Atlanta Braves 2015 Season Preview/Projection
infielder Jace Peterson plays for the Surprise Saguaros during an Arizona Fall League game against the Salt River Rafters at Salt River Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Names to Watch in 2015
WHO COULD SURPRISE
If B.J. Upton somehow finds his 2007-2008 self, then this would be more shock than a surprise. Andrelton Simmons needs to locate the bat that had him hitting close to .300 in the minors. Jace Peterson could break out if he’s allowed to play every day at the Keystone sack. The Braves could end up going with platoons at up to 4 or 5 positions (LF, CF, 3B, 2B, C) in the hope of finding offense, so the best chance of surprise will be if that scheme works.
WHO MIGHT DISAPPOINT
Simmons, again, if he continues to use a max effort, lunging swing. Chris Johnson if he doesn’t rebound. Freddie Freeman, if he isn’t patient with pitchers throwing around him as the only real threat in the lineup. Nick Markakis – only because he’s not Jason Heyward. Expectations for B.J. Upton are already low, so anything better is a plus; anything worse is meh.
UP AND COMING
1. Jace Peterson. Conventional wisdom is that he’s simply keeping 2B warm for top prospect Jose Peraza. That’s still probably true. But Peterson is a bona fide prospect in his own right, and went .306/.406/.464 in AAA during 2014, so if he plays like that in the majors, then Peraza might have a little longer to wait at Gwinnett.
2. Dian Toscano. New Cuban signee Toscano will get acclimated to playing again at AAA. If he’s better than whoever ends up platooning with Jonny Gomes in LF, then the Braves won’t wait long to call him up.
3. There’s a host of names to be watching in the minor leagues this year. Depending on how the season progresses, many could get a look at the major league level. TomahawkTake will keep an eye on them for you this season, as there are more reasons than usual to keep track.
THE WILD CARD
Since this is still early, we don’t yet know the fate of Hector Olivera. If the Braves sign him (they are heavily interested), then a lot could change. I won’t go anywhere close to suggesting that his presence would save the season, but plans for third base – at least – certainly would be different.