To me the biggest question facing the Atlanta Braves this week is how do they fulfill the bench needs?
Obviously as mentioned earlier, Joc will be the primary bench option and outfield backup.
That leaves 3 bench spots for the following four players to battle it out.
Yes, Heredia has been kind of the cheer captain since early August and his Jack Sparrow’s impersonations are a wonderful addition to the team, but October is about winning and who gives the Atlanta Braves the best ability to do just that.
As it goes, Heredia does do that over the afore mentioned names due to his defensive ability late in a game and as we all know, he can pop off a double from time to time. I believe he makes the roster.
This is where things seem to get real interesting. I’ve got to be 100% honest, I do not buy the narrative that Adrianza is a lock. He has been a quality player for the team this year but I, myself would rather have the long ball threat of Arcia off the bench instead. Plus, it would make a great story if Arcia was able to do anything against his old team in Milwaukee.
I’m not saying Arcia makes the team as he will probably be the odd man out but I would take him over Adrianza off the bench if I was running the shots.
However, the last question would be could Adrianza make the team over Pache?
Again, I do not think so. Pache should be on the major league club at this point considering the fact that he can’t simply take at bats in Gwinnett anymore. His baserunning ability and defensive ability simply make him a better fit off the bench for the Atlanta Braves this October.
Adrianza was a great surprise this year and he did a lot for the Atlanta Braves this year but he would be my odd man out, but obviously just an injury away.