Feb 05 2009
Braves Spring Preview: second base
Braves Spring Preview is an 11-part series looking at the Atlanta Braves as we approach the opening of spring training in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on Feb. 14. Today: second base.
By Bud L. Ellis
braves.today.com
ATLANTA — If one Braves player embodies the frustration of 2008, it’s Kelly Johnson. Two of his six months offensively were great; the other four … not so good. And then there was the dropped final out of a game against Philadelphia in early June, a game where the Braves were one out from moving within 2 ½ games of the first-place Phillies. The Braves lost that game in extra innings, and you know the rest of the story.
Who’s in: Johnson
Who could be in: Martin Prado, Omar Infante
Positives: With two full seasons under his belt, Johnson figures to be more comfortable in the field. Offensively, he has the tools to be one of the better offensive second sackers in the game.
Negatives: Defensively, Johnson still looks stiff at times, especially going to his right and turning the double play. Consistency at the plate is a must for a hitter who has tons of talent.
Keep an eye on: Johnson’s defense. If he’s smoother and more fluid, that will solidify the weak spot in an otherwise-superb defensive infield.
—30—
I really believe this is the year Johnson puts it all together. I think the reason he had the great September he did was because he finally accepted the face that he is a natural pull hitter and that’s when he has his success.
His defense is progressively getting better. He made only 11 errors in 2007 and made only 11 errors last year but in 11 more games. Yes he still struggles a bit going to his back hand but he has gotten much, much better that turning double plays. Yeah sometimes he still has a slip up with an off the mark throw but only every once in a while.
And one last note about that dropped pop up every one has one or two of them every blue moon. Craig Biggio had his in happen in the World Series.