Braves Question #2

2011 MLB Season Preview

Biggest questions for the Braves:

2. Is Freddie Freeman ready to be the everyday first baseman?

Yep.

At every level of his minor league career, Freeman has been effective. There is no reason to think that trend will stop. It is hard to know what is more exciting about Freeman: his offense or his defense.

Defensively, Freeman will be one of the best first baseman in the National League. Offensively, Freeman might be exactly what this team needs. His power is good, but he has hit over .300 consistently in the minors. Getting on base will be critical, especially since Freeman may have to hit as high as 6th in this Braves order.

There will be struggles for Freeman during his rookie season, but I believe Freeman will win Rookie of the Year in the National League. An honor that neither Chipper, McCann, or Heyward was able to achieve.

Braves’ fans got a taste of the future in 2010 with the addition of Jason Heyward. While Freeman doesn’t have the extraordinary talent that Heyward has, he is a prodigy in and of himself.

There was a great article in Sports Illustrated about Freeman and Heyward. For Braves’ fans, the best part of these two guys is the way they carry themselves off the field. Freeman is ready to step up in 2011, but with these two men as the cornerstones, Atlanta is ready to build another championship team.

Spring Training Update:

The two positional questions that were facing the Braves were answered today. Mike Minor and Jordan Schafer were optioned to Triple A Gwinnett. That means that Brandon Beachy will be the Braves’ 5th starter to begin the season. Also, as was obvious, Nate McLouth will be the center fielder. The AJC says that Minor still may join the Braves before opening day depending on the injury to Jair Jurrjens.

One short week until Opening Day! Predictions on all the divisions as well as post season awards coming next week!