
Bench
There isn’t too much to say about the Braves’ bench. It will consist of 4 guys to go with the 8-man bullpen, and if Brian Snitker still happens to be around, I’m sure he’ll find his favorite mediocre bench bat and make sure he costs the team a few games throughout the season. Hopefully we won’t have to endure another year of Snitker’s poor management, however.
1. Kade Scivicque – C
A backup catcher is essential to every MLB team, and Kade Scivicque looks to be that guy for the Atlanta Braves in 2018. He posted a .270/.326/.365 slash line in 92 games between AA and AAA this year.
That’s not going to blow anyone away, but those numbers are acceptable for a backup catcher. Scivicque caught 27% of runners stealing this year across both levels, which is right at the Major League average, and is well above Tyler Flowers’ 18% mark.
2. Johan Camargo – UTIL
Many have deemed Johan Camargo to be Martin Prado 2.0, and I’m one of the many. I think this kid can play anywhere, including the corner outfield spots.
One can only hope that Camargo’s .302 average this year is any indication of what he’s capable of. His defensive versatility and switch-hitting ability make him an asset to the team, and will allow him to make spot starts at the middle infield positions to give Albies and Swanson a few rest days throughout the year.
3. Lane Adams – OF
I love what I’ve seen from Lane Adams this season. Although I’d love to see what he can do with more playing time, I’m perfectly okay with having his bat and wheels on the Braves’ bench.
Adams has swiped 8 bases, and has yet to be caught this year. That’s impressive, given his very limited playing time, and time spent in the minor leagues this year.
Lane Adams will be a crucial bench piece for the Atlanta Braves in 2018, and while I don’t see him starting very many games, he’ll still make quite an impact… like yesterday.
4. Jace Peterson – INF/OF
This is his last chance. Jace Peterson has failed to impress me with much of anything he’s done in a Braves uniform, but his versatility keeps earning him chances with this club.
I think 2018 is his last shot to show that he’s an asset to the team before Atlanta tries to ship him elsewhere. His production this year saw a sharp decline from an already mediocre 2016 performance, and I can’t see Jace Peterson getting many more opportunities before he’s deemed a wash.
He’s come through for the team a handful of times, but for the most part, Jace is 100% replaceable.