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3 Key Additions for 2017 Atlanta Braves

By Ryan Cothran

Mar 7, 2016; Dunedin, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Ozzie Albies (87) works out prior to the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2016; Dunedin, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Ozzie Albies (87) works out prior to the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves interim manager Brian Snitker (43) watches from the dugout in the fourth inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
May 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves interim manager Brian Snitker (43) watches from the dugout in the fourth inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

What does this do for the Atlanta Braves 25-man roster?

Rumor has it the Braves could be looking at a 4-man bench, and while I LOATHE the idea of a 4-man bench, here’s what it could look like should Braves do the above additions.

Versus Right-handed Starting Pitching

Lineup: 1. Ender Inciarte  2. Dansby Swanson  3. Freddie Freeman  4. Matt Kemp 5. Luis Valbuena  6. Tyler Flowers  7. Nick Markakis  8. Ozzie Albies

Bench: Jace Peterson, Adonis Garcia, Sean Rodriguez, Anthony Recker

With a 5-man bench: same 4, add either a 3rd catcher, Mallex Smith, Chase D’Arnaud, or any other Spring Training invite that forces his way on the team.

Versus Left-handed Starting Pitching

Lineup: 1. Ender Inciarte  2. Dansby Swanson  3. Freddie Freeman  4. Matt Kemp 5. Sean Rodriguez  6. Tyler Flowers  7. Nick Markakis  8. Ozzie Albies

Bench: Adonis Garcia, Jace Peterson, Luis Valbuena, Anthony Recker

Looking at the Relief Core

Man oh man…adding the “After Dinner Minter” to the back of the bullpen sure sweetens Snitker’s options, leaving Krol to be purely a lefty specialist, and having Minter available in late innings. Heck, if the Braves go with 8 relievers, all of Paco Rodriguez, Ian Krol, and Minter could be on the squad. I think we’ll be seeing Snitker  rushing through some dinners!

Going Further?

While it’s not my favorite option, if we’re talking a 4th move, Matt Wieters on a 1-year deal could be ideal for the Braves should they go to a 5-man bench. Having 2 good hitting catchers on the bench leaving 1 of them available for pinch-hitting duties could provide serious flexibility for those late and close situations.

That’s a wrap, folks. News should be picking up now that the front offices are back in full-swing and surely we will be hearing news about Braves future plans and the fate of both Wieters and Valbuena.

Next: WARmongering

Let’s say it together! 1, 2, 3…

Go Braves!

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