2009 Braves: Up the Middle.

On the second to last installment I'm going to go in depth about middle infield (2nd base and SS), catcher, and CF. All four positions are critical to the Braves success. Well I guess it goes with out saying that any four positions are critical to success, but production from these 4 spots is essential either way.

Catcher:

We have our rock behind the plate. Brian McCann has really solidified himself as a bona fide leader on the Braves. In my mind he is the best player on hte team. Offensively and defensively he is head and shoulders above the rest of the Major League catchers out there. Pitchers love to pitch to him, and the Braves love to have him as a cog in the middle of the lineup. As long as him and Chipper stay healthy, we will get all the power and run producing this line up will need. McCann is such an advanced game-manager behind the plate that John Smoltz said he was the best he's ever had, definitely saying something. His game-management behind the plate will prevent him from having too much trouble catching up with our new pitchers. McCann is the de facto captain of this young Braves team and will be the face of the franchise for years to come (hopefully he's is joined by Jeff Francouer)

Middle infield:

This is a pretty dynamic place. Yunel Escobar and Kelly Johnson have established themselves as decent fielders and solid top or bottom of the lineup guys. Kelly Johnson ended last season on a tear hitting .398 with 9 doubles and 3 home runs in September. If he brings even a microcosm of that performance in to the season he might be an all-star this year considering how weak NL 2nd basemen are. Outside of Chase Utley in Philley, I really believe that Kelly Johnson is the best hitting 2nd baseman in the NL and I think people will finally notice this year. I wont be surprise if Kelly drives in 90 runs with 20+ home runs this season and gets some major all star/silver slugger considerations. Next is the Gold Glove, right guys?

Yunel Escobar, my cuban brethren. He's a hot-tempered, strong armed, with a sweet stroke at the plate. Yunel had a solid season last year, providing solid d with that rocket arm of his and hit .288 last year. His 10 home runs and 2 SB are rather dissappointing but the guy knows how to drive in runs. His 60 RBI from the leadoff or # 2 spot is killer production from a relatively "light" hitting SS. Another 10-15 homer performace with 65-70 RBI the Braves will be in good shape.

CF

There's a lot of talk about how the competition isn't over. But the truth is Jordan Schafer won it weeks ago. The trade of Josh Anderson only solidified that notion. Schafer is going to be an absolutely star in this league. He's a 4 and a half tool player (not the most powerful) who made a mistake with the whole HGH allegations. But less than a year after his suspension, Bobby Cox has already given him his blessing. Schafer is just too good not to start. He immediately advances the offense by his presence. He'll immediately improve upon Gregor Blancos .251 average and add a ton of stolen bases and stellar defense. People have already compared his d to Andruw Jones. High praise for such a brash young fellow. With all that said. I still love Gregor, but his lack of power and SB potential kill his chances to be any where near as affective as I believe Schafer will be.

Tomorrow I'm goign to finish up the preview with Corner outfielders and then just give a full, passionate, rundown of how I think the season is going to go. How we will finish in the NL east and what I think about the Mets.