Atlanta Braves: 2015 End of Season Player Grades

Aug 6, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; The sun sets as Atlanta Braves first baseman

(53) and Atlanta Braves second baseman

(8) celebrate the end of the top of the fourth inning of their game against the Miami Marlins at Turner Field. The Braves won 9-8. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Trying to Catch a Break

Daniel Castro: Obviously. Because who else could I possibly start with? In the Braves system since 2010, this 22-year-old middle infielder got a chance to show what he could do. Down the stretch, he made a lot of appearances at second base, spelling a reeling Jace Peterson occasionally. Defensively capable, Daniel Castro was more than the simple defensive sub that the Atlanta Braves thought they were getting. His bat proved useful in a starting capacity, and he seemed to have a

Jun 2, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Atlanta Braves outfielder

against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

knack for clutch hits. He performed well enough that some have considered him as a platoon option for second base in 2016. His stat line isn’t necessarily pretty, but when you consider the lack of any expectations, Daniel actually made his name known. In addition he played more than 170 innings combined between SS and 2B without committing a single error. Final Grade: B+.

Todd Cunningham: Oh Todd, forever full of potential, forever underappreciated and ignored. Unfortunately, in his second year seeing major league pitching (Todd was briefly called up in 2013) he only hit .221/.280/.267/.547. He only had 86 at bats, so he never got a consistent showing, but a guy his age (26) is getting to where he needs to make the most of the opportunities he has. Cunningham is looking more and more like a AAAA player, destined to move up and down between the majors and the minors as injuries arise. Final Grade: C-

Pedro Ciriaco: This 30-year-old Yankee cast off hit .261/.275/.352/.627. Nobody expected any power or on base, but his average was just a plus considering his defense is his calling card. In the 2015 season, Pedro saw time at 1B, SS, 2B, 3B, and LF. He remained reliable with the glove, and was capable enough with the bat to come up with occasional big hits. For doing his job to expectations, Pedro gets a B. Final Grade: B

Joey Terdoslavich: My how far he fell. At one time Joey T was supposedly the heir apparent to Chipper Jones at 3B. He proved unable to stick at third base, and has had difficulty over the last three years hitting major league pitching. Terdo saw playing time in LF, RF and at 1B, but was exceptional at none of them. He demonstrated little power or contact, knocking only 6 extra base hits in 56 at bats. Granted, he had limited opportunities, but at age 27 (26 midseason), much like Cunningham, Joey has to make use of his opportunities. Final Grade: D+.

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