February 12, 2013- Julien Benjamin- Atlanta
Good Tuesday morning everyone! Pitchers and catchers have their first workout today! We have about another month and a half or so before we get to some real baseball, but for now, the spring training sessions allow us to get our baseball on, getting us pumped for the season (and for the worried folks like me, it's a month spent hoping no one even gets a cramp). I made some season prections for what is my projected 25-man roster. In a later post, I will post what my goals are for our players.
2013 Season Predictions
Batters (in order of Fredi's projected lineup)
Andrelton Simmons- .266/.331/.361/.692, 28 doubles, 3 triples, 7 HR, 48 RBI
Jason Heyward- .280/.353/.476/.829, 31 doubles, 3 triples, 29 HR, 89 RBI
Justin Upton- .290/.373/.533/.906, 35 doubles, 4 triples, 33 HR, 96 RBI
Freddie Freeman- .283/.357/.469/826, 31 doubles, 1 triples 24 HR, 97 RBI
BJ Upton- .243/.314/.431/.745, 27 doubles, 4 triples, 24 HR, 75 RBI
Brian McCann- .262/.342/.440/.782, 24 doubles, 17 HR, 65 RBI
Dan Uggla- .257/.342/.427/.769, 29 doubles, 2 triples, 21 HR, 71 RBI
Juan Francisco- .233/.303/.428/.731, 28 doubles, 1 triple, 55 RBI
And for the bench.....
C-
Gerald Laird- .272/.324/.364/.688, 9 doubles, 3 HR, 15 RBI
Evan Gattis- .263/.333/.474/.807, 1 doubles, 1 HR, 2 RBI
Matt Pagnozzi- .214/.267/.214/.481
1B-
Ernesto Mejia- .275/.322/.450/.772, 5 doubles, 3 HR, 11 RBI
SS/2B-
Paul Janish- .200/.226/.233/.459, 1 double, 1 RBI
Tyler Pastornicky0 .268/.328/.393/.721, 4 doubles, 1 HR, 5 RBI
3B-
Chris Johnson- .282/.330/.447/.777, 13 double, 6 HR, 24 RBI
OF-
Reed Johnson- .304/.356/.377/.733
Pitching
Rotation
Kris Medlen 15-9, 3.31 ERA 196 IP
Mike Minor 12-8, 3.72 ERA, 184 IP
Tim Hudson 13-9, 3.69 ERA, 173 IP
Paul Maholm 12-10, 3.73 ERA, 179 IP
Julio Teheran 7-11, 4.19 ERA, 144 IP
Brandon Beachy 2-2, 3.67 ERA, 27 IP
Bullpen
Craig Kimbrel 41 Saves, 1.69 ERA, 64 IP
Eric O'Flaherty 2 Saves, 2.47 ERA, 62 IP
Jordan Walden 2 Saves, 3.26 ERA, 58 IP
Jonny Venters 1 Save, 3.14 ERA, 66 IP
Luis Avilan 1 SV, 3.27 ERA, 55 IP
Cory Gearrin 3.33 ERA, 51 IP
David Carpenter 3.99 ERA, 68 IP
I know that I am on the low side for bullpen innings, but these will be updated before the start of the season, and my official numbers will be released then. For now, this just gives the general range that I expect for our players.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
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
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
Spring Training
February 6, 2013- Julien Benjamin
Hello Braves fans! It's been a while since my last post, I'm updating here before Spring Training. It's, what 5 days away? Can't wait!
Anyways, baseball rumors and stories continue on, though not much on the Braves front after the great trade we made for Upton. Bourn is still unsigned, same as Kyle Lohse. Both are Boras clients. I find this so funny, it seems that his tactics have backfired on him. With Bourn, it seems like he's trying to trick the Mets into rushing into signing him, by saying that he has other offers. This is a pure bluff. If he did, Michael would be signed already, seeing that ST is about to start. The Mets are doing the smart thing, and trying to secure their #11 pick (a pick that I think they should be allowed to keep).
However, that's not our main focus here. Our focus is Braves baseball. I'm planning a series of posts, that I hopefully should get posted soon, comparing the Braves and the Nationals, our closest rivals in the NL East. At this moment, I think that they are marginally better than us, and will attempt to prove this in my next few postings (memory willing). Also, I hope to go around the league, providing projections for different teams, and identifying teams that we should watch for in the league this season to surprise us.
My next post, which should hopefully be out today, will detail our 25-man roster, and who I expect to see win spots and why. I'll also give my thoughts on who should win these spots.
Any questions or comments for me, you can leave below, but most preferably, tweet me: @bravesfanjulien . I also appear frequently on David O'Brien's of the AJC Braves blog, under the moniker TheOnlyBravesFan
Hello Braves fans! It's been a while since my last post, I'm updating here before Spring Training. It's, what 5 days away? Can't wait!
Anyways, baseball rumors and stories continue on, though not much on the Braves front after the great trade we made for Upton. Bourn is still unsigned, same as Kyle Lohse. Both are Boras clients. I find this so funny, it seems that his tactics have backfired on him. With Bourn, it seems like he's trying to trick the Mets into rushing into signing him, by saying that he has other offers. This is a pure bluff. If he did, Michael would be signed already, seeing that ST is about to start. The Mets are doing the smart thing, and trying to secure their #11 pick (a pick that I think they should be allowed to keep).
However, that's not our main focus here. Our focus is Braves baseball. I'm planning a series of posts, that I hopefully should get posted soon, comparing the Braves and the Nationals, our closest rivals in the NL East. At this moment, I think that they are marginally better than us, and will attempt to prove this in my next few postings (memory willing). Also, I hope to go around the league, providing projections for different teams, and identifying teams that we should watch for in the league this season to surprise us.
My next post, which should hopefully be out today, will detail our 25-man roster, and who I expect to see win spots and why. I'll also give my thoughts on who should win these spots.
Any questions or comments for me, you can leave below, but most preferably, tweet me: @bravesfanjulien . I also appear frequently on David O'Brien's of the AJC Braves blog, under the moniker TheOnlyBravesFan
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