2011 Opening Day Roster Guide/Review/Preview
Introduction: Okay, so I know the season’s well underway, but I got a little distracted and busy and I’m just now getting this entry out. We’ve only played 10 games so it’s still relevant. This will be a brief guide to the roster with some bio/background information. We’ll also look at the role each player may fill this season. And we’ll look at what we might be able to expect from each player in 2011 (and how they’re doing so far).
Regulars
Brian McCann (Catcher)
Bats: Left
Experience: 7th season
Age: 27
2011 Salary: $6.5 mil
Notes: Will this be a big year for Mac or have we already seen the best from him? Has been bothered by eye problems which have led to him getting off to some very slow starts in the last few years.
Ironically, my biggest worry for him going into this season involved someone else’s eye. Obviously, no one would hold McCann in anyway responsible for what happened to Luis Salazar, but you just never know how someone’s going to deal with that sort of thing. Mac had a rough spring at the plate in addition to the accident.
In some ways, Mac had a down year last season. He posted career worst numbers in RBI (77), strikeouts (98), and batting average (.269). Yet it was also a good year in some other ways for Mac. He was much more patient at the plate, posting a career high 74 walks, and putting up a .375 OBP that was the 2nd best of his career despite the low batting average. We know that catchers tend to decline at the plate quicker than other players, but hopefully Mac has a few more big years ahead of him.
Mac is still somewhat neutralized by left handed pitchers. He is also susceptible to extended power outages at the plate. This may be due in part to the fact that he is a full time catcher. It’s a physically demanding position that may sap some of his strength over the course of the year. Also, little nagging injuries can turn a power hitter into a singles hitter, and Mac deals with plenty of minor injuries as a catcher.
Mac is a good game caller and he has improved defensively. He threw out a career best 30% of base stealers last season. Mac is a bit of a base running liability, as he is very slow.
So far in 2011: Mac has gotten off to a good start at the plate, going 13 for 36 to hit .361 with 5 RBI. However, no EXBH yet. Defensively, Mac has looked good at times and not so good at other times.
Freddie Freeman (First Baseman)
Bats: Left
Experience: 2nd season (rookie eligibility)
Age: 21
2011 Salary: $414K
Notes: Possible Rookie of the Year. Great left-handed stroke. Projects as a high average hitter but not too much power. Not many strikeouts or walks in the minors. Had a decent spring at the plate. The first baseman’s job is his but I wouldn’t be surprised if he struggled, as he is young, is fairly aggressive, and is likely to have a hard time against left handed pitching.
Freeman is an excellent defender. Not much speed.
So far in 2011: Struggling as I expected. Has gone 6 for 32 to hit .188/.257/.219/.476 with a double, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 8 K.
Dan Uggla (Second Baseman)
Bats: Right
Experience: 6th season
Age: 31
2011 Salary: $9.0 mil
Notes: The big money comes next year but will he feel pressure to produce right away? Consistent power but strikes out a lot. Pretty good walk totals.
Not much speed. Lots of errors but makes lots of plays and has decent range. How will he be as part of a DP combo?
So far in 2011: Looks to be pressing at the plate. Has gone 6 for 38 to hit .158/.200/.316/.516 with 2 homers, 2 RBI, 2 BB, and 6 K. Has looked pretty good defensively.
Alex Gonzalez (Shortstop)
Bats: Right
Experience: 13th season (14th year, missed all of 2008)
Age: 34
2011 Salary: $2.5 mil
Notes: I was ready for Escobar to go, but I wasn’t too psyched about A-Gon as our shortstop for 2011. He has streaky power and strikes out a lot. He pulls the ball regardless of the situation. Few walks.
Not much speed for the position. Few SB; more GDP.
Good defensive SS. Commits errors but has a strong arm and solid range.
Did have a decent spring but A-Gon rarely has consecutive decent seasons. He has only posted double digit homers in back to back seasons once (2003-2004). Despite 75 HBP and 47 IBB, Gonzalez has a .294 career OBP.
I like A-Gon batting 8th. That way he doesn’t take away AB’s from other hitters and he’s just dangerous enough to be pitched around.
Last year was a career year in many ways for Gonzalez. He posted career highs in plate appearances (640), at bats (595), doubles (42), RBI (88), and total bases (266). He tied his career high in homers with 23. Gonzalez posted the 2nd best numbers in his career in games played (157), runs (74), hits (149), and slugging percentage (.447). His 31 walks were tied for the 2nd most in his career.
