Braves Spring Training news and roster competition

[yeezus]

true, but I am not sure the Braves need to be taking on more projects in regards to any pitcher. soon the starting rotation is going to be crowded with future pieces. Chacin and Norris are our low risk projects this year... Hopefully this is the last year we have to do it..

we already have too many guys for the rotation. luebke wouldn't have a shot there.

 

[dak]

Bow catching on to some of the options we've been discussing.

As Krol has significantly weakened his roster bid, the Braves have gained reason to evaluate other veteran left-handed relievers like Neal Cotts, who was released by the Astros on Friday. Atlanta will also keep an eye on some other roster battles, including the one involving former Brave Eric O'Flaherty and Cory Luebke, a pair of southpaws attempting to gain a spot in Pittsburgh's bullpen.

http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/169059550/braves-searching-for-left-handed-relievers

 

[nsacpi]

It is comforting to know Bowman is thinking along the same lines as us. It gives me reason to believe that we might be on the right track.

 

[clvclv]

Gwinnett roster starting to take shape...

2B- Brignac
SS- Castro

CF- Mallex

SP- Blair
SP- Jenkins
SP- Banuelos

SP/RP- Kelly
SP/RP- Weber

RP- Simmons
RP- Withrow
RP- Burawa
RP- Krol

Would be nice to be able to stash Beckham away to play 3B as well until Bourn is traded or released - would leave room to carry Bonifacio and Frenchy on the MLB roster. Might even be worth paying his MLB salary while he's there.

 

[dak]

I've always been a big fan of Venable. IMO, clearly a better player at this point than Bourn, Boni, or Francoeur.

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[clvclv]

I've always been a big fan of Venable. IMO, clearly a better player at this point than Bourn, Boni, or Francoeur.

[TW]714127744481644544[/TW]

Denorfia opted out with the Yankees as well - both would be better options IMO.

 

[PurpleBrave]

The way Johnson & Grilli have looked, can we really not let Vizcaino close games?

 

[dak]

After today's game, Alex Torres seems to have joined Swisher in the "likely gone" category. With Chacin now on shaky ground too, I wonder if the Braves will look for an available veteran. Kyle Lohse is the only name that comes to mind, but there are surely other options that have ability in the same range as Chacin.

 

[clvclv]

After today's game, Alex Torres seems to have joined Swisher in the "likely gone" category. With Chacin now on shaky ground too, I wonder if the Braves will look for an available veteran. Kyle Lohse is the only name that comes to mind, but there are surely other options that have ability in the same range as Chacin.

Would think Chacin's status would at least somewhat depend on when they think Folty will be ready for sure unless they feel more comfortable with Perez unless someone releases another starter - I'd hope they're not interested in Lohse. I don't see how they could cut Torres loose without signing another lefty - would put them right back where they were before picking up EOF (only one lefty).

 

[Hudson2]

Gwinnett should have a pretty solid squad. Mississippi will be strong too. Does Newcomb start in AA?

 

[dak]

Some news from Bowman. Chacin's has an opt-out, but not until June. Knowing this, I'd just as soon see Williams take the 4th SP job since it won't cost us depth.

Also, Bowman adds some spice to the first paragraph and hits us with "reason to assume".

The Minor League deal Chacin signed this winter provides him a $950,000 guarantee if he is ever placed on Atlanta's active roster. It should also be noted that the Braves do not need to necessarily make an immediate decision, because Chacin does not have an opt-out date until June. Thus there is a chance he could begin this season with Triple-A Gwinnett.

http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/169314900/braves-jhoulys-chacin-does-not-help-case

 

[clvclv]

Gwinnett should have a pretty solid squad. Mississippi will be strong too. Does Newcomb start in AA?

Assuming Folty's OK to slot into the big club's rotation by April 12th, I'd imagine the rotations to be...

Gwinnett:

Blair, Jenkins, Banuelos, Gant/Perez/Chacin

Mississippi:

Sims, Newcomb, Ellis, Bird, Thurman

 

[bravesfanMatt]

No surprises here

@Braves

#Braves roster moves:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CezfdsHXEAEaoth.jpg

**edit-- hopefully they let Folty have a few months of starts in AAA to work on his off season workouts that he missed. I thought he looked thinner than last year. Anyone know if there was a confirmed weight loss after surgery?

 

[nsacpi]

No surprises here

@Braves
#Braves roster moves:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CezfdsHXEAEaoth.jpg

**edit-- hopefully they let Folty have a few months of starts in AAA to work on his off season workouts that he missed. I thought he looked thinner than last year. Anyone know if there was a confirmed weight loss after surgery?

I read 20 lbs

 

[bravesfanMatt]

I read 20 lbs

I could see it. he looked like a string bean

 

[nsacpi]

I could see it. he looked like a string bean

He had a piece of his rib cut out. Not a minor thing.

 

[bravesfanMatt]

He had a piece of his rib cut out. Not a minor thing.

never thought it was. more saying he looked really thin.. therefore, I am all for him going back to AAA to just use it as his off season.. build his muscles back up.

 

[dak]

Folty has 1 year, 9 days service time. If he stays down for 3 weeks or so (and I think he will), we'll gain an extra year of control.

 

[clvclv]

Tough to find a game that won't be worth going to in Gwinnett for the month of April with a rotation of Blair/Jenkins/Banuelos/Folty/Gant.

 

[dak]

Glad I wasn't he only one thinking this. Probably a better option than Chacin at league minimum. And would also allow us to stash Chacin for depth at AAA since Folty and Banuelos aren't ready.

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