So this week, we will analyze some of the decisions that shaped the roster.
Catcher (2): Travis d'Arnaud, Alex Jackson
Through the first couple weeks of camp, I had Jackson getting this spot. Then, I became interested in the thought of carrying William Contreras as d’Arnaud’s backup until he would get a chance to play every day once the Triple-A season starts in May, but I do understand this decision. If d’Arnaud were to be sidelined, Contreras would likely become the primary catcher. You would more comfortably put him in that role knowing he’d spent the previous few weeks drawing regular at-bats.
Plus, as I have acknowledged in the past, I have been one of Jackson’s biggest critics. But he does deserve credit for making himself into a pretty good defensive catcher. If he runs into a homer or two, then his tremendous power may at least slightly compensate for his strikeout woes.
First base (1): Freddie Freeman
This will be Freeman’s 11th Opening Day start. The only Braves with more are Hank Aaron (20), Chipper Jones (16), Eddie Mathews (15), Dale Murphy (13) and Rabbit Maranville (12).
Second base (1): Ozzie Albies
Jason Kipnis never showed enough with the bat to warrant placing him on the 40-man roster. By releasing Kipnis on Saturday, the Braves committed to having Adrianza as their only bench player who can play every infield position.
Third base (1): Austin Riley
Jake Lamb was given a prime opportunity to revive his once-promising career. But he was released after striking out in 32 percent of his plate appearances. So, Riley will be targeted to be the club’s everyday third baseman for a second straight season.
Shortstop (1): Dansby Swanson
Two weeks ago, Johan Camargo went behind second base to make a nifty play. My immediate thought was he had regained the lateral movement he had lost a couple years ago. But he reacted slowly to a ball hit to his left a few nights later in Sarasota, Fla., and continued to create doubt about his ability to play the position.
So, Adrianza will be the primary backup for Swanson, who will be making his fifth Opening Day start as the Braves’ shortstop.
Outfield (4): Ronald Acuña Jr., Cristian Pache, Marcell Ozuna, Ender Inciarte
The Pache Era will begin when the Braves' No. 1 prospect begins this season as Atlanta’s center fielder. Inciarte will serve as a backup whose primary role will be a late-inning defensive replacement for Ozuna. Riley and Adrianza are also capable of playing the outfield if necessary.
Bench (2): Sandoval, Adrianza
Adrianza gives the Braves a switch-hitter who is capable of playing all over the diamond. If he hits like he has during Spring Training, he will be the perfect National League utility player. Sandoval is limited defensively, but he showed enough with his bat for the Braves to believe he can be a dependable pinch-hitter from both sides of the plate.
Starting pitchers (4): Charlie Morton, Max Fried, Ian Anderson, Drew Smyly
The Braves have chosen to go with a bullpen game when they first have to use the fifth spot of their rotation on April 6 or 7. That means Huascar Ynoa will pitch the first few innings of a game that will include appearances by many different relievers. Bryse Wilson is the favorite to be recalled to serve as the fifth starter near the beginning of April’s second full week. Wilson may only need to make a start or two before Mike Soroka is activated from the injured list and placed back within Atlanta’s rotation.
Relievers (10): Will Smith, Chris Martin, Tyler Matzek, A.J. Minter, Jones, Luke Jackson, Sean Newcomb, Grant Dayton, Josh Tomlin, Ynoa
Maybe it’s overkill to carry 10 relievers. But teams will be looking to protect their starters while transitioning from a 60-game season to a 162-game grind. So, maybe it will make sense to keep both Jackson and Dayton, who are out of options. The other option would have been carrying Camargo -- who didn’t spend the past few weeks creating much confidence in his offensive ability -- as an extra bench bat and going with nine relievers.
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March 29, 2021 at 02:04AM
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How Braves built 2021 Opening Day roster - MLB.com
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