I did this last spring over at my old site and people liked it, so I'm reviving it for this spring as well. The basic gist is that each player who might be on the bubble about making the team is listed and followed throughout the spring. The arrows indicate their current chance of making the team depending on how they're doing in spring games and what's being said about them in the press. It's a rather optimistic outlook, and it's certainly a day to day what-have-you-done-for-me-lately kind of outlook as well. It will be a good place to come back to and quickly check to see how everyone's doing. It will probably be posted about twice a week once games start.
For the purposes of the MTM, I'm assuming that the following people already have a secured spot on the team: Brian McCann, Scott Thorman, Chipper Jones, Edgar Renteria, Craig Wilson, Andruw Jones, Jeff Francoeur, Willy Aybar, Matt Diaz, Ryan Langerhans, Brayan Pena, and Chris Woodward for the hitters; and John Smoltz, Mike Hampton, Tim Hudson, Chuck James, Bob Wickman, Mike Gonzalez, Rafael Soriano, Macay McBride and Oscar Villarreal for the pitchers.
Spots probably open: 1 infield, 1 rotation, 3 bullpen.
Now, some of that could change depending on trades or injuries, so that's why there's no reason for the guys on the outside to let up, and that's why this is an optimistic assessment of these players' ability to make the team. Enjoy.
| Player, Position | Chance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kelly Johnson, 2B |
 |
He's the front runner for the 2B job, but is his defense up to the task? |
| Gregor Blanco, OF |
|
When the Braves picked up Craig Wilson that hurt Blanco's chances, but a strong showing in spring and he might get the LF job. Speed is his asset. |
| T.J. Bohn, OF |
 |
I still have no clue why he was claimed off waivers. He's the poor-man's Matt Diaz. |
| Pete Orr, INF |
|
His performance last year and the presence of Woodward may put Orr out of the infield pitcure. |
| Tony Pena, SS |
|
Whole lotta field, not a lotta hit means he's in the minors unless we are riddled with injuries. |
| Martin Prado, INF |
|
He's one of the favs to win the 2B job. A lighter hitting better fielding version of Kelly Johnson. |
| Yunel Escobar, SS |
|
He's really just here to show everyone what he's got, but a spring equal to the AFL he had and he might change some minds and open up a spot for himself. |
| Brent Lillibridge, SS |
|
Same as Escobar, he's here to impress. He's also on display for everyone to see what we got in exchange for Roche. |
| Carlos Mendez, 1B |
|
I've never heard of this guy and I'm not sure why he was invited to spring training. |
| Doug Clark, OF |
|
Minor league journeyman outfielder has a huge uphill battle. |
| Willie Harris, OF |
|
Super-utility guy, but we already have Woodward. |
| Kyle Davies, RHP |
|
He's the fave for the fifth spot in the rotation, but can he shake the ills of seasons past. |
| Anthony Lerew, RHP |
|
McDowell and Huddy have helped him straighten his delivery out. An impressive spring and he's in consideration for several jobs. |
| Lance Cormier, RHP |
|
Still has an option left, but along with Davies he's one of the top contenders for the fifth spot in the rotation. |
| Manny Acosta, RHP |
|
Old minor leaguer needs to impress to have a shot. |
| Jose Ascanio, RHP |
|
Once considered a pitcher with some upside, but not anymore. He was also late to camp. |
| Blaine Boyer, RHP |
|
Is he healed enough for the majors? |
| Joey Devine, RHP |
|
He broke camp with the team last year, then he broke down, will they gable again? |
| Jonathan Johnson, RHP |
|
No shot in hell. |
| Peter Moylan, RHP |
|
Ausi, Ausi, Ausi, Oye, Oye, Oye. He pitched well at the end last year, and has already impressed this spring. |
| Chad Paronto, RHP |
|
Probably makes the team; a poor-man's Kevin Gryboski. Though, he was very consistent last year. |
| Phil Stockman, RHP |
|
Blazing fastball, but he's coming back from injury and they may want to take it slow |
| Tyler Yates, RHP |
|
The hard thrower is now two years removed from TJ surgury, and that's when pitchers really regain their form. |
| Kevin Barry, RHP |
|
No one picked him up on waivers last year and he's not on the 40-man. |
| Buddy Carlyle, RHP |
|
Minor league journeyman has an uphill battle. |
| Steve Colyer, RHP |
|
See the note for Carlyle. |
| Matt Harrison, RHP |
|
He's impressed Cox early in camp, but he'll need to do more. |
Key:
-- = Chance of making the team is even.
= Chance of making the team is going down.
= Chance of making the team is going up.