Atlanta Braves: 5 Things To Look Forward To After the All-Star Break
By Jeff Schafer
Mar 7, 2015; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop
Jose Peraza(70) throws to first against the New York Mets during the spring training baseball game at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Mallex Smith or Jose Peraza Call Ups
It’s very possible either Smith or Peraza gets a call in September to join the Atlanta Braves – or before – if they trade away players.
Pereza continues to stay consistent in Gwinnett, but Smith has struggled since being called up to Gwinnett earlier this year.
Jose Peraza
Mallex Smith
| Year | Age | Tm | Lev | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 22 | Mississippi | AA | 57 | 241 | 206 | 35 | 70 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 22 | 23 | 27 | 41 | .340 | .418 | .413 |
| 2015 | 22 | Gwinnett | AAA | 18 | 78 | 73 | 10 | 15 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 12 | .205 | .234 | .288 |
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These two guys are special ballplayers and could play a very prominent role in the Braves future. This would give Braves fans reason to tune in each night so they can see these guys in action.
Think about having these two players at the top of the batting order. One thing to consider moving forward, is that this team will be a very heavy left-handed hitting team. Smith bats on the left side while Peraza is righty.
Check out this potential lineup (if Uribe, Pierzynski and Maybin are traded).
1. Jace Peterson 3B (L)
2. Jose Peraza 2B (R)
3. Freddie Freeman 1B (L)
4. Nick Markakis RF (L)
5. Plug in a LF
6. Andrelton Simmons SS (R)
7. Christian Bethancourt C (R)
8. Mallex Smith CF (L)
9. Pitcher
That 5 hole would be a perfect place to add a power right-handed left fielder.
Next: Click here for another bright side