Had decent spring training.
So far in 2011: Same old A-Gon but maybe he can repeat last year’s numbers. So far he has gone 9 for 36 to hit .250/.289/.472/.762 with 3 doubles, a triple, a homer, 2 RBI, 2 BB, and 7 K.
Chipper Jones (Third Baseman)
Bats: Switch
Experience: 18th season (19th year, missed all of 1994)
Age: 39 (on 4/24)
2011 Salary: $13.0 mil
Notes: CJ is coming off of back to back down years and knee surgery, but he had a terrific spring, going 24 for 62 to hit .387 with 8 doubles, 4 homers and 15 RBI. We have to hope that Chipper avoids a major injury, and hope that when he is in the lineup he is swinging it well.
Chipper’s presence in the lineup is crucial due to his intelligence; his ability to get on base consistently; his high walk total; the fact that he is a switch hitter; the respect pitchers have for him; his power threat; the fact that he is the best #3 hitter on the roster; and because he holds the rest of the lineup together.
Hits into many GDP’s but is a good base runner. Excellent base stealer, good for 4 or 5 SB a year in 6 tries. If you take away 2001 (when Chipper was 9 for 19 stealing bases), CJ is 138 for 172 (80.2%) in his career.
Will make a bad throw or boot a ball from time to time but still okay defensively. Still excellent against bunt.
CJ is a team leader and figure head.
So far in 2011: All things considered, Chipper has gotten off to a great start. He is 11 for 37 (.297/.333/.405/.739) with 4 doubles, 6 RBI, 2 BB, 0 K, and 2 GDP. On the downside, he appears to have lost a step on the bases, and maybe more than a step in the field.
Martin Prado (Leftfielder)
Bats: Right
Experience: 6th season
Age: 27
2011 Salary: $3.1 mil
Notes: Tino is currently the Braves only leadoff candidate but I would like to see him walk more and strikeout less. He has good doubles power and decent homer power. He puts up consistent numbers.
Prado is not a slow base runner but he isn’t a stolen base threat either. He is a GDP candidate. He has been a bit injury prone. Most games played in a season: 140.
He’s moving to a new position but he has looked good so far. He is versatile and can fill in at 6 positions.
He’s coming off of injuries but played 28 games in spring training (23 for 82, only 8 K’s but just 5 BB and 0 homers).
So far in 2011: Has hit into some bad luck. Tino is 12 for 43 (.279/.289/.442/.731) with 4 doubles, a homer, 5 RBI, just 1 BB, and 4 K. Tino can still hit but lack of walks could become a problem. Looks great in left field.
Nate McLouth (Centerfielder)
Bats: Left
Experience: 7th season
Age: 29
2011 Salary: $6.5 mil
Notes: We’re still not sure if McLouth is any good. After a disappointing and injury plagued 2010 season, McLouth had a great spring training, going 18 for 62 to hit .290 with a .400 OBP, a homer, 10 BB’s and 3 K’s.
He needs to walk more and strikeout less. He has some power but gets pull happy.
He runs well and used to be one of the most efficient base stealers in the game, going 64 for 69 (92.7%) with Pittsburgh. Since coming to Atlanta, however, McLouth is just 19 of 27 (70.3%) in stolen base attempts.
He won a Gold Glove in 2008 but he has been below average defensively with the Braves. He had 9 assists in 2009 but last year he looked to be hiding an injury.
He will begin the year batting 2nd but he may have to be moved to 6th or 7th or 8th.
So far in 2011: Still not sure. Still not making enough contact. Still not having an impact on base paths. Still having problems in field. Looks better at plate one moment and then not so much the next. Overall he is 8 for 35 (.229/.289/.286/.575) with 2 doubles, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 7 K, and 2 GDP. He is 0 for 1 in SB attempts.
Jason Heyward (Rightfielder)
Bats: Left
Experience: 2nd season
Age: 21
2011 Salary: $496.5K
Notes: He could break into stardom this season. Nagging injuries have bothered him so far during his young career.
He has super plate discipline. If healthy he should cut his K’s way down. He should hit for average and power (doubles and homers).
He runs well but he’s not a big base stealer. He had 11 SB last season but just 64.7% success rate (15 of 18 in minors).
