Atlanta Braves Mock Winter Meeting Epilogue: A new roster

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ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 19: Luiz Gohara #64 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at SunTrust Park on September 19, 2017, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Pitching Expectations for this Mock roster

Looking at the completed rotation, I see 950 innings from five pitchers for the first time since 2014. That doesn’t mean they won’t get an extra day now and then. While 900 is more likely, 950 is certainly possible.

I put Touki in the fifth starter spot because neither Gohara or Soroka are stretched out to reach a full season. I want both available and fresh in September. The 10-day disabled list will allow both to pick up starts before that and we could see other pitchers added as well.

I brought back Jonny Venters and expect him to be used sparingly to keep his arm in one piece. McCreery and Sobotka are waiting in case of injury with Webb, Graham, and Mader awaiting their chance.

Mock Starting lineup

Someone asked for a projected starting lineup so I’ll provide one. I know many of you will disagree with parts of it and I will explain why I came up with it here. If you ask me in comments, I’m going to point you back up here. I understand if you disagree.

	Bats	Pos
Inciarte	L	CF
Acuña	R	RF
Freeman	L	1B
Grandal	B	C
Rosario	L	LF
Camargo	B	3B
Swanson	R	SS
Albies	B	2B
Pitcher

I would put Inciarte back in the leadoff spot provided he’s hitting coming out of spring training.

Before struggling to start the 2018 season, Ender posted OBPs of .338, .351, and .350. I don’t need a leadoff home run. I’d prefer a leadoff single followed by a home run. That’s why Acuna hits second.

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