Atlanta Braves: 2015 End of Season Player Grades

Jun 9, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; The sun sets as Atlanta Braves

(2) watches from the dugout in the third inning of their game against the San Diego Padres at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Guys that Came and Went

Jonny Gomes: While Jonny may have ended his season with the world champion Kansas City Royals, a team devoid of a Cy Young, MVP, or rookie of the year as he obnoxiously pointed out, he began his season playing for your hometown Atlanta Braves. In his time here he put up a mediocre at best .221/.325/.364 line. Those numbers (significantly better than his KC numbers for the record) are not good, however it was clear that Gomes was not

Jul 19, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder

(24) throws his helmet after he struck out to end the sixth inning during their game against the Chicago Cubs at Turner Field. The Cubs won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

brought in for his everyday bat. The first half of the season the Braves hung around .500, and many will attribute some of that success to Jonny’s attitude and influence in the clubhouse. Sometimes guys are bigger than their numbers, and that was supposedly Jonny’s influence. For that, I can give him a B-. Final Grade: B-

Kelly Johnson: Brought in on a one year deal, Kelly was here to provide a left-handed power bat and positional versatility. He played in 62 games and compiled 197 ABs for Atlanta. In that time Kelly knocked 9 home runs and played games at LF, RF, 2B, 3B, and 1B. When he was in the lineup he was one of the best hitters on the roster and eventually made himself the everyday left fielder before he got hurt and was eventually traded away to the Mets. Kelly did exactly what he was originally signed for: to provide a presence in the lineup. For that, I have to think he

deserves an A-. Final Grade: A-

Juan Uribe: This guy was awesome when he was here. A .285 hitter that got on base at a .353 clip, he was one of the most consistent and reliable hitters in the middle of an anemic offense. He also provided great defense at third base while playing the occasional game at second. The 7 homers in 46 games were just a plus. The loss of Uribe and Kelly at the same time really left the Braves lineup in disarray, and contributed more to the second half downfall than most people would have expected. By doing what he does and being a professional hitter every day and fielding his position, Juan Uribe gets an A. Final Grade: A

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