MTM: Pre-Spring Games Buzz (40-man)

Making-the-Team Meter for Braves players on the 40-man roster

This is what everyone's saying (writers, players, coaches) about a player’s chances of making the squad prior to any spring games. Speaking of spring games, March 1st ushers in the first scrimmage game against the Dawgs. Also note that Friday’s home game against the Dodgers is going to be televised on ESPN. (Is it too early for me to be smelling a sick day?)

The marks to the left of the player's name indicates that their chances of making the team are moving up (▲), moving down (▼), or staying even (–).

– Jose Ascanio, rhp / He had a major off year in ’05, but he’s opened some eyes early at camp.
– Brad Baker, rhp / Minor league closer in the Pads system, will have plenty of competition.
– Blaine Boyer, rhp / Needs to bounce back from late season arm trouble.
▼ Lance Cormier, rhp / Has not been very impressive in 1+ seasons with the D-Backs, but he’s showing signs that he may have some potential. Still has a lot to prove.
– Kyle Davies, rhp / Trying to make the team as the 5th starter; James is giving him a lot of early competition.
▲ Joey Devine, rhp / Potential closer candidate, needs to stay away from the gopher balls this spring. He’s been impressive early in camp.
▼ John Foster, lhp / Left handed journey man will try to stake a claim in the bullpen. With McBride and Remlinger, it will be an uphill battle.
▲ Chuck James, lhp / Lefty starter might surprise many like Horacio Ramirez did when he made the team out of spring training in ’03. He’s already raised some eyebrows.
▲ Anthony Lerew, rhp / Power arm will compete for the closer’s job.
▲ Macay McBride, lhp / Power lefty could become a bullpen mainstay.
▲ Oscar Villarreal, rhp / The principal arm in the Estrada trade, should make the pen, but must prove that arm troubles are behind him. He’s already showing he’s a solid clubhouse guy, and he’s impressed several teammates with his stuff on the mound.
▼ Brayan Pena, c / If an injury to McCann or Pratt occurs, Pena is ready to step in, but with Salty on his heels he still must impress this spring.
– James Jurries, 1b / He’s had enough of AAA, but he must impress to earn a spot.
– Scott Thorman, 3b-1b / Because he’s a lefty, he might not get a look as a potential 1b platoon player. But he may have an extra chance to shine in the WBC.
▲ Matt Diaz, of / Hard-nosed outfielder who is one of the favorites for the left-field job. Also adds some value as an emergency catcher.
▼ Kelly Johnson, of / He will have to prove that he can overcome his late season struggles and not be a streaky as he was last year. He hopes the off-season surgery he had will help his chances.

. . . Tomorrow I’ll have the pre-spring games buzz for the non-roster invitees. . .