Atlanta Braves Making The Team Meter 2011: Hitters, Week 1
by gondeee on Feb 18, 2011 8:28 AM EST
Email
PrintThe original Making the Team Meter (MTM) returns for its sixth year as the one-stop shop for finding out which Atlanta Braves players will break camp with the team, and which ones are headed back to the minors. Throughout spring training I'll track the progress of each player who does not yet have a guaranteed spot on the opening day roster.
This year, like last year, the MTM will be initially broken down into two parts -- one for pitchers and one for hitters. Today's installment will cover all the hitters in camp and who might have a chance at making the team. To begin with we'll assume that there is a group that has already made the team, a pretty safe assumption with these guys:
Starters: Brian McCann, Dan Uggla, Alex Gonzalez, Chipper Jones, Martin Prado, Nate McLouth, and Jason Heyward (1 spot available, first base)
Reserves: Eric Hinske and David Ross (3 spots available)
The second assumption we'll make is that the five additional catchers in camp will not be making the team, nor do they have a chance to make the team unless McCann or Ross get injured. So we won't list them on the MTM.
Yes, I am listing Brooksy. That could be debatable, but a bad spring defensively coupled with struggles at the plate while some of these other guys are doing good on both sides of the ball, and Conrad could get cut. We'll keep an eye on it. And since Freeman said he's out to win a spot, we'll make him win one on the MTM as well.
| Player, Position | This Week's Trend | Last Week | Notes and Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks Conrad, IF |
 |
Like I said above, he should make the team as a reserve infielder (shudder) and pinch hitter. |
|
| Freddie Freeman, 1B |
|
I will be rooting for him to succeed. There's a lot of pressure on this kid. |
|
| Diory Hernandez, IF |
 |
Hard to believe that Diory has 94 big league at-bats. Very few of them were successful at-bats. Still, he's the favorite at this point to win the backup shortstop gig. |
|
| Brandon Hicks |
 |
A good spring could see him push Diory for the backup shortstop job. I'd like to see that power he showed a couple of years ago return. |
|
| Joe Mather, IF/OF |
|
Mather and his Werthian build is the favorite at this point for the backup outfield job. |
|
| Jordan Schafer, OF |
|
Keep an eye on the strikeouts. Even with a good spring I think the Braves will give him time to play everyday in the minors for a while. |
|
| Matt Young, OF |
|
A lot of people on this blog will be rooting for Matt. It would be fantastic to see him make the club. At some point this spring he'll have a breakout game and all the beat writers will suddenly know his name and we'll have a day of stories on him. |
|
| Shawn Bowman, IF |
|
Bowman is a 26 year old minor league slugger who hit 22 home runs for the Blue Jays double-A team last year. He is apparently a plus defender, though his bat still need some work. He was originally in the Mets organization. Ticketed for triple-A. |
|
| Mycal Jones, IF/OF |
|
We'll have to watch where the Braves play him this spring -- the infield or the outfield. When I talked to him at rookie camp he was slated for the outfield, but that could change. He will gain valuable experience this spring and be ready to compete for a job next year. |
|
| Ed Lucas, IF |
|
Hit .307/.398/.480 for the Royals triple-A team last year. Though he'll be 29 this year he's a solid defender who can play any infield or outfield position, has a little pop, and good plate discipline. He has the best chance of making the team of any non-roster invitee hitter. |
|
| Tyler Pastornicky, SS |
|
This young shortstop is very highly thought of by the Braves organization, and while he likely won't make the club out of the gate, this is his audition for a late season call-up. He is likely the successor to Alex Gonzalez at shortstop. |
|
| Brent Clevlen, OF |
|
We hardly knew ye last year. Believe it or not, he gets some strong early consideration for backup outfielder. |
|
| Jose Constanza, OF |
|
He's a speedy center fielder who was formerly with the Cleveland organization. He hit .319/.373/.394 last year and all of his value is tied up in his stolen base ability -- 34 for 40 last year and an 81% success rate for his career. | |
| Wilkin Ramirez, OF |
|
Once a pretty decent prospect for the Tigers, he has problems hitting off-speed pitches. He represents a good power prospect for a pinch hitter, but will likely wind up at Gwinnett. |
|
| Wilkin Castillo, C/IF/OF |
|
He has seen time with the Reds in the Majors the last two years, can play the infield, outfield, and catcher. Though he plays second and third like a catcher would, he does represent some flexibility for the team. Unfortunately his bat does not have much in it. |
| Arrow Key: |
|---|
| = Chance of making the team is waffling or 50-50. |
| = Chance of making the team is trending down. |
| = Chance of making the team is trending up. |
125 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
And an epic HR it was. Started a rally when the bats were ice cold and we ended up winning the game.
by king of games on Feb 18, 2011 10:19 AM EST up reply actions
I really think Mather is ahead of Conrad. Not because of Conrad’s errors, but because Mather can play multiple positions, and you need guys like that. Prado can’t play 2 positions at once, not even Heyward can do that.
