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Atlanta Braves at 3rd base: to platoon or not to platoon?

By Alan Carpenter

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 23: Johan Camargo #17 of the Atlanta Braves reacts with Rio Ruiz #14 at the conclusion of an MLB game against the Philadelphia Phillies at SunTrust Park on September 23, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves won the game 4-2. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 23: Johan Camargo #17 of the Atlanta Braves reacts with Rio Ruiz #14 at the conclusion of an MLB game against the Philadelphia Phillies at SunTrust Park on September 23, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves won the game 4-2. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 26: Amed Rosario #1 of the New York Mets reacts after hitting a triple in the seventh inning as Johan Camargo #17 of the Atlanta Braves sits on the field on September 26, 2017 at Citi Field in Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 26: Amed Rosario #1 of the New York Mets reacts after hitting a triple in the seventh inning as Johan Camargo #17 of the Atlanta Braves sits on the field on September 26, 2017 at Citi Field in Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Early on, it looked like Rio Ruiz was over-matched at the plate in the majors.  Lately?  Maybe some hope.  That creates possibilities… and dilemmas.

In reading through Mark Bradley’s interview with Atlanta Braves General Manager John Coppolella, a couple of things stand out.  Specifically, it sounds like Coppy wants to give the ‘kids’ a chance wherever possible:

  • “I think we’re going to see a younger team.”
  • “we’re going to see our young players make their way up to Atlanta, and they’re going to be given opportunities.”
  • On whether the youngish infield seen in September could become an STP staple: “It could certainly factor in. You could have a great defensive infield with some good hitters who are going to get better.”
  • “Part of what we want to do is grow with our kids.”

We know what is intended regarding Ronald Acuna:  unless he lays an egg in Arizona this fall, the team is going to go to great lengths to make a space for Acuna.  What isn’t exactly sorted at this point is the third base position.

While both Johan Camargo and Rio Ruiz have experienced extended flashes of brilliance, it’s probably time to check into how each has done overall.

One thing for sure:  Adonis Garcia?  Thanks for your efforts over the past couple of years.  We’ll let the Mets know that you’re available.

But let’s check these new guys out:

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