Projecting the Atlanta Braves' 2015 Opening Day Roster

The 2015 Opening Day roster for the Atlanta Braves will look much different than the 2014 Opening Day roster.

That roster included Jason Heyward, Justin Upton, Evan Gattis and Ervin Santana, among others. 

Those players were a key part of the Braves' 2014 season but will not be around for the 2015 season.

That is a product of the free-agency era as well as a team that underachieved and finished a disappointing 79-83 for the year.

While this year's expectations will not be as high, it will be interesting to see if the Braves can build some positive momentum toward a brighter future.

As spring training approaches, let's take a crack at what the Opening Day roster will look like for the Atlanta Braves.

Infielders

Jason Getz/Associated Press

Catchers: Christian Bethancourt, A.J. Pierzynski

Infielders: Alberto Callaspo, Freddie Freeman, Phil Gosselin, Chris Johnson, Jace Peterson, Andrelton Simmons

I don't see much debate or drama concerning the catchers and infielders.

The Braves signed A.J. Pierzynski to a one-year deal this offseason to serve as the primary backup to Christian Bethancourt, who takes over the starting catching duties. 

Around the infield, Freddie Freeman and Andrelton Simmons are two of the faces of the organization.

Chris Johnson will once again serve as the starting third baseman but could lose playing time to Alberto Callaspo or Jace Peterson if he struggles to hit right-handed pitching.

Phil Gosselin proved to be an effective MLB hitter during his stint in Atlanta last season. The Braves value him in a backup role.

The Braves began the season with two catchers and six infielders last year, and I expect this part of the roster to look the same to begin 2015.

Outfielders

David Goldman/Associated Press

Outfielders: Zoilo Almonte, Jonny Gomes, Nick Markakis, Joey Terdoslavich, B.J. Upton

This is where things get interesting.

Much to the dismay of Braves fans, B.J. Upton will begin the year as the starting center fielder. The newly signed Nick Markakis will be the starting right fielder.

The Braves signed Jonny Gomes to likely serve in a platoon role with Zoilo Almonte, whom the Braves also signed to a one-year deal.

It seems likely the Braves will add one more outfielder, but it could be a number of different players.

Todd Cunningham, Jose Constanza, Joey Terdoslavich and Eury Perez could all be options.

Currently, I give the edge to Terdoslavich, as he adds more power as a pinch-hitter and could also spell Freeman at first base if needed.

The other option the Braves have is going with just four outfielders and carrying an extra pitcher in the bullpen.

This will likely come down to who performs during spring training.

Starting Pitchers

John Bazemore/Associated Press

Starting Pitchers: Manny Banuelos, Shelby Miller, Mike Minor, Julio Teheran, Alex Wood

We essentially know that the first four starters will be Shelby Miller, Mike Minor, Julio Teheran and Alex Wood.

However, the fifth spot in the rotation is wide-open.

The Braves added veterans Chien-Ming Wang and Wandy Rodriguez as potential fifth starters. They also have young players in David Hale, Michael Foltynewicz and Manny Banuelos who will have a chance at that rotation spot.

This battle will also likely come down to spring training performance. However, I do like the potential of Banuelos as a left-hander who has had decent success in the minors (3.29 ERA in six seasons).

If not Banuelos, Hale would be a likely choice.

Relief Pitchers

H. RUMPH JR/Associated Press

Relief Pitchers: Luis Avilan, Jason Grilli, Jim Johnson, Craig Kimbrel, Michael Kohn, James Russell, Shae Simmons

The bullpen has changed from last season, but it has the potential to be very good once again.

The main reason is that Craig Kimbrel remains one of the top closers in baseball and will anchor the bullpen.

Both Jim Johnson and Jason Grilli are coming off disappointing seasons but have served as closers in the past. If one returns to form, the Braves should have a solid bullpen.

The Braves surround Kimbrel with other hard-throwing right-handers in Shae Simmons and Michael Kohn. Both pitchers have had some arm issues and will be worth monitoring to begin the season.

Manager Fredi Gonzalez will need either Luis Avilan or James Russell to be effective against left-handed hitters. The Braves struggled in this area in 2014.

Another name to watch is Arodys Vizcaino. He is a right-hander with an electric arm. However, I expect that he will be on the outside looking in when the season begins.