Capable in right field with good range and a solid arm, but looked a little shaky at times last year (6 errors).
Good spring training, going 16 for 45 to hit .366/.508/.511 with 10 walks and 11 K’s.
So far in 2011: He could have huge year. So far Heyward is 8 for 30 (.267/.421/.567/.988) with a double, triple, 2 homers, 5 RBI, 8 BB, and 6 K. On the other hand, his problems in right are becoming a concern.
Bench
David Ross (Catcher)
Bats: Right
Experience: 10th season
Age: 34
2011 Salary: $1.625 mil
Notes: Rossy has had two solid, consistent years as backup catcher with Atlanta. Not as much power as before (hit 21 homers in 2006 and 17 in 2007 before coming to the Braves) but will take a walk and doesn’t fan that much.
Decent speed for a catcher. Not the best backstop but he’s good at throwing runners out.
So far in 2011: 1 for 2 with a walk.
JC Boscan (Catcher)
Bats: Right
Experience: 2nd (rookie eligibility)
Age: 31
2011 Salary: pre-arbitration
Notes: Career minor leaguer. Has hit .227/316/.313/.629 in 14 minor league seasons.
Played in 1 game with Atlanta last year (walked and scored in only PA).
Average defensively.
Called up to make roster more flexible. Should be sent down when Jurrjens comes off DL to start on 4/16. May never be heard from again.
So far in 2011: 0 for 1 with a K.
Eric Hinske (Corner Infielder/Corner Outfielder)
Bats: Left
Experience: 10th season
Age: 33
2011 Salary: $1.35 mil
Notes: Great off the bench last year. His numbers were right on career averages so he may do it again.
He can play corners in infield and outfield. Runs okay. Good enough to get by defensively.
So far in 2011: Struggling so far, 0 for 7 with 2 K.
Brooks Conrad (First Baseman/Second Baseman)
Bats: Switch
Experience: 4th season
Age: 31
2011 Salary: $400K
Notes: Defensive liability but can play 3rd, 2nd, 1st, left, and right.
Versatile and valuable as bat off bench. Switch hits and hits with power. Will give a quality AB. Clutch at the plate.
Good speed from home to 1st and on bases. Was 5 for 6 as base stealer last season.
Holes in swing will show up at times.
How will he be mentally this year? Struggled in spring training, going just 11 for 54 to hit .204 with a homer, 3 BB, and 19 K’s.
So far in 2011: Struggling so far, 0 for 4 with 2 K. He may never regain pre-October form.
Brandon Hicks (Shortstop/Third Baseman/Second Baseman)
Bats: Right
Experience: 2nd season (rookie eligibility)
Age: 25
2011 Salary: pre-arbitration
Notes: Early on in his minor league career he looked good; power, patience, hands, speed. But he couldn’t stop striking out at higher levels.
He’s still looking for his 1st major league hit. Struggled mightily at AAA last year (.211 in 287 PA).
Has some pop (20 homers in 464 PA at high-A and AA in 2008). Will take walks but fails to make contact way too much.
Good speed. Okay as base stealer: 47 for 62 (75.8%) in minors.
Not sure of range at shortstop but at least 19 errors each of his last 3 years in the minors.
Decent spring, going 12 for 40 to hit .300 with a homer and 3 doubles, but 10 strikeouts and only 3 BB.
So far in 2011: 0 for 2.
Matt Young (Outfielder/Second Baseman)
Bats: Left
Experience: 1st season
Age: 28
2011 Salary: pre-arbitration
Notes: Career minor leaguer/fan favorite. 5’7’’.
Skill set similar to Gregor Blanco. Good discipline. Lots of walks. Does strikeout a bit. No power and still a GDP threat.
Can do the little things: work count, get on with HBP or infield hit, sacbunt, sacfly.
Good speed. Has become a good base stealer. Was just 46 of 78 (58.9%) at low-A, high-A, and AA during 2005-2007; but was 112 for 148 (75.6%) at AA and AAA during 2008-2010.
Decent spring training, going 12 for 47 with 0 EXBH, 0 for 2 in SB attempts, but 9 BB and only 3 K.
Concern is that MLB pitchers will refuse to walk him and will overmatch him.
He can play all 3 outfield spots and could play 2nd base in an emergency. Is supposed to be average glove, range, and arm. Better in left than in center.
