2011 Atlanta Braves Projected Lineup, Rotation, Bench, and Bullpen (w/ Stats)

Catcher Brian McCann leads the Braves heading into 2011.
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As the hot stove quiets down after the major signings and trades have taken place (Cl. Lee-Phi., A. Gonzalez-Bos., C. Crawford-Bos., D. Uggla-Atl, etc.), the 2011 teams have started to take shape.  While more changes could be on the horizon, the following slides will show how I see the lineup, rotation, bench, and bullpen to look come springtime.

Lineup (with Season Projections)

Dan Uggla (left) will join David Ross (right) in the Braves clubhouse in 2011.
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1. LF- Martin Prado- .290, 12 HR, 59 RBI

2. RF- Jason Heyward- .284, 24 HR, 87 RBI

3. 3B- Chipper Jones- .280, 15 HR, 73 RBI

4. C- Brian McCann- .303, 25 HR, 92 RBI

5. 2B- Dan Uggla- .257, 28 HR, 90 RBI

6. 1B- Freddie Freeman- .280, 15 HR, 69 RBI

7. SS- Alex Gonzalez- .242, 16 HR, 70 RBI

8. CF- Nate McLouth/Jordan Schafer- .255, 12 HR, 60 RBI (Combined #'s)

If these projections come into fruition, I would be a very happy man.  Though it might seem a little generous in spots, this is all highly reasonable production from each player(s). I see a slight drop-off from Martin Prado as he adjusts to a new position. I'm also assuming Chipper can make it through 125-130 games this year to put up those numbers.

 

 

Rotation (with Projected Stats)

Jair Jurrjens will need to step up for the Braves rotation in 2011.
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1. Tim Hudson- 15 W, 7 L, 3.33 ERA

2. Derek Lowe- 15 W, 10 L, 3.78 ERA

3. Tommy Hanson- 17 W, 8 L, 3.12 ERA

4. Jair Jurrjens- 14 W, 6 L, 3.44 ERA

5. Mike Minor/B. Beachy- 9 W, 11 L, 4.22 ERA (Combined Stats)

Bold Statement: The top 4 in the Braves rotation will win more games than the Phillies' big 4.

Tommy Hanson pitched extremely well last year with little luck in the win column; however, with a better and more balanced lineup behind him, Hanson will have his best season yet. I also expect Jurrjens to have a bounce-back year after an injury plagued season a year ago.

Bench

Eric Hinske proved to be a very clutch performer in his first season with the Braves.
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1. David Ross- C

One of the most reliable and productive back-up catchers in the league returns for another year to provide clubhouse leadership and a solid glove and bat off the bench.

2. Diory Hernandez- MIF

Diory will be the defensive specialist of the bench for the infield.

3. Eric Hinske- Utl

The clutch, veteran Hinske will provide depth at 1B and the corner OF spots while being the primary pinch-hitter for Fredi Gonzalez.

4. Brooks Conrad- 2B, 3B

Brooks will be the offensive specialist off the bench for the infield

5. Jordan Schafer-

Schafer will be key for the Braves this season if McLouth is unable to return to respectability.

Bullpen (w/ Stats)

New closer Craig Kimbrel has all the tools to be dominant.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Closer- Craig Kimbrel- 31 Sv, 1.99 ERA

Will be a leading candidate for NL rookie of the year

Set-Up- Jonny Venters- 2.33 ERA

Will be very good, but not as good as his amazing rookie year

Set-Up- George Sherrill- 3.24 ERA

Solid, experienced lefty who gives the Braves young bullpen a veteran presence

Middle Relief- Eric Oflaherty- 2.31 ERA

Lefty who is good against lefties and righties

Middle Relief- Scott Linebrink- 3.89 ERA

Another veteran free agent signing

Ground Ball Specialist- Peter Moylan- 2.49 ERA

His title says it all.

Long Relief- Christian Martinez- 3.39 ERA

Was very reliable and under-the-radar out of the pen last season