ATLANTA —
Fredi Gonzalez says it's easy to see why he has never been more optimistic at the start of spring training.
With pitchers and catchers reporting Monday in Kissimmee, Fla., the Braves' manager already has a clear picture of what his team should look like in April.
Barring any surprises, the only question is third base, where there likely will be a platoon to replace the retired Chipper Jones. The third baseman — Chris Johnson or Juan Francisco — probably will hit eighth. Every other position looks set.
"If everything falls right and everybody is doing what they're supposed to be doing, to worry about the No. 8 spot in the lineup and the third base platoon situation, that's not bad at all, really," Gonzalez said.
Thanks to offseason moves that added the Upton brothers, B.J. and Justin, to the Braves' outfield, the spring training schedule for Gonzalez could look something like this:
— Check on catcher Brian McCann's rehab from shoulder surgery.
— Update the third-base competition.
— Take a look at the battle for the No. 5 spot in the rotation.
— Play golf.
Gonzalez is confident the Uptons will replace the offense lost when Jones retired, Martin Prado was traded and Michael Bourn was not re-signed.
The rotation is almost set. Tim Hudson, Kris Medlen, Mike Minor and Paul Maholm are the top four starters. Brandon Beachy is expected to return from elbow surgery by midseason. Julio Teheran may be the leading candidate for the No. 5 spot until then.
After that, the only questions are the last spot or two on the bench and in the bullpen.
Gonzalez and Braves general manager Frank Wren believe the team is stronger after winning 94 games and losing to St. Louis in the wild-card game last season.
"I'm really excited about the team, more excited than I've ever been really about a team going into spring training," Gonzalez said. "It still boils down to you've got to play the schedule, and it still boils down to you've got to stay healthy."
McCann, a six-time All-Star, is recovering from surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Gonzalez said McCann should be cleared for hitting and throwing from the start of spring workouts, but he may be kept out of exhibition games until he also is given the go-ahead for sliding and diving.
The full clearance may not come until mid-April, which would force McCann to miss the first two weeks of the season.
"I wouldn't put it past Mac to be ready for opening day," Gonzalez said. "He's talked about doing it and he feels good and he could do it. I think the only thing is how spring training goes."
Veteran Gerald Laird, signed as a free agent, is the new backup to McCann.
At third base, Johnson came to Atlanta with Justin Upton in the seven-player trade that sent Prado, right-hander Randall Delgado and three minor leaguers to Arizona.
Johnson hit .281 with 15 homers and 76 RBIs last season. Francisco hit .234 with nine homers with 32 RBIs while playing behind Jones.
Johnson, 28, said he is not willing to assume there will be a platoon.
"Going into spring training, obviously I'm eyeing that starting job," Johnson said following a workout at Turner Field last week. "I know there's going to be a battle in spring training to figure out if someone can take it."
The 6-foot-2 Francisco is listed at 245 pounds, and the Braves would like to see a slimmer version report to Kissimmee.
Gonzalez said Francisco "looked fine" when he saw the third baseman in December.
Local Sports
Related Photos
-
ATLANTA BRAVES LOGO
Braves have few questions for spring training
- Local Sports
-
-
Gattis’ grand slam leads Braves past Twins 8-3
Evan Gattis no longer seems amazed by his improbable rookie season.
Yet, there are still times when it’s a bit of an adjustment for the Atlanta Braves catcher.
Like when someone recognizes him in the grocery store.
“It’s a little weird,” the 26-year-old Gattis said. “I’m not used to that yet.” - Sports briefs for May 23
-
Two from Tift named 1st team All-Region
The Tift County Blue Devils, who were only just barely eliminated in the state quarterfinals, placed two players on the All-Region team for 1-AAAAAA. The region, which sent three teams to the elite eight in the state tournament, named Lowndes’ Danny Redshaw Coach of the Year.
-
Battle for state golf title held at Spring Hill
Spring Hill Country Club was temporarily home to 16 different schools Monday. All 16 locked irons in a battle for the Class AAAAAA state boys golf championship. After the dust had settled, top honors had gone to the Norcross Blue Devils, who finished two strokes ahead of the Peachtree Ridge Lions, 294-296.
-
Spurlin snags state title
The future looks bright for Tift County gymnastics if Brooke Spurlin’s recent showing at the USA Gymnastics Level 6 state meet is any indication.
-
Tift County High has summer basketball camp
Boys and girls basketball camps will be held at the Tift County High gymnasium for kids in grades Pre K-6, directed by Lady Devils head coach Julie Conner. There are several different camps being offered, including sessions in June and July.
-
Spring game goes well for Devils
The blue squad was the victors 17-10 over the white team Friday in the annual Tift County Blue Devils spring game. The contest was the first preview of the 2013 team, which opens the regular season on Friday, August 30, with a home game against the Westover Patriots.
-
Greene named Parade All-America
-
Lady Devils golfers finish 7th
- Baseball camp at Devil Diamond
- More Local Sports Headlines
-
