Juan Francisco and Chris Johnson continue their spring battle
The Atlanta Braves notched their third spring win in a row Wednesday, with a 5-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers. The Braves were sparked by a 3-run first inning shot by third base candidate, Juan Francisco.
Francisco finished 2 for 4 in the game, to hike his spring average to .333, as he bids to win the third base job.
But Francisco’s competition at third base, Chris Johnson, didn’t give up much ground, as he went 2 for 2, with an RBI, and a run scored, as he raised his spring average to .444.
Amazing what competition will do to players’ performances in the spring, as Francisco and Johnson are both trying to impress Fredi Gonzalez. No matter who wins the third base job, both will be coming north with the Braves to start the season.
The real pressure is on the players who are not assured major league jobs come April 1.
Outfielder Jordan Schafer is one of those players, and he kept up his good work this spring by going 2 for 5, to raise his spring average to .357. Schafer could be a very nice piece off the bench, with his ability to play all three outfield positions, strong throwing arm, and his good speed on the bases.
Another player who continues to impress this spring, is pitcher J.R. Graham. With Julio Teheran expected to assume the fifth spot in the rotation this season, Graham is now the Braves number one minor league pitching prospect. He earned the save Wednesday, while pitching two scoreless innings. Graham gave up one hit, one walk, and struck out one.
On a down note, Dan Uggla‘s struggles continue as he went hitless, and struck out twice, in three at bats Wednesday. Uggla spring average now stands at .167. Normally you don’t worry too much about veterans not hitting in the spring, but it would be nice to see Dan Uggla get it going early this season.
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Dan Uggla is a notorious slow starter over his career. Last year, he decided to use Chipper’s routine of attempting to “get his timing down” instead of his usual “tracking” of the pitches. Last year’s frustration may well have made Dan revert to his “tried and true” Spring Training formula which has worked so well for him in the past.
I’m afraid that Dan’s 2 miserable seasons with Atlanta has simply made him push himself more than he should. In Florida, he had no pressure and could hit the way he wanted. Being the “right handed presence” in the line-up may have made him struggle.
In any event, now that he is no longer the only right-handed power threat, I think that the pressure will be off Dan and that he reverts more to his Florida numbers…at least, I hope so.
Bob, hope you are correct about Uggla. There certainly won’t be much pressure on him in 2013 hitting seventh. Before the Upton trade it appeared he may even have hit eighth. He may still hit eighth if Juan Francisco or Chris Johnson get it going.
The good news is that it doesn’t appear that his problems at the plate are due to bat speed. If that was the case, it would be all over but the crying. He’s a hard worker and a good presence in the clubhouse. Hopefully he has a good season at the plate in 2013
“The good news is that it doesn’t appear that his problems at the plate are due to bat speed.”
I agree, I think that his problem lies in strike zone recognition. That and the fact that he thought he had to be “THE MAN” last year because of the lackluster offense that the Braves displayed. How many times did we see him swing from his heels in close games (there were so many close games, too) because there was no real “go-to” guy in the line-up. Heyward struggled early, Freeman battled injuries, Chipper missed 1/3 of the games, Simmons was injured and Janish can’t hit….. With more reliable batters in the line-up, I see Uggla having a good, but not great, year.
Bob, good point on the better line-up. Pitchers are not going to be pitching around Dan Uggla with the other weapons. He will be getting pitches to hit. Hopefully he can hit them. It was reported that the Braves didn’t want to re-up Prado with a 3 or 4 year deal ’cause he is 29.
In looking at past Braves second basemen, Mark Lemke was out of the league at 33, Marcus Giles at 29, Glenn Hubbard at 31. Uggla will be 33 in a little over a week.
Second base does take a toll on the body (as does shortstop), but Dan’s physique gives him an advantage over the players you mentioned. Lemke, Giles and Hubbard were better defenders and their bodies took more punishment because of their better range. Dan doesn’t dive for as many balls, or have to make acrobatic plays, simply because he doesn’t get to the balls that those three did. His style of play is more limited, and he knows his limitations (how many times did we see him admire a hard hit ball instead of trying to make a nearly impossible play?) thus reducing the stress on the body. Plus, no one can say that Dan doesn’t stay in shape! To be truthful, unless Dan struggles badly this season, I’m going to hold to the opinion that all the speculation about Uggla’s demise is premature. I think Uggla still has a couple more good years in him, and the way Fredi keeps running him out to second base every game, I think Fredi does, too!
Bob, I hope you are right about Uggla. He is a good leader and well-liked in the clubhouse. As you pointed out, his defense doesn’t compare to prior Braves second basemen, so that means he has to hit. Lets hope he performs well ’cause the Braves are committed to pay him big money the next three seasons.