Mather needs a decent spring though offensively.
Freeman is a lock to me, so the last spot will go to either a backup CF or SS (guessing if A-Gon gets hurt in a game Prado moves to SS, and Mather’s the third option)
Last spot is up for grabs, but it will have to be someone who can play short or center.
If they think Mather can play CF...
Conrad’s chances increase imo.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
Interestingly
We’re all under the impression we have to have a backup SS straight out of camp. I say if Diory and Hick don’t produce in ST, leave them off the 25-man. If Gonzo gets hurt Prado or Mather can fill in for a few innings and one of those guys can be called up for the next game.Why not just fill out the roster with whoever has the best Spring?
by king of games on Feb 18, 2011 10:25 AM EST up reply actions
I know what you’re saying, and it’s a good point, but there’s no way the Braves go without a legit backup SS. It seems like a good thought considering Gwinnett is 30 minutes away, but it’s a pipedream. This is why I think Ed Lucas is vital. If he can prove to be a legit SS backup, along with being a legit backup to all other positions, it opens the door for a pure hitter for the othe bench spot (Conrad). Personally, I’d like to see the bench fill out with Lucas, Mather, and Conrad. That’s some serious late-inning pop.
Bubba Sparxxx: It's gettin' Uggla...IN HERE! UP IN HERE!
The odds that Lucas makes the team over two more capable defensive shortstops who are already on the 40 man (Hick and Hernandez) are pretty much non-existent.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
cb, you have absolutely no proof in your “non-existent” assumption. there are 39-men on the 40-man roster (billy and asencio excluded). i’m sure the braves have reasoning for having the extra spot. if i were a betting man, the backup ss who plays the best in spring gets the job. hicks and diory have shown to be one-dimensional players, offering defense only at the major-league level. even wren himself has hyped up lucas and said he’ll get a legitimate look in spring.
Bubba Sparxxx: It's gettin' Uggla...IN HERE! UP IN HERE!
what if they are holding the roster spot
because they dont know if they wanna give it to lucas or constanza
Well, if the whole argument is that the last spot should go to a back up shortstop, then shouldn’t it go to one of the two guys who have proven to be good defenders at short and not the guy who’s played three games at short in the last five seasons?
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
no, it shouldnt be the whole argument...
unless you think alex gonzalez is going to need a a rest every 6-7 days (which his career has never suggested such, he’s either hurt or playing). i’d rather a bench player be a bench player and not a “defensive specialist”, especially if there’s hardly ever going to be a chance to show your defensive talents because the guy starting in front of you is much better defensively.
so, let me ask you this, cb. why would the braves backup ss be a “defense first” player when chances of actually subbing in for a better defensive ss is basically nil?
and secondly, brandon hicks is the only one of those 2 who plays an above average defensive SS. diory, defensively, has never been above average.
Bubba Sparxxx: It's gettin' Uggla...IN HERE! UP IN HERE!
I’m not gonna get in a whole thing with you here man. I just don’t care enough to argue something this pointless. You can feel however you want about who should be on the bench. Personally, I think that barring injuries, Diory Hernandez ends up on Atlanta bench to start the year with Hicks and Lucas in AAA. If you think differently, that’s great.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
People can get enamored with the unfamiliar can't they?
It’s a lot easier to point out the flaws of the bad we know than the bad we don’t know.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
by Mr. Sanchez on Feb 20, 2011 10:21 AM EST up reply actions
Come on, dude
Don’t you want a 50-comment scrum that dominates the entire thread, justin-Sanchez style?
Don't kiss an ass if it's in the process of shitting on you.
"…aren’t worthy enough to hold his (Pujols) ass cheeks apart while Playboy models wipe him with thousand dollar bills after he craps out the cure to whatever previously-incurable disease." by royhobbs 1/7/09
by buzzdeadwax on Feb 22, 2011 11:27 AM EST up reply actions
absolutely exactly the bench I would hope for.
Unless, Young or Constanza are standing out so much that they are obviously better options than Mather (or Conrad)..
Mather cannot play short stop neither can prado
but Ed Lucas can, and he is a better bat than Diory or Hicks.. I don’t even know why we would be thinking he isnt the favorite. He won’t be a defensive wizard there, but he will be able to be a defensive sub at 2B to compliment Gonzalez at SS. He also plays third (which Mather hardly has) and LF and RF.
Between Mather and Lucas we could cover the whole field including CF and SS.
This is not the case with Diory or Hicks, whose only advantage is superior glove work at SS, but that is probably not the priority over a good bat, solid defense, and the ability to play LF, RF and 3B
(we really want all our subs to be able to play LF, because thats where they can all get at bats for Prado coming in if they are hot)
Mather said himself he could play SS, he played it in HS and I think college as well.
by king of games on Feb 18, 2011 5:22 PM EST up reply actions
Well that inspires confidence.
Chipper played SS in HS and the low minors.
Follow me on Twitter at @JakeHumphrey91
by Jake Humphrey on Feb 18, 2011 6:02 PM EST up reply actions
Chipper has played SS...
…in the majors on brief occasions, too. Not going to happen again, but….
So did
Troy Glaus
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
by Mr. Sanchez on Feb 20, 2011 10:22 AM EST up reply actions
yeah i call BS
he didnt even play second hardly in the minors
Let’s repeat, Lucas has played 3 games at short in the last 5 seasons.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
But the bat. THE BAT!....
that’s been slightly outproducing Diory at an older age in league’s much more conducive to good hitting.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
by Mr. Sanchez on Feb 20, 2011 10:24 AM EST up reply actions
lol +1
You won't always agree with me...Because sometimes you're wrong.
by JonnyBravesFan on Feb 20, 2011 2:46 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I’m not sure there is a ton of mystery with anything other than the backup MI bench spot. Ross and Hinske are obvious locks like you say but I think Conrad and Mather are near locks as I think they would have to do something to lose their spots rather than having to do something to lose them. Conrad will be back as a primary PH with Hinske while providing third string INF depth behind Prado and whoever is the backup MI while Mather seems like a heavy favorite to be the 4OF because he has right handed power and they believe he can handle CF.
So unless something drastic happens – like Schafer destroying the ball or Conrad completely imploding – then the only real battle we should see is Hernandez vs. Lucas for the MI bench spot with Hicks and Castillo trying to put themselves in the mix.
Jason Heyward wins at baseball.
I don’t even think there’s a battle for that last spot. Barring injury the bench will be Ross, Hinske, Conrad, Mather, and Hernandez.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
no way
lucas is a better option than hernandez and if he proves it he will be on the team..
also, young and constanza can both make a case that they need to be on the team,
and if Mather performs poorly they might make the squad, or at least earn a spot on the 40 man
Lucas, no Major League experience, 3 games of shortstop in the last 5 seasons, not on the 40 man. Diory, played with the team for stretches the last few years, including most of the second half of 2010, shortstop is his best position, already on the 40 man.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
Lucas played 36 games at SS in 2010. Where are you getting your numbers?
http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=lucas-001edw
Crap. You’re right. Ok, he’s up to 38 games in the last 5 seasons. Still…
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
If he were a decent glove at SS, with his minor league batting lines, I think he would’ve already made it to the Show at some point.
However, that’s also assuming the Royals organization can properly evaluate talent outside of the draft — which I think is up for debate.
I know guys slip through the cracks, and maybe he’ll shock me and break out this year, but I’m just not seeing why people are falling in love with him. He hasn’t been a regular player since he was in A ball and this past year was the first one he really spent at AAA. And yeah, those batting lines are good but he’s been playing in hitter’s leagues. I’m sure he’s going to be a great part of Gwinnett’s team and may at some point in the year earn a shot in Atlanta, but the idea that he’s going to break camp with the team just seems so unlikely that it’s almost impossible.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
he just said 36 games in 2010
why the response, 36 games in the last 5 seasons?
the point is that this guy can cover the position if he needs to, and prob bring more bat into the game than diory.
It all comes down to if we think the defensive improvement of diory is better than the offensive improvement of lucas.. it will depend on both of their secondary qualities this spring as well..
I’m telling you, it’s not even an actual contest. At the end of spring, barring injuries, either Hernandez or Hicks will be in Atlanta, and the other one and Lucas will be in AAA.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
Yes there will be spring competitions
I understand your reasoning for believing all the bench roles are already determined (“barring injury”). Here are three reasons why that may not be so:
(1) “Barring injury” is an unrealistic qualifier. A few injuries always happen in ST, and they always change the opening day roster.
(2) ST is always a time for competitions. That’s why we can never predict all 25 roster spots accurately. In 2010, Brooks Conrad and Jo Jo Reyes were surprise picks for the Braves’ opening day roster….
In 2009, Clint Sammons and Jorge Campillo were surprise picks….
(3) This spring, the Braves have a new manager, Freddie Gonzalez. Until he actually demonstrates his management style in Atlanta, it is probably illogical to believe Gonzalez will not use ST to evaluate candidates for Atlanta’s bench, or that he is incapable of spring roster surprises.
Conrad and Reyes weren’t surprises at all, and Sammons made the team because of an injury. The only guy of the four you listed that was a surprise was Campillo. If you were surprised by the other guys you weren’t informed enough from the start of ST.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
My concern with that is who's the 5th OF...
and is there a legit 2nd CF in the mix between Mather, Heyward, and Prado. Can Hinske still be relied on to man a corner OF spot? Can Conrad or Hernandez? I still think Conrad is in a battle for that 5th spot with an OF candidate because of two things—1) I’m uncertain of Mather (or the others) in CF, and 2) Mather and Hernandez can fill what Conrad can defensively, if not better. He’s still got options, and if Fredi wants more versatility on his bench than what is primarily just a 2nd pinch hitter (since Hinske doesn’t provide much on D either), then Conrad could easily be the odd man out imo.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
by Mr. Sanchez on Feb 20, 2011 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
The only people who are so concerned with Conrad’s defense that they’d be afraid to put him in the field are the fans. The team doesn’t have any problem with his defense. They know what it is, it was the same all year barring one bad week.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
I'm not saying it as though I'm "concerned"...
just that depth chart wise, if Mather and Hernandez would play 2B, 3B, etc before he does, would his bat be enough as the 3rd or 4th in line to play an IF spot vs. someone who could be your 2nd choice in CF?
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
by Mr. Sanchez on Feb 20, 2011 12:29 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think Mather is going to play much third. He’s got 7 games there in the last 3 seasons. Conrad is a much better option there than him.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
Does anybody miss Omar Infante now?
Freddie Freeman
Joe Mather
Diory Hernandez/Brandon Hicks
Brooks Conrad
As much as I like the raw dog, the only reason I think he makes the team is because he’s a switch-hitter who excels in PH situations. Unfortunately, I don’t think Matt Young will make it because losing Omar Infante really screwed our SS flexibility…and now we’ll need a dedicated guy to back up Sea Bass.
by TBuzz on Feb 18, 2011 9:11 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Of course we miss Infante but I would trade him 100/100 for Uggla.
And it really isn’t all that dire as whoever is backing up at SS will rarely be asked to hit because of the other dedicated PH guys on the bench and if Gonzalez goes down for any amount of time I think we call someone else up or trade for a starter and keep the backup as the backup.
Jason Heyward wins at baseball.
by bbxxj on Feb 18, 2011 9:20 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Hell yeah I’d rather have Uggla. I heard on this blog that Matt Young had played SS before…is that true?
by TBuzz on Feb 18, 2011 9:26 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Not in pro ball looking at his stata
His experience at each spot in order goes in number of games played LF, CF, 2B and RF. I bet he could be an emergency option at SS but so could Prado with Mather/Hinske in at LF.
Jason Heyward wins at baseball.
by bbxxj on Feb 18, 2011 9:37 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Omar Infante isn't easily replaced,
but do you honestly think anyone is going to miss him all that much when Dan Uggla slugs .500 and hits his 30th HR of the season?
"That guy mvhsbball is really an insufferable schmuck." - FuquaManuel
by Scott Coleman on Feb 19, 2011 12:51 AM EST up reply actions
Agree
This is why one more trade in March would not surprise me. I think Ross, Hinske, and probably Mather are pretty obvious choices for the Braves’ bench. Conrad will also work if all they want is a lefty PH who will never put on a glove again, since he has already shown he can win games in that role. But after you get past those four names, there is a substantial dropoff in the talent/experience factor. Ed Lucas obviously has an oppoortunity to show them something in March. But there is really no reason for the Braves to break camp with a noncontributory bat like Diory Hernandez or Brandon Hicks on their 25 man roster just because Infante is gone. With all the roster shuffling and player drift that typically occurs throughout major league baseball every March, it should not be a big deal to pull off one more minor trade or waiver acquisition in order to pick up a “fit” for that last role on the Braves’ 25 man roster. The need is fairly obvious, so I still expect one more acquisition.
Anyone have an idea of where Beau Torbert will be placed
I would think it’d be Mississippi but I don’t believe I have seen any news on this.
Spring Training is the greatest thing that can't end soon enough
by JKowalek on Feb 18, 2011 10:13 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Mississippi if he makes the team. The guy was signed out of an indy league, so he’s not even a lock to make a roster out of ST.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
Werthian
is my new favorite word.
"Tony Gwynn made sacrifices. Cal Ripken made sacrifices. I'm not sure Derek Jeter made sacrifices given the ungodly deep pockets the Yankees have." - Chipper Jones
by MBL1 on Feb 18, 2011 10:43 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Agreed
After all, “Heywardian” is….
1. Too awkward to say, and
2. Nobody (’cept you-know-who) fits the description anyway.
Sandy Alderson: "There's 'no market' for Luis Castillo or Oliver Perez, even if we wanted to trade them." (All you need to know about the Mets).
Some
Combination of Optimus Prime and Batman might come close
"I wasn’t thinking about it. That’s the worst celebration of all time. I didn’t know what to do. I got lost in the moment." - Brian McCann
by HansonManCrush on Feb 18, 2011 3:37 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Optiman Batprime
"Life is a lot like a baseball game- you want your team to win, you want it to be a thriller, you don't want it to be called short on account of nature, and you wouldn't mind if it went into extra innings." -Dante Shepherd, survivingtheworld.net
Exactly!
"I wasn’t thinking about it. That’s the worst celebration of all time. I didn’t know what to do. I got lost in the moment." - Brian McCann
by HansonManCrush on Feb 18, 2011 4:55 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I think Conrad really needs to be on the team, barring an implosion.
He’s the perfect pinch-hitter in a lot of ways—switch-hits, has a lot of pop, doesn’t mind sitting for seven innings. Yeah, he’s D is really bad. But if he never plays more than a few innings at a time in the field, we won’t really notice. The key is that if someone gets hurt, we need to keep Brooksy on the bench and find someone else to play every day (unlike at the end of last year).
Since it seems like Mather has a spot locked up as well, that only leaves the backup MI spot. While we don’t have any great candidates there, Diory, Hicks, and Lucas can probably all handle the role. So we’re looking OK as long as none of the starters sucks or gets hurt.
"Yeah, and I have an enchanted jock strap." -- Karl Karlson
by Jacob Peterson on Feb 18, 2011 10:46 AM EST reply actions
I don't know if anyone's yet posted this
…but the AJC ran a very nice piece on Conrad this month. I do wish him the best.
LIVE EST
Tape-delayed for the West Coast
Let's face it...
Conrad got exposed last year because we were in a playoff situation in which Bobby simply had no other options. Were it the regular season, we’d have another glove brought in from Gwinnett. Atlanta chose to go with a bat for the Giants series — Lord knows they weren’t hitting their way out of a paper bag then — but defense turned out to be the deciding factor.
All that to say this: so long as the 2011 team is balanced on glove depth and bat depth, I’d be happy to see the RawDog back for the new campaign.
Sandy Alderson: "There's 'no market' for Luis Castillo or Oliver Perez, even if we wanted to trade them." (All you need to know about the Mets).
diory kicks and lucas can handle the role
as a middle infielder,
but only lucas can play LF/RF and 3B
(Actually i dont know if hicks or diory could play 3B but that’s the least relevant)
So while they may have the better glove,
he has more versatlity, and a better bat
so if he gets hot, we can put him in anywhere to get someone a day off.
Let's fast forward...
End of Spring Training comes, Lucas doesn’t make the team, you wonder why.
September call-ups comes, Lucas doesn’t get sent to the bigs, you wonder why.
Lucas signs with another team next year.
What you’ve seen in this fast forward is the same thing we’ve seen with homegrown players, a la Wes Timmons.
Ed Lucas is a 29 year-old player that never saw the light of day on the Royals’ 25-man roster, with his major competition for an MLB job being Yuniesky Betancourt and Alberto Callaspo. He never even made the back-up role for them in eight years of service, so what makes you think he’s destined to be this Infante-like player??
-C
It’s rough to sit through these games and not have someone that can’t hit a Ball?
by cthabeerman on Feb 18, 2011 5:48 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Hernandez and Hicks can both play 2B and 3B. And anyone athletic enough to play SS can play LF or RF.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
doesnt matter if they can
they need to do it in order to be comfortable and know what htey are doing
I’ll repeat what’s been said a few other times in the thread, don’t be shocked when Lucas in in AAA to start the year. (Of course this is barring injuries.)
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
that's fair
i wont be shocked..
i think that it will genuinely come down to performance.
I think Lucas has a shot to make the team,
so do diory and Hicks..
So do Young and Constanza
even schafer,,
I think we are in a position where we can be flexible with how we manage our bench based on what guys perform..
if one of those CF really perform, we will have some speed and a defensive outfield sub… but it could go another way..
there are enough ways that it could go that we have to base it on performance
I'm hoping...
That Conrad has taken a lot of practice fielding on the diamond after last year’s craptastic defensive performance against San Fransisco in the playoffs. If he can play at least passable defense in ST, he can be penciled in as a lock for a roster spot. Even if he can’t, he is still in the mix as a strong PH option off the bench.
SOCIALMEDIA:"FACEBOOK" DOWN, MUST FIND NEW WAYS TO DEEPSTALK AREA FEMALES FOR HUMAN GANT RON TO SEX AKA DONG AFTER BRAVES ATL LOSSES --CyborgHanson48
He has a chance...
…but I doubt the defense improves much—-he’s a career minor leaguer who has been trying to make a major league roster for a long time and defense is a good way to do it. I think his defense is already as good as it can be, it just isn’t good.
I beg to differ...
I don’t personally know what he’s been doing this offseason, but with his work ethic and now the inability to rely on Bobby’s unwavering faith, I’ve got to imagine he’s been working on his defense quite a bit. There’s no legitimate reason for him to not make the team if his defense improves, and he had to have felt the same way once his playoff troubles faded from the forefront of our collective memories…Now, I certainly don’t expect him to be a Gold Glove quality fielder, but I’ve faith that he’s done enough in the offseason and will continue in ST, all he needs to really do to make the team. Of course, I’m obviously rooting for the guy…
Follow me on Twitter @thekudzukid
I thought Cash
was a lock for the backup outfielder? Isn’t his slash line something like .320/.400/.575?
GET TO THE CHOPPAH
I don't know about the guy(s) upstairs, but I do believe in Welsh Jesus
VICK-VICK-VICK-VICKTORIOUS
VISA problems.
Sandy Alderson: "There's 'no market' for Luis Castillo or Oliver Perez, even if we wanted to trade them." (All you need to know about the Mets).
Don’t lose hope — I hear that credit counseling works wonders. He should be out of rehab there in a month or so.
Sandy Alderson: "There's 'no market' for Luis Castillo or Oliver Perez, even if we wanted to trade them." (All you need to know about the Mets).
Fantastic, nice play
"I wasn’t thinking about it. That’s the worst celebration of all time. I didn’t know what to do. I got lost in the moment." - Brian McCann
by HansonManCrush on Feb 18, 2011 3:39 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
BOOOOOOOOO!
"That guy mvhsbball is really an insufferable schmuck." - FuquaManuel
by Scott Coleman on Feb 18, 2011 2:39 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I just plain out don’t want Conrad on this team. Cut him, run him out of town and give someone else the chance.
In baseball, you're supposed to sit on your ass, spit tobacco, and nod at stupid things. Perfect life might I add.
Explain?
Dude won several games for them last season. Without him there would have been no playoffs in ATL
"I wasn’t thinking about it. That’s the worst celebration of all time. I didn’t know what to do. I got lost in the moment." - Brian McCann
by HansonManCrush on Feb 18, 2011 3:52 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
He's
Great in the clubhouse and busts his ass everyday
"I wasn’t thinking about it. That’s the worst celebration of all time. I didn’t know what to do. I got lost in the moment." - Brian McCann
by HansonManCrush on Feb 18, 2011 3:53 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Sorry for the double post under me.. Fail on my part but I will elaborate. I know he did win several games for us last year and he seems like a great guy and all but I honestly think we have better options available to us. If he has a hell of a spring then he should make it. In my opinion its his spot to lose but I’d rather have someone else make the bench over Conrad.
In baseball, you're supposed to sit on your ass, spit tobacco, and nod at stupid things. Perfect life might I add.
I'm
Not technically savvy enough to post a link via my mobile phone, but if you go back and read Conrad’s season in review that was written by the wonderful authors here at TC, I think his late inning stats support the argument that this team doesn’t have any better bench bat options
"I wasn’t thinking about it. That’s the worst celebration of all time. I didn’t know what to do. I got lost in the moment." - Brian McCann
by HansonManCrush on Feb 18, 2011 4:14 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Remember...
…late inning heroics is generally not a repeatable skill. He is a hitter with solid power but contact issues. Not a bad power bench bat, but he’s a AAAA guy because sometimes you need a better glove in that reserve position.
ideal situation
First I gotta say, I think Prado is not gonna give a damn about "settling into a role" in LF. I think he will wanna get into the IF as much as he can. Still, without him in the depth chart, I think it’s:
1B – Hinske→Mather
2B – Lucas →Conrad
SS – Lucas
3B – Lucas
CF – Mather →Heyward→Lucas
LF/RF – Lucas/Mather (depending on performance)
Mather better really prove he is more valuable than a speedy and defensive CF with a high OBP which Constanza and Young may have.
you seem to have very high expectaions for Lucas
Count me as one that really doesn’t see him making the team. He’s aaa filler and injury insurance
You won't always agree with me...Because sometimes you're wrong.
by JonnyBravesFan on Feb 18, 2011 7:36 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Two other guys with much more experience, especially recently at the position, both of whom have played int he Majors before.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
with no bat at the major league level whatsoever
we have to be looking for our options that can hit
lets hope one of them does..
