Today I will focus on the Atlanta Braves. The Braves are in the thick of the wild card race and hanging on in the divisional race. I still believe the Braves have a good chance of winning the division.
Typically, the concern for the Braves is scoring runs. There's a pretty good chance Martin Prado will not be available tonight and Nate McLouth is on the DL, so they better hope Garret Anderson is well enough to play tonight. They need as many bats as possible.
My lineup today:
1. Kelly Johnson, 2B
2. Omar Infante, SS
3. Chipper Jones, 3B
4. Brian McCann, C
5. Ryan Church, RF
6. Garret Anderson, LF
7. Matt Diaz, RF
8. Greg Norton, 1B
9. Tommy Hanson, P
With injuries and circumstances this is the ideal lineup for tonight. Clearly, it is not very deep and not having Martin Prado does hurt.
Although his numbers have been ugly, Kelly Johnson is best suited for the leadoff spot out of the available hitters. Omar Infante can hit second because he knows how to put the ball in play consistently and can make contact.
Ryan Church does not have the power typically required to be a 5 hitter, but he is the best the Braves can put out there. Church is more of a 6 hitter, which means moving him up to 5 won't be an overwhelming hole in the lineup but it's a little weaker. Braves would also hope to see Garret Anderson healthy today an slot him into the 6 hole. I know Chris Volstad is a righty on the mound for the Marlins, but Matt Diaz is the best option for fielding and hitting in right field.
Greg Norton has experience at first in the past and although he's had a subpar year, he'll be fine the eighth hole.
Rafael Soriano will be used as the closer. Mike Gonzalez will be the set up man. Manny Acosta and Eric O'Flaherty will be used as the situational pitchers today.