So far in 2011: 1 for 7 with 2 BB and 2 K. Has looked good in the field. I like his style at the plate.
Starting Pitchers
Derek Lowe (Sinkerballer)
Pitches: Right Handed
Experience: 15th season
Age: 38 (on 6/1)
2011 Salary: $15.0 mil
Notes: Looked like had found himself again late last season and had a good spring.
Has been a disappointment since signing before 2009 season. In fairness, Lowe much better last year than 2009.
Still hasn’t found his LAD form, but he’s pitching in a different park under different conditions against the NL East now.
Keys are control, getting the ball down.
Will make every start and if pitching well enough will throw 200+ innings.
Okay hitter, will walk, probably our best bunting pitcher.
Okay fielding pitcher.
So far in 2011: Has been awesome in 3 starts, striking out 15 over 18.2 and posting a 1.45 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP but only 1-2 record to show for it.
Tim Hudson (Sinker/Forkball/Change)
Pitches: Right Handed
Experience: 13th season
Age: 35 (on 7/14)
2011 Salary: $9.0 mil
Notes: Was coming back from TJ surgery last year and had best year since 2003.
Wore down late in the year, ended up with 228.2 innings, most since 2003.
Very good spring.
One reason for worry is that he had his best ERA , WHIP, and H/9 since 2003 last year despite staying the same at K/9 and getting worse at BB/9 and HR/9.
Was true ace last year.
Very good fielder.
Good hitter and base runner. Not the best bunter.
So far in 2011: Same old Huddy in 2 starts, going 2-0 with 1.84 ERA and 0.82 WHIP over 14.2 innings.
Tommy Hanson (Fastball/Change/Curve)
Pitches: Right Handed
Experience: 3rd season
Age: 24
2011 Salary: Pre-arbitration
Notes: Hopefully he will have a breakthrough year.
Good spring training.
Had bad luck last year but also had some awful starts.
If he could come up with an out-pitch he might dominate. He doesn’t have one super pitch. FB not enough on its own.
Had some command issues last year: 14 HBP, too many good pitches to hit.
Breaking pitches not enough to get hitters to chase.
Did go up in GS and IP last year.
Not a great fielder. Terrible holding runners.
Bad hitter, not the best bunter.
So far in 2011: So far it doesn’t look like Hanson has made any adjustments. I’m not expecting a breakthrough. He is 0-2 in 2 starts and has allowed 7 runs (6 earned) on 12 hits and 3 BB with 3 K over 9 innings. He has hit a batter and allowed 2 homers.
Jair Jurrjens (Fastball/Change)
Pitches: Right Handed
Experience: 5th season
Age: 25
2011 Salary: $3.25 mil
Notes: Rib cage injury. Expected to start on April 16th.
It was predicted that JJ would fall back after 2009 season because too many BB, not enough K to maintain.
Biggest issue has been health. Just 20 GS last year.
Has to cut down on BB. HR rate doubled last year.
Good fielder.
Not much of a hitter but has a good eye. Not a good bunter. Runs well.
Pitched pretty well in ST, only 3 BB in 21 innings.
So far in 2011: Should make debut on 4/16.
Brandon Beachy (Fastball/Change/Curve)
Pitches: Right Handed
Experience: 2nd season (rookie eligibility)
Age: 24
2011 Salary: Pre-arbitration
Notes: Came out of nowhere. Great stuff.
Looked okay in 3 starts last year. Dominated this spring: 20 IP, 2 runs, 12 hits, 4 BB, 21 K.
We will still have to see how he handles being in rotation.
Capable of overpowering MLB hitters but can’t afford to walk guys.
Seems to be adequate fielder, hitter.
So far in 2011: Okay in 2 starts. 12 innings, 5 runs on 11 hits and 3 BB with 9 K.
Mike Minor (Fastball/Change/Curve)
Pitches: Left Handed
Experience: 2nd season (rookie eligibility)
Age: 23
2011 Salary: Pre-arbitration
Notes: 7th pick out of Vandy in 2009. Pick was panned, as critics said his ceiling was as 3-4 starter.
4 stars in 2009, 21 in 2010: 25 GS, 3.15 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 10.9K9.
Had some okay starts with Atlanta last year but ended up with a 5.98 ERA and a 1.57 WHIP in 40.2 innings. Had a good number of strikeouts but was way too hittable, HR prone. Ran out of gas. When talked of being tired he was shutdown.
