The Atlanta Braves have two really good battles going on right now for the last few remaining roster spots. First of all, here's what we know (bold indicates an open spot):
Catcher (2) - Brian McCann, David Ross
Starting Infield (4) - Casey Kotchman, Kelly Johnson, Yunel Escobar, Chipper Jones
Backup / Bench (5) - Greg Norton, Matt Diaz, Omar Infante, Martin Prado, Backup Outfielder
Right Field (1) - Jeff Francoeur
Center Field (1)
Left Field (1) - Garret Anderson
Rotation (Note: to start the season we will only need 4 starters for the first two times through the rotation.) - Derek Lowe, Javier Vazquez, Jair Jurrjens, Kenshin Kawakami
Bullpen (7) - Mike Gonzalez, Rafael Soriano, Peter Moylan, Blaine Boyer, Reliever, Reliever, Reliever
Keep in mind that the team could opt to carry an extra pitcher rather than another backup outfielder. The team also released Jeff Ridgway this week, opening up a second spot on the 40-man roster. Are these spots placeholders for Jordan Schafer and Kris Medlen? For Tommy Hanson?
| Player, Position | Chance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Josh Anderson, OF |  |
He's been hitting better of late, but I still get the impression that the team sees him as a second choice. |
| Gregor Blanco, OF |  |
At this point it looks like he will find himself back in the minors. His bat has not gotten hot and they don't seem to be playing him like they want him to start. His time in the WBC may have hurt him. |
| Brandon Jones, LF | |
It looks as though Garret Anderson will be able to start the year in left when the bell rings; that leaves Brandon out of the major league picture. He's been unfortunately slowed by an illness this past week. |
| Jordan Schafer, OF |  |
I'm giving him the green up arrow. He's done just about everything he can to prove that he's ready. The reports we hear say that he is a hard worker and that will allow him to work through any problems he might encounter throughout the season. He's the future center fielder, why not make the future happen now. |
| Player, Position | Chance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manny Acosta, RHP | |
He had another rough outing the other day. The two longballs he's surrendered concern me. |
| Jeff Bennett, RHP | |
He's actually come around the last couple of times out, and could be making a late push to make the team think his early spring problems are behind him. Remember, it's all about how you finish. |
| Jorge Campillo, RHP | |
I think he winds up in Gwinnett as insurance. |
| Buddy Carlyle, RHP | |
He's been a bit more lucky than Bennett and been able to scatter his hits better. He should make the team. |
| Boone Logan, LHP | |
The LOOGY's had a rough week and Logan was not immune. Big guy, throws hard from the left side, struggles with control -- there are a lot of stories like that in and around the minor leagues. |
| Kris Medlen, RHP | |
An outside, outside chance at making the team, but, the Braves did open up a second spot on the 40-man roster this week. Could those two spots be for Medlen and Schafer? |
| Eric O'Flaherty, LHP | |
Official new nickname is Eric O'Flame-out. He's had some rough outings this spring, and I don't see much success if he makes the club, but the Braves still like him for some reason. |
| Arrow Key: |
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= Chance of making the team is even. |
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= Chance of making the team is going down. |
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= Chance of making the team is going up. |