and Mike Minor, assuming Minor is over the shoulder woes that plagued him in a career-worst 2014 season. Leading candidates for the fifth spot: prospects Mike Foltynewicz and Manny Banuelos and veterans Eric Stults and lefty Wandy Rodriguez.
How will the bullpen shake out? Closer Craig Kimbrel and lefty James Russell are the only returners from last season who seem assured of making the opening-day bullpen. Former All-Star closers Jason Grilli and Jim Johnson were signed to be setup men, and Josh Outman joins Russell to give the Braves a pair of quality lefties.
That would leave only two openings, and at least four candidates: hard-throwing former Braves prospect Arodys Vizcaino, reaquired from the Cubs; non-roster invitees Jose Veras and Michael Kohn, who both are hard-throwing proven commodities, and incumbent lefty Luis Avilan, coming off a poor season.
What’s the ETA for Peraza? The question is not if Jose Peraza will be the Braves’ future second baseman and leadoff hitter, but when? The Braves’ top-rated prospect hit .339 with 11 triples and 60 stolen bases in 110 games last season. He’s 20 and has only 195 plate appearances above Single-A. The Braves say they won’t rush him, and don’t have to after signing versatile Alberto Callaspo. Still, Peraza will ample opportunities this spring to show he’s ready.
So, Callaspo at 2B to start out? He’s a likely candidate, but the Braves also have utility man Phil Gosselin, trade acquisition Jace Peterson and non-roster invitee Kelly Johnson. One of them could see plenty of action at second if the Braves decide to have Callaspo share third-base duties with Chris Johnson, who struggled against righties.
[ Ed. note: more at the link above ]