Atlanta Braves complete opening day roster for 2012 regular season - MLB Update
Finally Atlanta Braves complete their 25-men opening day roster after resolving troubling trade-offs between different players. One of them was for a shortstop position between Tyler Pastornicky and Andrelton Simmons, both of who ranked similar on various
attributes, but in the end Pastornicky received the call.
As for fifth starter position, Randall Delgado will fill the spot until Tim Hudson returns to Major League late April, as is expected.
After initially going through a rough period on the plate and dismaying management as a result, Pastornicky asserted his credentials in later half of Spring Training. He managed enough of a batting average in the end that he will be preferred ahead of Simmons.
While he posted a .221 batting average, Simmons managed just .186.
More than statistical figures, Pastornicky held an edge due to his more experience at shortstop position.
On being called up for the position, Pastornicky expressed gratitude for the assistance he believes team management provided him in the training. He is now more focused and upbeat to perform at the big stage.
“I have been feeling a lot better the last couple of weeks,” Pastornicky said. “My confidence level’s there. The guys on the team have helped me a lot. The coaching staff has been real supportive and it’s been awesome getting that. I’m kind of proud of myself
for turning it around, getting off to a run start and being able to kind of find myself. I’m going to try to continue to build on that.”
Delgado was in contention with Julio Teheran and since both of them did not live up to pre-Spring Training expectations, management was reluctant in giving them the nod. Just before the start of regular season as no more reliable option left, Delgado was
selected. Decision was based on their statistical figures in Spring Training.
Regardless of their opening day roster, Hudson’s recovery is something the club is keenly looking forward to. Since, most of the players are young and do not have much experience at the Major League, Hudson can fit in contention with his experience.
As opening day is just around the corner, Braves will be bracing for their first game against New York Mets. It will be interesting to see how the rivalry pans out this season.
Tags: