Atlanta Braves: Top Stories of Spring Training

The Atlanta Braves have begun to report for Spring Training with the season getting closer here are the top stories so far from Braves’ camp.

The biggest story line of the Atlanta Braves Spring Training so far has been the addition of Brandon Phillips. The Braves went out and added Phillips for next to nothing after receiving the news that Sean Rodriguez would be out for the season.

Sean Rodriguez was expected to platoon with Jace Peterson at second and back up other positions. Losing Rodriguez makes the bench weaker but adding Phillips makes the team better and more complete.

Matt Kemp has reported to camp and been the second biggest story early this season. After telling Kemp to lose weight last year fans were interested to see how Kemp would respond. He responded by showing up in camp as fit as we have seen him since his early days with the Dodgers.

Kemp dropping weight is not expected to alter his swing or power when you factor in the considerable muscle that the Braves slugger has added. The newfound athleticism could help Kemp play better in left field as well and make a move to right field possible if the Braves opt to trade veteran Nick Markakis.

Freddie Freeman has arrived to camp early as well and has talked about the optimism that the team has and believes that they can surprise. While this has been the narrative for the last two years as well it is good to see that the Braves star first baseman is not getting discouraged with with long rebuild.

Next: Braves Off-season Targets

The Atlanta Braves are preparing for their first Spring Training game on Saturday February 25th with a long off-season behind us. The Braves are expected to have multiple bench spots and bullpen spots up for contention headed into Spring Training.