Spring Training Gamethread/Discussion

[tvsportscaster]

So what does the bench look like now?

The bench is anticipated: Laird, Doumit, Pena, Schafer, Pastornicky

[stpeteirish]

Who is going to be the breakout ace reliever this year. Last year was Carpenter, before that Avilan, before that was kimbrel, ventets, eof and so on.

Nobody. Surprised we didn't pick anyone up on waivers. Still another day for that, but we probably wouldn't have added those two guys to the 40 man if we were close to something.Hale and Buchter both made this team by default, they had lousy springs.

[stpeteirish]

Did Venters have a set back or is he still on schedule?

I guess its looking more like June rather than May since we just put him on the 60 day DL and its March 29th.

[skillet]

Who is going to be the breakout ace reliever this year. Last year was Carpenter, before that Avilan, before that was kimbrel, ventets, eof and so on.

Ian Thomas

[rico43]

Breaking down the final spring box: All-stars 13, Braves 4

Josh Elander (5 RBIs) GRAND SLAM off Severino, who might be the worst pitcher ever in Braves' camp (Saturday 0.1 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 7 ER).

Wren, Sanchez, Kubitza, Camargo 2 hits apiece for futures

Reynolds 1-2, BB, 2 R

Odom 2B, 3 RBI

Salcedo 2B, R, SB

Hursh 2 IP, 0 R, 3 K

Sims Sims 2 IP, 1 H, 0 ER

Perez 2 IP, 0 H, 2 K

Cornely 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R

Minor 1.1 IP, 0 H!

Avilan, Carpenter, Varvaro scoreless innings

Kimbrel 1 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 2 K

Laird PH 2B, R, RBI

Pastornicky 1-3, RBI (played 2B, SS, OF)

Pena 1-2, RBI

[50PoundHead]

LF is going to be an interesting position in a couple years if Justin Upton departs upon his contract running out. There is a big group of fringy/high uncertainty type corner infielder/corner outfielder prospects in our system. None individually have great odds of being the player to take over. But collectively there is a decent chance that a candidate will emerge from the group.

That's my synopsis. You may have a contingent of guys who could make up a decent platoon, but I don't see anyone in the system who is a rock-solid bet to be the full-time guy out there. My guess is we sign one of J. Upton or Heyward and patch something together at the other spot.

[FreemanFan]

I guess its looking more like June rather than May since we just put him on the 60 day DL and its March 29th.

Possibly, but it could be to make room on the 40-man roster. I think his DL time would be retroactive to his last game, so he would be eligible to come off at the same time as before.

[Braves1976]

Possibly, but it could be to make room on the 40-man roster. I think his DL time would be retroactive to his last game, so he would be eligible to come off at the same time as before.

Yea, it was more about not removing someone from the 40-man roster to make room for those added. Plus it seems like only a matter of time before Gearrin hits the 60-day DL list. If so, that will open up another spot on the 40-man.

[Braves1976]

I'm so glad that Thomas made the team.

Me too, I have liked him since I first saw him pitch in AA last year. I named him as one to watch that could make the team this spring (or get called up at some point if he didn't). Nsacpi is another that has liked Thomas for some time now. So I am sure he is also happy to see him make the team too.

Similar story as Beachy not being drafted, Thomas is another great find by our scouts IMO. Nsacpi and I both like him as a starter too. But our current needs are for another solid lefty in the bullpen so no surprise he'll start there.

[thethe]

Me too, I have liked him since I first saw him pitch in AA last year. I named him as one to watch that could make the team this spring (or get called up at some point if he didn't). Nsacpi is another that has liked Thomas for some time now. So I am sure he is also happy to see him make the team too.

Similar story as Beachy not being drafted, Thomas is another great find by our scouts IMO. Nsacpi and I both like him as a starter too. But our current needs are for another solid lefty in the bullpen so no surprise he'll start there.

Thomas is going to find his way into the starting rotation next year. I think we should be fine from the left side of the pen moving forward with Avilan/Butcher/minor league riser

[nsacpi]

Next spring would probably be a good time to have a look at Thomas as a potential starter. I think Luis Avilan is worth considering as a starter too. He's got a 94 mph sinker. A changeup against lefties and a curve for righties. And an ability to pitch to contact, weak contact. I don't know what we'll do with Beachy and Medlen. Will they be non-tendered? My guess is we will find a way to bring them back. But you need a plan B and plan C as we have learned this spring. And I could see Thomas and Avilan being part of the starting pitching mix next spring.

[thewupk]

I guess its looking more like June rather than May since we just put him on the 60 day DL and its March 29th.

Venters was originally placed on the 15 day DL on March 23rd and it was retroactive to March 21st. He was transferred to the 60 day DL yesterday so my guess is he would be able to come back on May 21st. I think that's in line with his original projections.

[stpeteirish]

Is this how it'll go roster wise:

Santana activated middle of next week, Buchter goes down.
Minor comes back in 3 weeks, Schlosser goes down, Hale becomes long man.
Floyd activated following week, Harang becomes long man, Hale goes down.

If it goes that way I'm done bitching about Hale and Buchter making the team with dreadful springs and Schlosser being pushed up way too early.

[Dalyn]

Is this how it'll go roster wise:

Santana activated middle of next week, Buchter goes down.
Minor comes back in 3 weeks, Schlosser goes down, Hale becomes long man.
Floyd activated following week, Harang becomes long man, Hale goes down.

If it goes that way I'm done bitching about Hale and Buchter making the team with dreadful springs and Schlosser being pushed up way too early.

I don't think Santana will make his first appearance until the 12th or so and Minor probably won't be back until the very end of April. If Schlosser performs decent in the bullpen, I think they will keep him in favor of Hale (so he can stay stretched out in the minors).