Atlanta Braves Roster Battles: 4 Most Intriguing Spring Position Battles

The Atlanta Braves are approaching the beginning of the season and have many roster battles going on down at Disney.

Some of these battles are intriguing as it was thought there wouldn't be a discussion on some of these positions.

Some are competing for a starting spot with the Braves, while others are competing in hopes that they're not sent down to Triple-A Gwinnett or released.

Regardless, even though these guys are teammates, they want to leave no doubt that the position should be theirs.

Here's a look at four battles that the Braves currently have going on in spring training.

Julio Teheran vs. Randall Delgado

With Tim Hudson scheduled to be on the disabled list until May, Julio Teheran and Randall Delgado are competing for the No. 5 starting job until he returns.

Currently, Jair Jurrjens, Tommy Hanson, Brandon Beachy and Mike Minor are penciled in as the top four starters.

Had Jurrjens been traded during the offseason, then the only discussion the Braves would be having is who would be sent down to Triple-A once Hudson returned. Now, it's likely that, by May, both will be back in Gwinnett, due to the Braves' strong pitching.

During the spring, both players have looked good, but Delgado has looked more comfortable in the spring, although neither of their ERAs say much.

I imagine Freddi Gonzalez is going to have one of them pitch an entire game at the end of spring training and see who he feels is better suited to start the season in Atlanta.

Regardless, by next year, both of these players should permanently be in Atlanta's rotation, as long as some unforeseen trade doesn't happen.

Tyler Pastornicky vs. Andrelton Simmons

The reason the Braves let Alex Gonzalez walk in free agency was because they had Tyler Pastornicky waiting in the wings to take over the starting position this year.

However, Andrelton Simmons has impressed more this spring, and now, has brought up the question, "Is the job still Pastornicky's?"

Pastornicky has obviously gotten more at-bats due to the fact that the job was considered his, but Simmons isn't going down without a fight.

Currently, Simmons has one more hit in 14 less at-bats and has shown a great glove during the spring.

My hope is that both are kept on the roster coming out of spring, but if Pastornicky does keep the job, you can bet that Simmons will be in Triple-A, so that he can play every day.

What About Jose Constanza?

With his play last year, Jose Constanza has given Freddi Gonzalez a tough choice to make.

Currently, the outfield consists of Martin Prado, Michael Bourn, Jason Heyward and Matt Diaz, while the infield has Chipper Jones, Freddie Freeman, Dan Uggla, Tyler Pastornicky (likely), Jack Wilson and Eric Hinkske (although, he can play both outfield and first base).

Constanza has shown that he can play in the big leagues and definitely should be in Atlanta.

However, the acquisition of Diaz last year hurt those chances for this year, and we'll likely see Constanza back in Triple-A.

If Diaz does struggle off the bench, you can bet Constanza will be back up. And, if Bourn walks in free agency after this year, then Constanza will be the starting center fielder in Atlanta come next year.

Bullpen Opening(s)

Currently, we know that Craig Kimbrel, Jonny Venters, Eric O'Flaherty and Kris Medlin are definites in the bullpen.

According to a report, reliever Arodys Vizcaino has been sidelined with an elbow injury. Although the extent of it is only thought to be inflammation, the Braves are still going to be cautious.

So, what do the Braves do as far as the bullpen.

Robert Fish is almost guaranteed a spot since he was selected in the Rule 5 draft this past offseason and has to remain on the big-league roster.

After that, there's a few questions.

Anthony Vavarro was impressive in his stint with Atlanta last year as was Cristian Martinez. The question becomes, if it comes down to it, who will be the odd man out?

In my opinion, Vavaro would be sent down if it came down to it, mainly because Martinez has the ability to go more than one inning.

At the end of the day, that could be the main determining factor.