After missing out on the playoffs for four consecutive seasons, the Atlanta Braves were eliminated by the San Francisco Giants in the Division Series last year. Since then, the Braves’ long-time manager Bobby Cox retired and made way for Fredi Gonzalez. In addition to a managerial change, the organization added second baseman Dan Uggla from the Marlins and a cast of experienced relievers. Uggla will serve as the right-handed power bat to complement lefty hitter Brian McCann and aging switch hitter Chipper Jones in the lineup. Despite the acquisition of Uggla, there are still a couple of uncertainties within that Braves lineup. Amongst those question marks are Nate McLouth in centerfield and Freddie Freeman at first base.
McLouth’s stint with the Braves has not been impressive so far. In two years with the Braves, McLouth has hit .229, 17 home runs, 60 RBI, with 19 stolen bases. To put these stats into perspective, in 2008 McLouth’s last full season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, McLouth hit .276, 26 home runs, 94 RBI and 23 stolen bases. McLouth showed a bit of life during the last month of last season. He hit .273 with three home runs, 10 RBI, and three steals. McLouth definitely has the ability to flip the switch in 2011, but there is no guarantee that he will. At first base, Freddie Freeman will get the opportunity to play everyday. Freeman was rated amongst the top 50 prospects in 2009. Last season in AAA, Freeman hit .319 with 18 home runs, 87 RBI, and 35 doubles. During the Braves spring training game against the Mets last Saturday, Freeman doubled three times.
Originally, I was not sold on the idea of the Braves going with Freeman at first base. In fact, I was thinking that the Braves should have moved Chipper to first base and Martin Prado to third base and have someone else play left field. After looking at Freeman’s minor league stats and watching his performance during Saturday’s spring training game, I feel that the Braves are making the right move with the rookie first baseman.
A couple of question marks amongst the Braves’ pitchers are at the number five spot in the rotation and the back end of the bullpen. As of now, Mike Minor is projected as the Braves’ fifth starter in the rotation. Minor appeared in nine games with the Braves last season. He finished with a record of 3-2 and an earned run average of 5.98 in 40 and two-thirds innings. In six starts for the Braves’ AAA club last year, Minor went 4-1 with an ERA of 1.89 in 33 and one-third innings pitched. Minor does make a strong case for the fifth spot in the rotation, but if for some reason he does not perform in spring training, the Braves have pitchers Brandon Beachy, Kris Medlen, and non-roster invitee Rodrigo Lopez who can fill that spot.
Craig Kimbrel is slated to replace the retired Billy Wagner as the Braves’ closer in 2011. Kimbrel had an amazing season in 2010 going 4-0 with an ERA of 0.44 and recorded one save in 21 games. During the Braves’ postseason run last year, Kimbrel appeared in four games and posted an ERA of 2.08. So far this spring, however, Kimbrel has not helped his cause to secure the closer job. In Saturday’s game against the Mets, Kimbrel allowed two runs on a two-run home run, walked two batters, and struck out one batter in just one-third of an inning. If Kimbrel does not perform well in spring training, the Braves signed veteran reliever George Sherrill and traded for Scott Linebrink during the offseason.
Overall, the Braves are in a great position to dethrone the Phillies in the NL East. The only thing that may keep the Braves out of the postseason this year will be the performances of both Nate McLouth and the bullpen. In order to secure a playoff run, I feel that the Braves need another experienced arm in the bullpen and perhaps another veteran outfielder off the bench.
Next Stops:
From March 6 – March 8, I will be in Arizona covering the Cactus League. Make sure you stay tuned for reports on the Padres, Mariners, Angels, Dodgers, Cubs, Royals, Rangers, Reds, Indians, A’s, Brewers, Rockies, White Sox, and the defending World Series Champions San Francisco Giants.
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