Braves 25-Man Roster

February 6, 2013- Julien Benjamin

Spring Training is about to start, and so with this, I'm going to predict what I think the Opening Day Roster will look like, and what battles there are to watch this ST.

Rotation

Okay, starting first with the rotation. We have 5 spots, as does every team, and we have 4 pitchers who are guaranteed spots. In the 5th spot, I think it's Teheran's job to lose.

1. Kris Medlen- After posting a 0.97 ERA in 12 starts last season, why wouldn't he have a starting job?
2. Mike Minor- He had a very rough 1st half of the season, but had some massive correction in the 2nd half, posting a 2.16 ERA over 14 starts. Despite the struggles, he pitched the most innings on our staff (while on the Braves)
3. Tim Hudson- The veteran. He's in a slight decline in my opinion, had a rough finish last year, with a 3.80 ERA in September, but he has the most experience and savvy of our starters.
4. Paul Maholm- The Braves traded for him last year because he was consistent. He'll continue to do so this year, and so he wins the 4th spot.
5. Julio Teheran- After the trade of Delgado, Teheran really has no competition. The job is his to lose to either Sean Gilmartin or J.R. Graham.

Bullpen

The first 5 spots are guaranteed. The last 2 will be up for grabs, likely between Cory Gearrin, Christhian Martinez, David Hale, Juan Jaime, and Anthony Varvaro, and David Carpenter. I think Gearrin has nothing left to prove in AAA, and did look good in limited appearances at the MLB level. Martinez has done a good job, but is a bit pricey for the 7th reliever in my opinion. The Braves will probably trade him, and use one of the younger cheaper arms who has a good spring.

1. Craig Kimbrel- Closer
2. Eric O'Flaherty- Lights out set-up man
3. Jonny Venters- Rough May last year, but finished strong with a 1.71 ERA in the 2nd half
4. Jordan Walden- Former closer, throws gas. 7th inning guy
5. Luis Avilan- Looked really good in his debut last year.
6. Cory Gearrin
7. David Carpenter

Position Players

C- Brian McCann- He had a rough season last year, but he's still Brian McCann. He makes $12mil as well.
1B- Freddie Freeman- Had a little regression last season, but should hit .280+ w/ 20-25 HR.
2B- Dan Uggla- Last year was Dan's first really bad season. He drew walks to score runs, but the average stayed low and his power disappeared.
SS- Andrelton Simmons- He wasn't traded to the Rangers for Mike Olt; why wouldn't he win the job? Great glove, leadoff potential
3B- Juan Francisco- I think Juan wins this spot. He had a good winter, lost weight, and has been training hard. He also has more power potential than Chris Johnson and is younger.
LF- Justin Upton- After trading for him, he will be the starting LF. Expect him to repeat his 2011 numbers.
CF- BJ Upton- He received the richest contract in Atlanta Braves history. Starting CF
RF- The RF GGer Heyward will start in right, looking to further improve.

Bench

Backup C- Gerald Laird- He was signed for this role. If McCann can't go on Opening Day, he will likely start and either Matt Pagnozzi or Evan Gattis will back him up until McCann returns.

Backup 1B- Chris Johnson- He has played this position before, and I expect the Braves to get him some work at the position. It would allow them to keep either 2 middle infielders or 2 OFers on the bench.

Backup middle IF- Paul Janish- He was great for us last year when Simmons went down, and the Braves seem to like having defensive infield backups.

Backup 3B- Chris Johnson- He will backup Juan at 3B as well

Backup OF- Reed Johnson- He was signed for this role. Good pinch hitter, and we definitely need that.

Last bench spot- I think that it will be another outfielder, and Jose Constanza will get the call. He has some speed, an okay bat, and I think the Braves will put him on the bench mainly for late inning pinch running duties.

Battles

5th starter- Teheran, Gilmartin, Graham
6th and 7th relievers- Gearrin, Martinez, Hale, Varvaro, Jaime, Carpenter
Backup C (To Laird)- Pagnozzi and Evan Gattis
Backup SS/2B- Janish, Pena, Pastornicky
Backup 1B- Chris Johnson and Ernesto Mejia
2nd backup OF- Jordan Schafer and Jose Constanza


What would Julien do?

If I were in charge, my roster would look like this (and since my post is so long, won't post explanations)

Rotation- Medlen, Minor, Hudson, Maholm, Teheran

Bullpen- Kimbrel, O'Flaherty, Walden, Venters, Avilan, Gearrin, Varvaro

Position Players- McCann, Freeman, Uggla, Simmons, Francisco, Heyward, BJ Upton, Justin Upton

Bench- Laird, Mejia, Pastornicky, Chris Johnson, Reed Johnson