Atlanta Braves Making The Team Meter 2012: Final

This Making The Team Meter will be a short synopsis of the remaining battles, which are pretty much resolved, and if they aren't, either person selected would be an okay choice.

Starters: Tommy Hanson, Jair Jurrjens, Brandon Beachy, and Mike Minor (1 spot available)

As for the final spot, it appears to be a choice between Julio Teheran and Randall Delgado. At this point after their poor springs either would be a risk. Delgado seems to have done better in his Major League time, but Teheran has the better pedigree. I would be just fine with either.

Relievers: Craig Kimbrel, Jonny Venters, Eric O'Flaherty, Kris Medlen, Cristhian Martinez, and Livan Hernandez (1 spot available)

This battle seems to be down to Cory Gearrin or Yohan Flande. Both have had good springs overall, but have had trouble of late. Really, I'm okay with either here, or neither if they choose someone off the radar. It's the last spot in an already solid bullpen.

Starting Lineup: Michael Bourn, Martin Prado, Brian McCann, Dan Uggla, Jason Heyward, and Freddie Freeman (2 spots available)

With the acquisition of Juan Francisco, I'm guessing he will get the bulk of the playing time at third base against right-handed pitchers. Against lefties, Prado will shift to third and Diaz will play left. Not ideal, but it takes full advantage of the platoon splits for both Francisco and Diaz.

Tyler Pastornicky is pretty much a sure thing at shortstop, especially with Andrelton Simmons day to day right now. I'm ready to declare that Tyler has won the opening day shortstop battle, and Francisco will take the other available lineup spot.

Bench: David Ross, Eric Hinske, Matt Diaz and Jack Wilson (1 spot available)

The bench is down to three guys, Drew Sutton for backup infield and some outfield, and outfielders Luis Durango and Jordan Parraz. If it was me picking the spot I'd go with Sutton for his super-utility ability and good on-base ability. A close second would be Durango for his speed. I would rather go with Durango over Diaz, but Matty-D is getting paid too much to get released, he has no trade value, and the Braves are sort of in that platoon situation as described above for the first month of the season.

There are my picks for the opening day roster. We should know soon (Tuesday according to DOB) if they are right or not.