Final Prediction for Atlanta Braves' Key Spring Position Battles

We have nearly reached the midway point of spring training, which means competition for key spots is heating up.

The Atlanta Braves have lots of new faces fighting for key spots, and those players now have more than two weeks of playing time under their belt. This gives us a better idea of who will make the roster than we had before spring training.

The key starting spots still up for grabs appear to be second base, left field, center field and two starting rotation spots. 

With Opening Day quickly approaching, here's a final look at who will win the starting spots coming out of spring training.

1. 2nd Base

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Candidates: Alberto Callaspo, Phil Gosselin, Jace Peterson

Entering spring training, I considered Alberto Callaspo as the leader to win the second base job, as the Braves gave him a one-year deal worth $3 million this offseason. However, it was far from a lock, and Jace Peterson has used his opportunity to emerge as the front-runner for the job.

Through 10 games, Peterson is tied for the team lead with nine hits and has compiled a .346/.452/.423 slash line. Meanwhile, Callaspo and Phil Gosselin have combined for just eight hits (Gosselin 5, Callaspo 3), with both failing to hit above .200.

Peterson also offers better speed than Callaspo or Gosselin.

This is a case of one player taking advantage of an opportunity entering spring training.

Projected Winner: Jace Peterson

2. Left Field

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Candidates: Zoilo Almonte, Jonny Gomes, Kelly Johnson, Eury Perez, Joey Terdoslavich, Dian Toscano (when he arrives)

The open left field spot is much more complex than the second base job.

Jonny Gomes is expected to be the starter in left field when left-handed pitchers are on the mound, and he will occasionally start against right-handers. Meanwhile, I expect Eric Young Jr. to get playing time in left field once Melvin Upton returns from injury to play center.

The question is who starts in left field on Opening Day against a right-handed pitcher?

Joey Terdoslavich has performed the best out of the available candidates with a .300 average and .900 OPS, including five doubles and a home run. However, the Braves have seen lots of Terdoslavich in the past, and he's never truly broken through.

Therefore, I think Zoilo Almonte is the leader to start in left.

While he hasn't been overly impressive this spring (.207 average, one extra-base hit), he does have the potential to add more pop than the other candidates.

Projected Winner: Zoilo Almonte

3. Center Field

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Candidates: Todd Cunningham, Eury Perez, Eric Young Jr.

The center field position opened up at the beginning of spring training with the news of Melvin Upton's foot injury.

The Braves signed Eric Young Jr. to a minor league deal in February, and it looks like he will prove to be a valuable addition.

Young has a mediocre .233 average this spring, but has impressed with his ability to get on base (.361 OBP) and steal bases (three stolen bases, zero caught stealing). Young would also be a good fit because he could serve as an experienced leadoff hitter— something this roster lacks.

Eury Perez also features good speed and has had a nice spring (.333/.417/.429). He looks well-positioned to make the 25-man roster and could get some starting time.

I don't think Cunningham (.250 average) has done enough to win the starting job in the absence of Upton.

Projected Winner: Eric Young Jr.

4. Starting Rotation

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Candidates: Manny Banuelos, Mike Foltynewicz, Cody Martin, Wandy Rodriguez, Eric Stults

Mike Minor is destined to begin the season on the disabled list, which leaves two rotation spots as question marks entering the season.

It looks like Eric Stults will win one of those spots, as he's posted a 2.00 ERA in nine innings this spring.

The final rotation spot looks more complicated.

I think Manny Banuelos (32.40 ERA) and Mike Foltynewicz (7.71 ERA) have pitched themselves out of contention, though Foltynewicz is still holding onto a slim chance.

Both Cody Martin and Wandy Rodriguez are interesting stories, with both pitching effectively this spring.

Martin has never been highly regarded, but he's steadily progressed through the system. He was a forgotten man to start the spring, but has yet to allow a run in five innings (two starts).

Meanwhile, Rodriguez is trying to rebound from injury and return to his Houston form. The 36-year-old has also impressed this spring with a 1.12 ERA in eight innings as well as improved velocity.

This one will be interesting to watch play out.

Projected Winners: Eric Stults, Wandy Rodriguez