Predictions: The Atlanta Braves 25 Man Roster

Mar 21, 2015; Jupiter, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Jace Peterson (28) throws out a St. Louis Cardinals base runner at Roger Dean Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Braves 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

The Absolute Starters:

C   Christian Bethancourt
1B Freddie Freeman
2B Jace Peterson
3B Chris Johnson
SS  Andrelton Simmons
RF Nick Markakis

With the starting crew, there aren’t a lot of surprises. Most people understand that players under guaranteed contracts more than the league minimum are just going to play, no matter how their springs play out. That’s why I have no objection to Chris Johnson starting the season at third base, despite a disastrous spring following a pretty rough 2014. And you better believe a healthy Melvin Upton Jr. would be patrolling center field.

Christian Bethancourt has had a very good spring at the dish, despite not taking a single walk. But when your team trades its last true power hitter to open up your position, you’re getting that job no matter what. Likewise, Jace Peterson established that he was ready for the job early on and has run away with it, in my opinion (and many others). I don’t think there will be a single discrepancy from this list come Opening Day, as long as Nick Markakis doesn’t suffer any setbacks.

Next: The Bench...