I think we have other guys that we will be counting on for offense off the bench.
Im ok with a backup SS that is basically just a glove as long as the glove is good
You won't always agree with me...Because sometimes you're wrong.
by JonnyBravesFan on Feb 19, 2011 11:38 PM EST up reply actions
Diory's bat isn't far behind Lucas...
considering age and league played in. Plus, better glove.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
by Mr. Sanchez on Feb 20, 2011 10:32 AM EST up reply actions
Jordan Schafer
I don’t really disagree with those who suggest the Braves will want him playing on a full time basis in the minors and refining his hitting. It certainly would seem to make sense after the last tow years.
On the other hand, he could very well have another dazzling spring – like in ‘09 – and if he did and if Nate foundered … well, I will just say, I think Jordan’s status on the make the team meter should not yet be discounted.
Nice
Schafer is still the future in CF, i’m pulling so hard for him to steal the job from McOut. Schafer is good
"I wasn’t thinking about it. That’s the worst celebration of all time. I didn’t know what to do. I got lost in the moment." - Brian McCann
by HansonManCrush on Feb 18, 2011 4:47 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Glad tp see
You won't always agree with me...Because sometimes you're wrong.
by JonnyBravesFan on Feb 18, 2011 7:39 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Glad to see
Im not the only one that thinks Schafer is the CF of the future and maybe the best option this year
You won't always agree with me...Because sometimes you're wrong.
by JonnyBravesFan on Feb 18, 2011 7:40 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Nate, for financial reasons alone....
will make the team. For that reason alone, I think Jordan’s chances should be discounted.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
by Mr. Sanchez on Feb 20, 2011 10:32 AM EST up reply actions
This. I would love to see Jordan steal Nate’s job in spring training.
In baseball, you're supposed to sit on your ass, spit tobacco, and nod at stupid things. Perfect life might I add.
ditto
+1
i agree
every other way to say it
by drumzalicious on Feb 18, 2011 6:41 PM EST up reply actions
Then we've got a near $7m waste, again...
personally, I’d like to see Jordan play well enough to win it, but Nate play just as well so he can earn that money playing everyday while Jordan delays his service clock and gets back used to everyday action and the aches and pains that’ll go with it in AAA.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
by Mr. Sanchez on Feb 20, 2011 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
I would love to see
Schafer play good enough to prove he can handle the MLB again but get sent down to AAA until midseason so that McLouth and Schafer both get plenty of consistent playing time. I believe McLouth will bounce back this season.
In regards to who earns the job out of ST? whoever is hottest deserves it. Injuries will sadly happen by midseason and hopefully if Schafer can come up, we can use Prado as the everyday super utility or replace whoever is injured since our outfield will be covered.
Either way, I like this team. Seems pretty solid to me and would rather argue over the final bench spots than worry about who earns a starting spot.
"Give him the heater Ricky."
by Pavy848 on Feb 20, 2011 1:37 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I’m surprised about the love Lucas is getting. I agree with it and I am very interested to see how he plays this spring, probably more so than any position player. Hicks and Hernandez definitely have the upper hand to start being on the 40-man but there is a spot open and Lucas has the better bat than both and better defense than Conrad.
I hope he makes the team, and there is a shot he will, but he could just as easily never be seen in Atlanta all season.
Twitter: @Ben_Duronio Stop calling Tommy Hanson "Big Red" -- This is the cause I support the most.
Wes Timmons never got a shot in Atlanta, and I see him as a very comparable player to Lucas. I agree that he’s unlikely to see anything but injury call up bench time.
Timmons had absolutely no power. Lucas has some decent pop.
TImmons played almost predominately 3B, which almost always had a better backup. (Betemit, Derosa, Prado, etc.)
Lucas has 300+ games at 3B, 100+ at SS, and 50+ in LF
Really the only comparable is that they can provide a good OBP
I'm all jacked up on Mountain Dew
18 points of slugging between the two. Not a huge jump, especially in the offense-heavy environment Lucas played in. If he were a viable short top it seems like he would’ve stuck at the position rather than receiving a rash of starts there last year after playing almost none since his early 20s.
He’s played more than double the number of games at 3rd than any other position, and is probably a Prado-like player (good at third, OK elsewhere, bad idea at short).
Timmons’ best slugging year ever was .404 last year
Lucas has slugged .441 and .480 the past 2 seasons. Its more than a little difference.
Apples to oranges, really.
