2016 Spring Training Review
It was a pretty average spring training for Braves as Atlanta went 12-14. The Braves answered a few of their questions going into spring training but there are still some large question marks. After 4 rounds of cuts the Braves are down to 25 man roster and ready for the 2016 season!
There was a big move made in spring training as manager/GM WeagleWeagle realized the Braves had no power in the lineup not named Freddie Freeman. They wanted a young, power hitting corner outfield to stick in the #3 spot the only spot in lineup he is willing to sacrifice strikeouts for power. Rumors flew as the Braves shopped around some of their young arm talent including a crazy 8 man deal with the Yankees that would have resulted with the Braves landing Aaron Judge. However, after a few days of discussion the Braves found a trade the worked for them
Spring Training Trade
Astros Receive
SP Mike Foltynewicz (26 years old) 2-11 5.10 ERA in 2015
SP Daniel Winkler (26 years old) 5-3 4.70 ERA in AAA ball in 2015
$5,000,000
Braves Receive
RF Domingo Santana (23 years old) .281/.336/.633 12 HR 31 RBI in 2015
1B Conrad Gregor (24 years old) .273/.347/.436 5 HR 20 RBI in AAA in 2015
So let me break this down as this was a pretty big move. Folty has incredible potential but I think with the young arms we have in the farm guys like Wisler & Cole have higher upside. I REALLY needed a power bat and he needed to be right handed as we are lefty heavy currently at top of the order. Do you realize how hard it is to find a young, power hitting right hander that plays LF? I found one that hit almost everything but playing RF. Domingo Santana is a big time homer threat and outstanding defender in RF but he strikes out WAY more than I usually like but the way I build my lineup the #3 spot is the only place in order I don't worry as much about strikeouts but instead someone that slugs & yes this guy slugs. Hit 5 HRs in spring training but hit .210 so gonna be interesting season. It literally took me an hour to finalize this deal as I had 4 other trades I almost completed. This game is ridiculous....
Spring Training Cuts
14th Game Cuts
Roster Size: 44 -> 40- RF Kyeong Kang (28 yrs old) 17 ABs .176/263/.412/.675 HR 3 RBI
Too many strikeouts and beside 1 HR didn't do much at plate
- LF Cedric Hunter (28 yrs old) 19 ABs .158/.360/.158/.518
Did show good plate discipline walking 5 times but nothing to his bat
- 3B Adonis Garcia (30 yrs old) 22 ABs .182/.280/.227/.507
Just below average at everything
- SP Jason Hursh (24 yrd old) 9.0 IP 7.00 ERA 2.3 K/BB 2.64 FIP
Actually performed decent but I think with other quality arms we have he is a year away. Hoping for a strong season in AAA this year
20th Game Cuts
Roster Size: 42 -> 35 *got bumped up after trade*- CF Todd Cunningham (27 yrs old) 13 ABs .231/.375/.538/.913 2 RBI
Got lost in shuffle, had solid ABs just better guys in front of him
- 2B Elmer Reyes (25 yrs old) 44 ABs .167/.205/.167/.371 4 RBI
Just a very weak bat and no outstanding D to make up for it, Gosselin wins the utility job
- C Kyle Higashioka (25 yrs old) 20 ABs .250/.318/.300/.618 3 RBI
Very good defender and showed a decent bat. Is a solid #3 option at catcher
- 1B Conrad Gregor (24 yrs old) 31 ABs .286/.323/.429/.751 3 RBI
Has a ton of pop in his bat but strikes out WAY too much. Needs another year in AAA
- SP Sugar Ray Marimon (27 yrs old) 7.0 IP 3.86 ERA 0.0 K/BB 4.06 FIP
Just too many other good arms
- RF Destin Hood (25 yrs old) 37 ABs .216/.293/.432/.725 2 HR 8 RBI
Showed some great power but the OBP wasn't there. I expect a good season out of him in Gwinett
- CF Chris B Young (32 yrs old) 36 ABs .167/.268/.278/.546
This turned out to be a VERY stupid signing.... Ended up being waived & then released
24th Game Cuts
Roster Size: 35 -> 30- LF Dian Toscano (27 yrs old) 38 ABs .211/.318/.342/.660 3 RBI
Showed good patience at plate and some decent power but not consistent enough
- LF Cedric Hunter (28 yrs old) 19 ABs .158/.360/.158/.518
Worked some walks but did not put much in play
- RP Brandon Cunniff (27 years old) 5 IP 7.20 ERA 0.0 K/BB 7.00 FIP
Only got a few innings but his stuff isn't just level other guys have
- RP Andrew McKirahan (26 years old) 5 IP 7.20 ERA 0.7 K/BB 6.80 FIP
Gave up lead in all of his appearances
- SP Manny Banuelos (25 years old) 14.0 IP 1.93 ERA 9.6 K/BB 5.49 FIP
Was very solid in first big league action just too much other talent in front of him, could be trade bait
Final Cuts
Roster Size: 30 -> 25- SP Eric Stultz (36 yrs old) 12.0 IP 2.25 ERA 4.5 K/BB 3.20 FIP
Was actually outstanding in his appearances however I can't get last season out my head and I want to start with my young arm talent to build for future
- CL John Cornerly (26 yrs old) 5.2 IP 3.18 ERA 3.0 K/BB 5.49 FIP
Like his stuff but is blocked by Alvarez
- RP Juan Jaime (28 yrs old) 6.2 IP 5.40 ERA 1.6 K/BB 3.05 FIP
He still is struggling with control & twice gave up lead in his appearances in spring training
- RP Tanner Roark (29 yrs old) 7.0 IP 5.14 ERA 1.3 K/BB 5.20 FIP
Very disappointed with his performances in ST. Will start in AAA but could get call quickly if any other bullpen guys struggle
- RP Brady M. Feigl (25 yrd old) 6.0 IP 1.50 ERA 2.3 K/BB 2.37 FIP
Basically came down to other guys were better, he will see time in MLB this season for sure
UP NEXT: Opening Day