by Jason Martinez
The initial 25-man roster projection has been posted for the 2011 Atlanta Braves. Be sure to check it out and leave your feedback in the comments section or just shoot me an email. The window for a team to have exclusive negotiating rights with their own free agents is closed and those players are listed under the Free Agent list at the bottom of the major league roster page and have been taken off the team's 40-man roster. The team's 40-man roster tally is indicated at the top of the page.
Underneath the projected '25-MAN ROSTER' is a list of players 'On the Outside Looking In' that at least have a chance to make the opening day roster. Any players who I do not think have a chance are listed on one of the minor league rosters. Of course, all player updates will show up on the team's 'Resources and Information' page.
IMPORTANT OFFSEASON NOTES
-With the Braves holding out hope that Chipper Jones will make it back 100% from a torn ACL, it's safe to say that the team won't be looking to make any more big name acquisitions on offense. The addition of Dan Uggla pushes Martin Prado to third base but a healthy Jones would push Prado to left field. Unless the team plans on finding an upgrade to Nate McLouth in centerfield, the starting lineup could be set with the exception of a fill-in left fielder until Jones is ready. Internal candidates for that job include Brent Clevlen, Matt Diaz, Joe Mather, and Matt Young. Or they can avoid moving Prado around, stick him in left field from the start, and find a fill-in third baseman. UPDATE 12/2 - Eric Hinske has re-signed so he can fill in as a left fielder or third baseman if Jones isn't ready to start the season. UPDATE 12/15 - Jones is expected to be ready for the start of spring training. Pencil him in at 3B, at least for now.
-The starting rotation remains strong behind Tim Hudson, Derek Lowe, Tommy Hanson, and Jair Jurrjens. In the meantime, Mike Minor and Brandon Beachy will battle for the final spot although there's a chance the team will bring in a few other options, either on minor league deals or possibly a veteran on a cheap one-year big league deal. We can't forget that the Braves also employ one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. Although he's not expected to make the opening day roster, Julio Teheran is definitely on the fast track. The 19 year-old rose through the minors in 2010, starting with Lo-A Savannah and finishing with Double-A Mississippi, posting a 2.59 ERA across three levels with 40 BB's and 159 K's in 142.2 IP. Believed to be untouchable on the trade market, Teheran could make Jurrjens or Minor expendable once he is ready.
-Veteran closer Billy Wagner has retired, leaving the 9th inning in the hands of Jonny Venters (1.95 ERA, 83 IP, 61 H, 39 BB, 93 K, 24 holds) and/or Craig Kimbrel (4-0, 0.44 ERA, 20.2 IP, 9 H, 16 BB, 40 K). Both pitchers were dominant during their rookie seasons but whether the Braves feel comfortable enough to hand the job over to either is yet to be seen. Signing a veteran with closing experience (i.e. Octavio Dotel, Frank Francisco, Jon Rauch) might be a good idea just in case Kimbrel or Venters aren't ready for the role. Peter Moylan (2.97 ERA, 21 holds) and Eric O'Flaherty (2.45 ERA, 9 holds) are also guaranteed jobs, giving the team four very good options for the late innings. The bullpen is thin after that with veteran Scott Proctor, Cristhian Martinez, and rookies Cory Gearrin and Stephen Marek among those expected to battle for spots in spring training. UPDATE 12/4 - Scott Linebrink is the veteran that was acquired, although he's never really been a regular closer so I doubt he would be the backup plan to Kimbrel and/or Venters. He'll provide solid depth along with Moylan and O'Flaherty, though. UPDATE 12/10 - Veteran George Sherrill was signed to a one-year deal, giving the Braves a potential trio of very good lefties if Sherrill can return to his pre-2010 form.
Click here for the 'An Early Look at 2011' archive.
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