I'm all jacked up on Mountain Dew
Where was he for those?
League’s, especially with altitude on the west coast, makes a difference.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
by Mr. Sanchez on Feb 20, 2011 10:35 AM EST up reply actions
Never mind that if he had gotten another 150 at bats that would have constituted regular playing time he might have been exposed more and his number might have dropped.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
I hate the Twins.
"Tony Gwynn made sacrifices. Cal Ripken made sacrifices. I'm not sure Derek Jeter made sacrifices given the ungodly deep pockets the Yankees have." - Chipper Jones
by MBL1 on Feb 18, 2011 11:28 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Did anyone see
the Smoltz/Chipper interview on Hot Stove Live? It’ll probably be on MLB.com soon
The game is the game.
by a hooter's baby on Feb 18, 2011 11:50 PM EST reply actions
nate
i think nate is going to have a hell of a year and be the CF he was in Pitt. i can’t wait until you pessimists have to eat your words. if he doesn’t improve i like to eat my words with tobasco.
Hope youre right
This is one time I would love to be wrong
You won't always agree with me...Because sometimes you're wrong.
by JonnyBravesFan on Feb 19, 2011 6:11 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
between he chances of Nate rebounding and the Schafer being healthy
It’s a sure bet that we get more CF production than last year
You won't always agree with me...Because sometimes you're wrong.
by JonnyBravesFan on Feb 19, 2011 8:57 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Of course we get more production at CF than last year
Because a negative batting average is impossible
careful
Don’t make Nate prove you wrong
You won't always agree with me...Because sometimes you're wrong.
by JonnyBravesFan on Feb 20, 2011 2:53 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I like Nate...
but he frustrates me a lot. Especially when he refuses an attempt to throw out a runner. Hopefully the problem was just a lack of confidence last year after struggling in ’09 upon his arrival in the trade to Atlanta. We can only hope that he has a career year and ends all the negative talk about him.
I don’t think Conrad has any better chance of making the roster right now than Mather, Young, or even Schafer.
Actually, I think that Diory basically has the closest thing to a guaranteed spot on the bench for anyone not being paid $Million or more this season.
He’s got the 40-man roster spot over Lucas and Hicks would have to have an insane spring to overcome the offensive woes he’s shown in the minors the last few seasons.
Q: If not us, who? If not now, when? A: The Batman. And "when you least expect it."
I'm still a little surprised
that the Braves didn’t go in for a veteran utility man like Nick Punto or Hairston Jr.
I am too.
Money must be super tight with KK still on the books.
"That guy mvhsbball is really an insufferable schmuck." - FuquaManuel
by Scott Coleman on Feb 20, 2011 10:54 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
When we first signed Lucas and Constanza, I was excited that they might be the “answer” to our problems. Then Frank Wren further clouded the issue by talking about how they were coming to ST with a chance to make the team. Truth is, they were not able to break into the majors on weaker teams than the Braves. They are not on the 40 man roster and are almost surely headed to Gwinnett.
Diory Hernandez has not had a decent chance to show he can hit MLB pitching. He has been a good hitter in AAA and Winter Leagues, it doesn’t bother me one bit to let him have more chances at the MLB level. But with Alex Gonzolez ability to play a LOT of games in a season, Diory probably will not see much action.
I wish Wren had chosen to use part of the $3.2M spent on Sherrill and Linebrink for a utility guy that could play SS and another position or two. It seems to me that after trading Infante, we have a bigger hole on the bench than in the pen. We are full to the brim with pitching, but are stuck putting a guy on the bench that probably will see very little playing time.
That said, I see the bench being Ross, Hinske and Mather as pretty much locks. Diory or Hicks as backup MI. The 25th man could be Conrad, Matt Young or Clevlen. Mather seems to be the guy that replaces Diaz RH pinch hitting bat, that could hurt Conrad’s chances if Mather has a good spring. With Chipper saying he wants to play 5 days a week roughly, Prado will be in the infield a good bit, we will need a backup option in the outfield. Matt Young could supply that with Mather, and be a good option as a pinch runner as well. Clevlen did that well last year too, 7 runs scored with no hits.
My early prediction…Ross, Hinske, Mather, Diory, Young
Free Matt Young!
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Talking Chop
Related FanShots on Talking Chop
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- Roy Oswalt doesn’t need to save the Rangers, he only needs to provide insurance and depth
- James Loney: Umpires should call pitches from behind mound — and be robots with replay
- Magglio Ordonez set to retire after 15 seasons
- Barry Bonds thinks it will be ‘very sad’ if he doesn’t get into the Hall on his first try
- Chris Johnson’s glove webbing had a Spidey sense at Coors Field — for one play, at least
