2014 Projected 25-man roster

[tvsportscaster]

Assuming that today's move is the last by Frank Wren, which it very could be I thought I'd take a crack at predicting the Opening Day 25-man roster. Key here is Opening Day, so you will see no Gavin Floyd, Jonny Venters or if he's re-signed Eric O'Flaherty on this roster. I'd like everyone else's thoughts.

Pitchers(12)
Kris Medlen
Mike Minor
Julio Teheran
Brandon Beachy
Alex Wood
Craig Kimbrel
David Carpenter
Luis Avilan
Jordan Walden
Anthony Varvaro
Luis Vasquez
David Hale

Catchers(3)
Evan Gattis
Gerald Laird
Ryan Doumit

Infielders(6)
Freddie Freeman
Dan Uggla
Andrelton Simmons
Chris Johnson
Ramiro Pena
Mat Gamel

Outfielders(4)
Jason Heyward
BJ Upton
Justin Upton
Jordan Schafer

[Heyward]

Looks about right, i think Terdo could make it over Gamel.

But if Gamel is healthy, he could make it, guy can hit.

[stpeteirish]

I think you've got one too many pitchers and need one more bench poisition player. Either Terdo or Pastornicky.

[nsacpi]

I think we'll try to fit in a second lefty for the pen so that Avilan doesn't get overworked during the first two months. Buchter probably has the inside track at this point.

[GovClintonTyree]

I think we'll try to fit in a second lefty for the pen so that Avilan doesn't get overworked during the first two months. Buchter probably has the inside track at this point.

There was talk of bringing O'Flaherty back....though I guess he'd be on the same timetable as Venters, right?

I really like the idea of loading up on tough lefty relievers. Not only does it make us stronger during the season, it's a difference maker in October.

[gilesfan]

Frank is treading into the season with a high risk roster. I certainly don't feel comfortable with Gattis, Uggla, Johnson, and BeeJ all in the lineup again. Of course, they could improve on last year (BJ the most obvious choice), but there is also a great chance Uggla hits like he did last year and Johnson falls off. There are essentially 3 hitters in the lineup that you know will hit; Freeman, Upton, Heyward; the rest are risky to rely on.

[nsacpi]

There was talk of bringing O'Flaherty back....though I guess he'd be on the same timetable as Venters, right?

I really like the idea of loading up on tough lefty relievers. Not only does it make us stronger during the season, it's a difference maker in October.

Yeah, they both had TJ in May.

[GovClintonTyree]

I think we'll try to fit in a second lefty for the pen so that Avilan doesn't get overworked during the first two months. Buchter probably has the inside track at this point.

And the guy who goes is Hale. He needs to start.

[emk418]

I think we'll try to fit in a second lefty for the pen so that Avilan doesn't get overworked during the first two months. Buchter probably has the inside track at this point.

Yea we'll definitely add a 2nd lefty. I don't see anyway Hale is in the bullpen as a long man. Not saying he wouldn't be good in that role but he's next in line after Wood for the 5th spot. He'll be starting in Gwinett to stay ready.

[Heyward]

I think you've got one too many pitchers and need one more bench poisition player. Either Terdo or Pastornicky.

Not really, it's usually 12/13 either way.

I do think we need to carry a 2nd lefty in the pen though even if we re-sign EOF.

[50PoundHead]

Assuming that today's move is the last by Frank Wren, which it very could be I thought I'd take a crack at predicting the Opening Day 25-man roster. Key here is Opening Day, so you will see no Gavin Floyd, Jonny Venters or if he's re-signed Eric O'Flaherty on this roster. I'd like everyone else's thoughts.

Pitchers(12)
Kris Medlen
Mike Minor
Julio Teheran
Brandon Beachy
Alex Wood
Craig Kimbrel
David Carpenter
Luis Avilan
Jordan Walden
Anthony Varvaro
Luis Vasquez
David Hale

Catchers(3)
Evan Gattis
Gerald Laird
Ryan Doumit

Infielders(6)
Freddie Freeman
Dan Uggla
Andrelton Simmons
Chris Johnson
Ramiro Pena
Mat Gamel

Outfielders(4)
Jason Heyward
BJ Upton
Justin Upton
Jordan Schafer

Swap out Hale, Varvaro, or Vasquez and insert a LHP and probably someone other than Gamel (unless Gamel proves he can play an adequate 3B) on the bench. Other than that, I think you've got it nailed as things stand now.

[Jay212033]

My prediction:

Lineup:
Heyward - RF
La Stella - 2B
J. Upton - LF
Freeman - 1B
Gattis - C
Johnson - 3B
B.J. Upton - CF
Simmons - SS

Bench:
Laird - C
Doumit - LF/1B/C
Schafer - OF
Pena - IF
Gamel - 1B/3B

Rotation:
Medlen - RHP
Minor - LHP
Teheran - RHP
Wood - LHP
Beachy - RHP

Bullpen:
Gearrin - LRP
Vasquez - LRP
Butcher - LOOGY
Carpenter - MRP
Avilan - SUP
Walden - SUP
Kimbrel - CP

[Jay212033]

Schafer isn't a serious backup. If BJ fails again, we will see Heyward in CF and Doumit getting time in the outfield.

This! Schafer is a defensive replacement/pinch runner who will occasionally give an OF a day off. If someone were to get hurt it would be Doumit - LF, Heyward - CF, J. Upton - RF