Complete Atlanta Braves 2015 Season Preview

Spring training is winding down, and the April 6 Opening Day is quickly approaching for the Atlanta Braves.

The 2015 roster will feature many new faces, so there's much interest and anticipation to see how this season plays out.

Overall, expectations are lower entering this season than in previous seasons. However, this will be a key season, as the Braves are in a transition period as they prepare to enter their new stadium in 2017.

Some guys will need to take steps forward, while others will look to show they should be a part of the Braves' future plans. Meanwhile, new veterans will look to fit in and help get the Braves back in playoff contention.

In this season preview, we'll take a look at the projected lineup and rotation, potential breakout players, prospects to watch and a prediction for the 2015 Atlanta Braves.

1. Projected Lineup

Brian Blanco/Getty Images

Right-Handed Pitcher

1. Eric Young Jr., CF

2. Jace Peterson, 2B

3. Nick Markakis, RF

4. Freddie Freeman, 1B

5. Chris Johnson, 3B

6. Zoilo Almonte, LF

7. Andrelton Simmons, SS

8. Christian Bethancourt, C

Left-Handed Pitcher

1. Eric Young Jr., CF

2. Nick Markakis, RF

3. Freddie Freeman, 1B

4. Jonny Gomes, LF

5. Chris Johnson, 3B

6. Andrelton Simmons, SS

7. Christian Bethancourt, C

8. Jace Peterson, 2B

Bench

A.J. Pierzynski, C

Alberto Callaspo, 2B/3B

Phil Gosselin, Utility

Gomes/Almonte, OF

Eury Perez, OF

The starters appear mostly set at this point, with the lone question being who plays left field when the Braves face right-handed pitchers. I gave the nod to Zoilo Almonte, but Kelly Johnson has heated up recently and could make the roster.

I think Jace Peterson has earned the starting spot at second base, so expect him to hit in the second spot against right-handed pitching, which will allow Nick Markakis to hit ahead of Freddie Freeman. That will leave Chris Johnson and Jonny Gomes to protect Freeman in the lineup.

Look for Andrelton Simmons and Christian Bethancourt (Peterson against left-handed pitching) to fill out the bottom of the lineup.

The bench features some veteran players in A.J. Pierzynski, Alberto Callaspo and Gomes. Phil Gosselin and Eury Perez are versatile options off the bench that will get spot starts.

2. Projected Rotation

Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Starting Rotation

1. Julio Teheran, RHP

2. Alex Wood, LHP

3. Shelby Miller, RHP

4. Wandy Rodriguez, LHP

5. Eric Stults, LHP

Bullpen

Arodys Vizcaino, RHP

Michael Kohn, RHP

Luis Avilan, LHP

Josh Outman, LHP

Jim Johnson, SU

Jason Grilli, SU

Craig Kimbrel, CL

This spring's main focus regarding the starting rotation has been filling the final two spots after Mike Minor's injury (likely May return, per CBS Sportst' Michael Hurcomb). Left-handers Wandy Rodriguez and Eric Stults have performed well enough this spring and have past starting experience, making them solid options as the final two starters.

Could they be this year's version of Aaron Harang?

If healthy, this unit has the chance to be another top rotation in the National League with Julio Teheran leading the way.

The bullpen is not as easy to sort out. Craig Kimbrel, Jason Grilli, Jim Johnson and Josh Outman seem certain to make the roster. Both Luis Avilan and Michael Kohn have had encouraging springs, so I'd look for them to also be a part of the bullpen to begin the season.

Arodys Vizcaino has the stuff to be a dominating reliever, but he has struggled with his command this spring. He's no lock to make the roster, but the Braves don't have many other options and his stuff could be too tough to pass up.

James Russell (10.57 ERA) has been terrible this spring, so look for the Braves to waive the veteran.

Meanwhile, I like the young prospects (Mike Foltynewicz, Manny Banuelos) to start in the minors and continue to develop as starters.

