Well individuals, the 2013 Atlanta Braves season is almost here; only 2 more weeks! Actually, I should remove the work "only" and replace it "still". This has quite possibly been the slowest spring training that I can recollect, it just tends to lug on and on endlessly. With the season close, the actions get a little tougher each round of cuts that the team has to carry out. The primary roster is set with only a few questions still to be refuted
The two extra bench positions will probably go to Jordan Schafer and Evan Gattis, at least at first. Once Brian McCann is included back into the starting lineup in mid-April, the Atlanta Braves will probably send Gattis back to Gwinnett so that he can continue to get regular at bats. More on that later, because that is going to be an enjoyable plot to follow to say the least. I believe that Jordan Schafer will be with the team at least through July, only because he is out of minor league options. He is honestly good enough of a player that an outfield hungry team like the Mets would definitely not let him clear waivers. The Mets are an example, the point is that there are many teams that would want and desire his skills. The second outfield and bench player option is Jose Constanza, and Constanza is not out of minor league options. Regardless of his recent visa issues preventing him from getting to big league camp; the available minor league option will make the decision fairly easy for the Atlanta Braves. Of course, once that option is exercised there is no limit on how many times he can be shuttled back and forth between Gwinnett and Atlanta throughout the season. He will most likely be the first call-up for the Atlanta Braves once Evan Gattis is sent down, assuming he gets sent down at all. Evan Gattis can hit, I don't think there are many naysayers left pondering his offensive ability
The question throughout the spring and even last year was not if, but when will he be a big league player. He can hit the ball, there is little question about that. The problem that the Atlanta Braves have is where to play him and how much playing time will he attain. I believe this is a bigger concern to them than they are letting on, but certainly not one where they were caught off guard. As he has progressed through the minor league system the Atlanta Braves have moved him out from behind the plate to try and fill what they see as a probable hole in their roster. Prior to the trade bringing Justin Upton to the Atlanta Braves, he was more than likely ear marked for the everyday left field job. With our outfield stacked with talent, he will probably fill in as the backup catcher until Brian McCann returns. Beyond that, I really don't see a area on this roster that will give him routine playing time; more importantly, consistent at bats. After all, it is his offense that has the Atlanta Braves foaming out of the mouth. Generally, when you can hit they will find a place for you.
The concern is that there are only so many spots for regular playing time and he looks to be the odd man out. Barring an injury to an regular player, and that is certainly possible, he will find himself in Gwinnett getting consistent at bats. For that reason, I would not at all be shocked to see him traded away at the trade deadline
The Atlanta Braves have some complex decisions to make. However, it is always good to be bursting at the seam with talent. I look forward to observing how all of this unfolds; should be entertaining.
The two extra bench positions will probably go to Jordan Schafer and Evan Gattis, at least at first. Once Brian McCann is included back into the starting lineup in mid-April, the Atlanta Braves will probably send Gattis back to Gwinnett so that he can continue to get regular at bats. More on that later, because that is going to be an enjoyable plot to follow to say the least. I believe that Jordan Schafer will be with the team at least through July, only because he is out of minor league options. He is honestly good enough of a player that an outfield hungry team like the Mets would definitely not let him clear waivers. The Mets are an example, the point is that there are many teams that would want and desire his skills. The second outfield and bench player option is Jose Constanza, and Constanza is not out of minor league options. Regardless of his recent visa issues preventing him from getting to big league camp; the available minor league option will make the decision fairly easy for the Atlanta Braves. Of course, once that option is exercised there is no limit on how many times he can be shuttled back and forth between Gwinnett and Atlanta throughout the season. He will most likely be the first call-up for the Atlanta Braves once Evan Gattis is sent down, assuming he gets sent down at all. Evan Gattis can hit, I don't think there are many naysayers left pondering his offensive ability
The question throughout the spring and even last year was not if, but when will he be a big league player. He can hit the ball, there is little question about that. The problem that the Atlanta Braves have is where to play him and how much playing time will he attain. I believe this is a bigger concern to them than they are letting on, but certainly not one where they were caught off guard. As he has progressed through the minor league system the Atlanta Braves have moved him out from behind the plate to try and fill what they see as a probable hole in their roster. Prior to the trade bringing Justin Upton to the Atlanta Braves, he was more than likely ear marked for the everyday left field job. With our outfield stacked with talent, he will probably fill in as the backup catcher until Brian McCann returns. Beyond that, I really don't see a area on this roster that will give him routine playing time; more importantly, consistent at bats. After all, it is his offense that has the Atlanta Braves foaming out of the mouth. Generally, when you can hit they will find a place for you.
The concern is that there are only so many spots for regular playing time and he looks to be the odd man out. Barring an injury to an regular player, and that is certainly possible, he will find himself in Gwinnett getting consistent at bats. For that reason, I would not at all be shocked to see him traded away at the trade deadline
The Atlanta Braves have some complex decisions to make. However, it is always good to be bursting at the seam with talent. I look forward to observing how all of this unfolds; should be entertaining.
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