Jan 27 2009
An OUTField of Dreams
When the Atlanta Braves have their first full team workout in three weeks, the outfield will still be on the drawing board. With Josh Anderson, Gregor Blanco, Matt Diaz, Jeff Francoeur, Greg Norton, and Brandon Jones all set to attend spring training, it makes for a packed house already. Then add in the non-roster invitees of Jason Heyward and Jordan Schafer, and crowded just does not explain the issue. Then again, do not forget about the versitle Omar Infante who weilded a strong bat and played in the outfiled some in 2008. As for Heyward, I personally think he is only here to see how the big league boys of summer do it. With that said, Scafer could actually be another story. He actually has an outside chance to make the team out of spring training.
Now, let’s throw a monkey wrench into this whole situation. Frank Wren is not done spending and their are some great names out there that can help the Braves. The Yankess have Nick Swisher and Xavier Nady and have stated that both are expendable. Swisher might be the better choice due to the fact that Nady goes free agent after the season. Then there is the case of Adam Dunn. Not great in the outfield, but what a bat. Forty plus home runs in the last 5 seasons will keep the price tag up there, but not out of reach. This could really give the Braves the fearful bat that they need to protect Chipper and get McCann some better pitches to see. Let’s not forget about Bobby Abreu either. he has yet to sign with a team and though he does not have the Dunn power, he is a better defensive player.
Then there is the option to put Matin Prado at second and move Kelly Johnson to left field. Personally, I do not think that this is a bad choice. Martin sure has proved himself and he is already on the payroll. Kelly can bring 20 pops a year with his bat, so it would be viable. Then, there is still another option that has been lingering around. That would be that of Anruw Jones. As much as the fan in me says yes, the cynic in me says no. Schafer, Anderson, and Blanco are great defensively and actually have a better upsign on the offensive production that Jones does. But, nonetheless, it is an interesting thought.
