tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405682709570796321.post1566786457820964179..comments2023-04-25T21:22:20.827-04:00Comments on Brad's Sports Fix: 2013 MLB Preview #3: Atlanta BravesBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230873803709850542noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405682709570796321.post-18647576984563726122013-03-27T14:33:09.468-04:002013-03-27T14:33:09.468-04:00I agree with wanting Pastornicky over Pena. I'...I agree with wanting Pastornicky over Pena. I'd rather have offense over defense on the bench for the guy that is backing up the best defensive SS in MLB. Uggla won't sit much (if at all), so I'd just rather have that bench spot be a guy that can PH now and then and play some SS if absolutely necessary. If there was a multiple game stretch where Simmons would be out then you call up the defense guy.<br /><br />Also agree Schafer has no place on this roster. We really don't need to carry 5 OF's at all given the 4 we have on the roster in front of him can all play all 3 OF positions. Just useless. I actually think when McCann comes back we trade/release Schafer and keep Gattis up. Gattis becomes the big right handed bench bat who can play LF or C in a pinch.<br /><br />I too was high on Venters, but now it looks like there is a decent chance he's headed for TJ. Maybe I'm just a pessimist but when I hear the words "strained elbow" it seems like it is always followed by a trip to Dr. James Andrews which inevitably leads to going under the knife. Sigh.<br /><br />I'm expecting the rotation to be very solid 1-5, but without any big, big season from a starter. Medlen should regress a ton, and Minor is still young enough that you'd expect some ups and downs. I'm expecting to get absolutely nothing from Beachy this season aside from a few spot starts down the stretch on the weeks that we don't have off-days. I hate to say that, but the Braves were super cautious with Medlen when he had TJ around the same time of the season in 2010. Remember we only got 2.1 innings out of Medlen in 2011. Even if he's back "on time", he'll most certainly have an innings limit and will likely be shut down during the playoffs. <br /><br />Great write-up all around. Very excited for this upcoming season.<br /><br />Go Braves!Taylor Douglashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09492863914274867248noreply@blogger.com