With the first week of Spring Training winding down, we've gotten a look at some of the exciting future stars of the organization. Sean Newcomb, Dansby Swanson, Ozzie Albies, and Aaron Blair are just some of the early looks we've gotten (Including a historic debut for Mallex Smith), but those plot lines will be addressed next week, when we have more time to see these prospects. For now, we'll do what Braves fans do best right now... Day Dream.
For the first of this two part series, we'll look at the starting position players that could reasonably be on the 2018 opening day roster. Obviously lots can happen, and i've given a lot of preference to players currently in the Braves system (Catcher being the only out of house acquisition), and with such an active front office, most of this will probably be wrong. But hey, guy can dream right?
Catcher - Jonathon Lucroy: This would not be the first time the all-star catcher had been tied to Atlanta, but this time an exchange seems more possible. The difference now is that the Brewers have conceded they are in rebuild mode, and Lucroy has stated he wants to play for a contender. He will have many suitors, but the Braves could offer the most competitive minor league package to a team who is very light on pitching in the farm system.
First Base - Freddie Freeman. I don't think anything more needs to be said on this topic. He's going to be the 1st baseman for the forseeable future.
Second Base - Ozzie Albies: Timing is an advantage for Albies, because he will have another year in the minors to learn a new position, while Dansby Swanson secures his own spot at shortstop. His plus contact skills but lack of punch in the bat profiles better at 2nd anyway. Either way, expect plus defense up the middle no matter which player is on which side of the bag.
Shortstop - Dansby Swanson: The Marietta, GA native will assume the field general position either late 2016 or early 2017, and will also take up the center mantle of the franchise. His plus contact, gap power, formidable speed and soft hands in the field gives him all the tools to be a Jeter for the next generation.
Third Base - Hector Olivera: It is reasonable to think that 2018 will see the (then mid 30's) Cuban move back to his home position at the hot corner. He should provide a strong presence towards the bottom of a speed heavy lineup, with lots of RBI opportunities. His defense will need to stay at least serviceable to avoid a platoon situation, and that will probably be the most intriguing factor here. It is believed with some of the mechanical adjustments he has made (and will continue to make) are positive changes to adjust to MLB pitching.
Outfield: Nick Markakis, Mallex Smith, Braxton Davidson: The biggest reach here is Davidson, while he has shown some promise (power, defense), he still has a lot to work on (plate discipline, bat speed) before reaching the show. Since we're in my daydream though, let's just say that he finds his way up and into left field. Markakis's veteran leadership is key, and while he will be heading to the end of his career (by 2018), he will still provide a strong bottom of the order bat and good defense in right (although one could see him and Davidson switching spots). Smith provides a true leadoff hitter with blazing speed and smart base running instincts, setting the table for a contact and speed heavy lineup.
A lineup could look something like this..
1. Mallex Smith
2. Ozzie Albies
3. Dansby Swanson
4. Freddie Freeman
5. Jonathon Lucroy
6. Hector Olivera
7. Braxton Davidson
8. Nick Markakis
Next Week... We look at the pitchers!
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