2007 Braves Projected Lineup

2007 Atlanta Braves

Batting Order

1. 2B Kelly Johnson
2. SS Edgar Renteria
3. 3B Chipper Jones
4. CF Andruw Jones
5. C Brian McCann
6. RF Jeff Francoeur
7. 1B Scott Thorman/Craig Wilson
8. LF Matt Diaz/Ryan Langerhans

That the Braves feel Johnson is well suited to leading off strengthens his case for the starting job at second base. Martin Prado and Pete Orr can offer more on defense, but Johnson has showed enough since moving back in from the outfield to make the Braves think the experiment can work. He's a big-time sleeper. … If Diaz is going to be playing left field on a regular basis -- something that seems likely but is still far from being decided -- a first base platoon is going to become a necessity. The Braves have said they want to give Thorman a chance to be an everyday player, but they were fine with platooning Adam LaRoche his first two years in the league. Wilson could be a massive upgrade versus lefties. … Diaz won't show enough power to be a major factor in NL-only leagues, but he's capable of batting .300 even while playing against righties as well as lefties. He's battling Ryan Langerhans for at-bats.

Rotation

John Smoltz
Tim Hudson
Chuck James
Kyle Davies
Mark Redman

Lance Cormier

The first three starters are set, barring injury. Two spots are open after LHP Mike Hampton went down with an oblique injury. Davies, newly signed Redman and RHP Lance Cormier are competing for the slots.

Closer: Bob Wickman