Atlanta Braves Season Preview: The Infield

Any discussion about the Atlanta Braves infield has to start at third base. Chipper Jones, the veteran stalwart, is coming off a season in which he won his first batting title. This followed a 2007 season in which he finished sixth in the MVP voting.

These are two huge reasons why I don't understand anyone saying that Chipper Jones is declining. His health has declined a bit, but his bat has never felt those same effects. He is still capable of playing 130-plus games. We all know what he's capable of during those 130-plus games.

When Chipper is not able to play, the combination of Omar Infante and Martin Prado have proven more than capable fill-in's.

Infante and Prado can play almost any position in the infield and both swing a nice stick. Prado hit .320 in 228 at-bats last year, and Infante hit .293 in 317 at-bats.

Look for Infante to back up at third, shortstop, and second, while Prado will serve as primary backup at second, and alternate at shortstop. Both will give Chipper some much- needed rest during the season.

Over at shortstop, the Braves welcome back Yunel Escobar. After being a part of the rumored Jake Peavy deal, Escobar should be ready to contribute even more in 2008.

Escobar is a rising star in the National League East, but the Braves have had some concerns about his attitude since he's been with the club. Hopefully he'll be ready to take off this season and deliver on his tremendous potential.

At second, Kelly Johnson has more than nailed down an everyday job. Johnson is streaky at the plate, but when he gets hot, he hits everything.

Johnson has gotten better defensively every year he's played at second and there's no reason to believe he won't be better in 2009.

First baseman Casey Kotchman came over from the Angels in the Mark Teixiera trade last Summer. In the few weeks following the trade, Kotchman looked half-lost, half-bored in Atlanta.

He heated up during the seasons final month, when he hit .305 and belted 2 home runs.

Kotchman is one of the best defensive first basemen in the game, though. He might not produce an overwhelming number of runs, but he'll save many.

Serving as Kotchman's backup will be Greg Norton, and possibly Infante, as well.

Norton will backup in the outfield and at first, and Infante can play virtually anywhere but catcher. Both have proven themselves with the bat, and both add tremendous depth to this Braves bench.

Moving on to catcher. (Yes, I realize catcher is technically not part of the infield, but I can't write a ton on two guys, so I'm lumping them in here.)

Brian McCann is the best catcher in the National League. He has proven that in his three-plus seasons. As a three-time All-Star and one of the Braves' most consistent hitters, McCann has solidified his spot as future top Brave.

Sure, he's a few years away from officially taking that title from Mr. Brave, Chipper Jones, but he's well on his way to cementing a tremendous legacy as the Braves' backstop.

McCann hit 23 home runs last season, with a .301 batting average. But those stats alone do not come close to expressing his value to the Braves.

Since the end of the 2008 season, McCann has lost 20 pounds in an effort to continue catching for his entire career. It should also help him in getting out of the crouch better and gunning down would-be base-stealers.

Backing up McCann will be David Ross, who will play every fifth day or so, giving McCann a chance to rest.

Ross still has some decent pop in his bat, hitting 21 home runs in 247 at-bats for the Reds just two years ago. He is an excellent defensive catcher and is a huge upgrade from Clint Sammons and Corky Miller.

This Braves infield has much potential and could be the most integral part of Atlanta's turnaround, especially if Chipper stays healthy, Escobar does what he normally does, Johnson stays hot, Kotchman catches fire, and McCann continues to be the best.

All those things happening at once is incredibly rare and doubtful, but this Atlanta infield will have it's great moments this season. Hopefully there will be more great moments than not-so-great-moments.

In the next part of this preview, I will discuss the Braves starting pitching staff in-depth.

Check back soon!