Okay ST: 3 appearances, 2 starts, 10 IP, 7 hits, 1 run, 4 BB, 7 K.
So far in 2011: Did not look very good in only start of the year, allowing 5 runs on 7 hits and 4 walks with 2 K over 4 innings.
Relief Pitchers
Cristhian Martinez (Early Relief)
Pitches: Right Handed
Experience: 3rd season
Age: 29
2011 Salary: Pre-arbitration
Notes: Excellent as starter at AA in 2009 and as reliever at AAA last year.
Okay in 18 games with Atlanta.
Decent ST.
Good K to BB. HR prone.
So far in 2011: Okay in 3 appearances.
Peter Moylan (Groundball Guy/Everyday Guy)
Pitches: Right Handed (Sidearm)
Experience: 6th season
Age: 32
2011 Salary: $2.0 mil
Notes: 80+ appearances 3 of the last 4 years with 2.97 ERA or better.
Can get out of jam with GDP or K. Tough on righties; weak against lefties due to sidearm.
Good fielder. Better at holding runners but still an issue.
Super spring training.
So far in 2011: 5 appearances already, has been a bit shaky.
Scott Linebrink (Late Relief)
Pitches: Right Handed
Experience: 12th season
Age: 34
2011 Salary: $5.5 mil ($3.5 from CHW)
Notes: Former setup man for Trevor Hoffman in San Diego. Declined with White Sox after 4 straight seasons of 70+ GP and exit from NL West/Petco.
Good K to BB and GDP. HR prone (kept down at Petco). 7 career saves.
Okay spring training.
So far in 2011: Was doing okay until Saturday when he allowed a slam and was roughed up.
George Sherrill (Situational Lefty)
Pitches: Left Handed
Experience: 8th season
Age: 34 (on 4/19)
2011 Salary: $1.2 mil
Notes: Has been lefty specialist/setup/closer. 56 career saves.
Great K’s, few hits. HR prone. Control problems.
Has struggled to put back to back years together.
Blew up last year, horrible with LAD.
Tough on lefties, not as much against righties. Much more cautious against righties.
Horrible spring training: 10 appearances, 10 innings, 16 hits, 10 runs, 7 BB, HBP, 9K.
So far in 2011: Hasn’t looked that good in 4 appearances as lefty specialist.
Eric O’Flaherty (Middle Relief/Situational Lefty)
Pitches: Left Handed
Experience: 6th season
Age: 26
2011 Salary: $895K
Notes: 2 solid seasons with Atlanta as lefty specialist.
Hard to hit and not HR prone. Will walk some guys and not too many K’s but good GDP.
Righties normally hit well but not last year.
Good at holding runners.
Brilliant ST: 10 appearances, 10 innings, 2 hits, 0 runs, 4 BB, 7 K.
So far in 2011: Has been almost perfect in 4 appearances.
Johnny Venters (Setup Man/Alternate Closer)
Pitches: Left Handed
Experience: 2nd season
Age: 26
2011 Salary: $429.5K
Notes: To say that he came out of nowhere would be an understatement.
Mostly a starter in minors, had control problems and did not strike guys out.
Shined last spring, was called up early as reliever and was fabulous: 79 games, 83 innings, 61 hits, 39 BB, 93 K. Only 1 homer allowed.
He gave up 12 unearned runs and had some control problems, but had great K numbers, didn’t give up HR’s, had good GDP numbers, and was strong against right and left handed batters.
I was worried his arm might fall off but he had a perfect ST: 11 appearances, 11 innings, 4 hits, 1 run (0 earned), 2 BB, 9 K.
So far in 2011: Has been a stud but has already been used 6 times!!!
Craig Kimbrel (Closer)
Pitches: Right Handed
Experience: 2nd season
Age: 23
2011 Salary: Pre-arbitration
Notes: Flame thrower. Great fastball, slider.
Dominated minors but control problems. Not HR prone.
21 games in Atlanta last year, too many walks, overcame with 40 K in 20.2 innings. Pitched in postseason.
Okay ST: 13 appearances, 12.1 innings, 10 hits, 4 runs, 1 HBP, 4 BB, HR, 15 K.
So far in 2011: Dominant. 3 for 3 in save tries. 1 hit, 1 walk, 7 K’s over 4 innings.
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