Atlanta Braves Hector Olivera and Dansby Swanson Already Swinging Away

Braves Olivera and Swanson Hitting In Batting Cages

Atlanta Braves pitchers and catchers have officially arrived to the Wild World of Sports at Disney…everyone is accounted for, no one is running late.  Positional players aren’t required to arrive until February 24th with their first practice on February 25th, but a few have already shown up.

As we wrote about last night, Jace Peterson has arrived, as well as Hector Olivera and Dansby Swanson.

Newly acquired and top Braves prospect, Swanson showed up ready to go as he’s already been in the batting cages showing coaches what he’s got.  The 22-year-old hasn’t played above the Single-A- level so an opportunity to make the Braves roster this season is highly unlikely.  He’ll probably start the 2016 season with the Rome Braves or Carolina Mudcats.  We need to give this prospect every opportunity to prosper and develop.

Let’s take a look at Swanson in the cages and Fredi Gonzalez talking about what he saw…

Dansby is looking solid at the plate, the one thing I’m picking up on at first glance is how he’s letting go of the bat with his right hand on a few swings. I realize it’s early and he’s just practicing, but his swing looks a lot better when he holds both hands on the bat throughout his swing.

Olivera also took some cuts yesterday in Orlando. The 30-year-old (will be 31 on April 5th) is looking to make the transition to the outfield this season so he can concentrate more on his hitting.

This offseason, he worked with Braves hitting coach Kevin Seitzer on his swing. AJC’s David O’Brien said yesterday his swing looks like he has a “simpler, smooth batting stance”.

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It’s day 3 of Braves Spring Training, and I’m going outside to throw the baseball with some friends.

Thank you Atlanta Braves social media team, Grant McAuley and Kevin McAlpin for posting these videos