3. Breakout Candidate

John Bazemore/Associated Press

Manager Fredi Gonzalez raved about Jace Peterson during the telecast of the Braves' spring training game with the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday.

It's easy to see why, as Peterson has compiled a .341 average and .449 on-base percentage this spring.

You've got to give the 24-year-old credit, as he entered this spring as an unknown, competed for a starting spot and has seemingly won the job going away.

The Braves acquired Peterson this offseason from the San Diego Padres as part of the Justin Upton trade. His versatility combined with his numbers in the minors (.287/.381/.411 career) made him an intriguing player. While he has only 53 MLB at-bats under his belt, his spring training and minor league numbers are encouraging for Braves fans.

Some fans don't know about Peterson yet, but I expect him to be a very popular and well-known player by season's end.

4. Prospects to Watch

Carlos Osorio/Associated Press

Jose Peraza

The Braves' top prospect in the organization entered this spring with an outside chance to win the starting second base duties. However, this seemed to be a long shot, as there's no real rush to get the 20-year-old to the big leagues with the Braves likely in a transition year.

Jose Peraza's struggles this spring (one hit in 16 at-bats) only highlighted that he could use some more at-bats in Triple-A to begin the season.

Still, there's a reason Peraza is the highest-rated prospect in the organization, and he should make the MLB at some point in 2015. 

If Peterson continues his play from this spring, Peraza may not be needed until September. However, it wouldn't be a shocker to see him sometime this summer if there are injuries or struggles.

Mike Foltynewicz

It appears that Mike Foltynewicz will be on the outside looking in for a rotation spot after he lasted just 2.2 innings against the Phillies on Tuesday. 

Foltynewicz allowed three runs (two solo home runs) and generally struggled with his command (two walks) on Tuesday. This was evidence that the 23-year-old has a little ways to go in terms of developing as a starting pitcher.

At the same time, there's no denying his talent. Foltynewicz struck out four batters with a tough breaking ball as well as a fastball he ratcheted up to 97 mph on a few occasions.

Fans will see at Foltynewicz at the MLB level at some point in 2015. While it may not be to start the season, he will have an impact on this season.

Tyrell Jenkins

Tyrell Jenkins is likely a season away from impacting the Atlanta Braves, although he could be a September call-up. However, the prospect acquired in the Jason Heyward trade has impressed during his brief stint this spring.

The 22-year-old has dealt with injuries in the minors, which has halted his progress thus far. If healthy, Jenkins possesses a nice arsenal of pitches that includes a mid-90s fastball, curveball, and changeup. He combines those pitches with a high leg kick, which makes the ball difficult for hitters to pick up.

Jenkins may not make the majors this season, but fans should continue to monitor his progress in the minors this season.

5. Season Outlook

David Goldman/Associated Press

The strength of the 2015 Braves should once again be the pitching staff.

Julio Teheran, Alex Wood and newcomer Shelby Miller give the Braves three quality starters at the top of the rotation. If Mike Minor can return to form after his injury, the rotation will be that much better.

While the bullpen looks much different this season, I also expect it to be a strength for the team. That starts with dominating closer Craig Kimbrel, but Jason Grilli and Jim Johnson give the Braves two veteran options as setup men. Luis Avilan should bounce back to some degree, while Josh Outman has been successful in the past as a left-handed specialist.

The other side of the ball does not look as promising, as this team will struggle to score runs.

Chris Johnson and Andrelton Simmons will need to take huge strides this season for the offense to have success.

While last season's frustrations surrounded the amount of strikeouts, this year's frustrations will likely involve the lack of big hits, as there isn't much power in the lineup outside of Freddie Freeman. The Braves will need to be efficient when they get guys on base and look to play small ball to push some runs across.

The pitching will be good enough to keep the Braves in most games and keep them competitive throughout the season. However, this offense is just too limited for me to see the Braves making the playoffs.

Season Prediction: 78-84, 3rd in NL East