Friday, January 25, 2013
Update on Braves potential lineup
By Jason A. Churchill
The Atlanta Braves have acquired Justin Upton from the Arizona Diamondbacks, reports Mark Bowman of MLB.com, among others. Bowman tweets that the Braves will send right-handers Randall Delgado and Zeke Spruill, infielder Martin Prado and shortstop prospect Nick Ahmed. The Braves also get third baseman Chris Johnson in the deal.
I took a crack Thursday, but as David O'Brien tweets Friday, the top third of skipper Fredi Gonzalez's lineup would be different. Using that information, let's try again:
- Andrelton Simmons, SS
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Justin Upton, LF
- Freddie Freeman, 1B
- B.J. Upton, CF
- Dan Uggla, 2B
- Brian McCann, C
- Chris Johnson, 3B
McCann could bat in the No. 8 spot, too, or move up in the order if he's healthy, perhaps to the No. 5 spot. Heyward, Justin Upton and Freeman are fairly flexible, too, and could end up in any order. Upton has batted leadoff quite a bit, though his on-base marks suggest he's better used down in the order. Juan Francisco could share time at the hot corner with Johnson and bat anywhere from No. 5 on down.
