This year is kind of going to be the first year in a major transition in Braves culture. Starting with 3rd base and Chipper Jones. Chipper is on the downslope of his career, which actually hard to say considering he won his first batting title last year. But there is no denying that Chipper, who turns 37 April 27th, isn't entirely reliable as a full time player anymore. Although, the Braves are a better team with him in the lineup. He is a terror for opposing pitchers around the national league and there is no reason to think that wont continue into this season. For the days he will inevitably be out ( he hasn't played more than 134 games since 2003) the braves will be lucky enough to dig into their deep and talented bench. Omar Infante and Martin Prado offer solid at-bats and superb defense at 3rd. The offensive production from 3rd base should be great, Chipper walks a lot, hits for high average, and when healthy has prodigious power. Sooner or later though the Braves are going to have to move on from the Chipper and there is no obvious person ready to step in for Chipper once he retires, or falls apart.
At 1st base is going to be Casey Kotchman. Personally, I'm a huge fan of Kotchman. He plays solid Defense, and makes contact all the time. He may not have the power of Tiexiera or the RBI production, but Kotchman will be a rock in the 5 or 6 spot for us this year. He started off slow last year, having difficulty accommodating himself to NL pitching and being 2500 miles from his old stomping grounds in Anaheim.But he hit .321 in his last 22 games as a brave. Which were the type of numbers he boasted while playing for the Angels. Kotchman is only 25 and is under contract with the Braves until 2011. It's fantastic that we have a player of his caliber under contract. He's a Brave of the future and I'm pumped up about it.
Sorry to be so brief on this one. But tomorrow is the rest of hte infield and Catcher. I'm excited about it, and you should be too.
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