2011 Atlanta Braves Projected Lineup, Rotation, Bench, and Bullpen (w/ Stats)
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)
1 of 4
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)
2 of 4
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
3 of 4
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.
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Bullpen (w/ Stats)
4 of 4
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
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