Atlanta Braves Top Ten Position Players of the Last Decade

DECATUR, GA - APRIL 08: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Chipper Jones pose during SiriusXM's "Town Hall" with Chipper Jones at Decatur First Baptist Church on April 8, 2017 in Decatur, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
DECATUR, GA - APRIL 08: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Chipper Jones pose during SiriusXM's "Town Hall" with Chipper Jones at Decatur First Baptist Church on April 8, 2017 in Decatur, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for SiriusXM) /
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ANAHEIM, CA – MAY 15: Andrelton Simmons #2 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim reacts to turning a double play during the second inning of a game against the Houston Astros at Angel Stadium on May 15, 2018, in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA – MAY 15: Andrelton Simmons #2 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim reacts to turning a double play during the second inning of a game against the Houston Astros at Angel Stadium on May 15, 2018, in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

4. Andrelton Simmons Doesn’t Make This List on His Hitting Ability 

Andrelton Simmons was an average hitter in his time with the Atlanta Braves. The shortstop worked counts and rarely struck out but lacked power or consistency.

His best season with Atlanta came in 2015 when he hit .265 getting on base at a .321 clip. Simmons was traded to the Angels and has since improved his offensive performance. While that has no effect on this ranking it is notable that the Braves could have Simmons at shortstop still.

Although, they would be without top pitcher Sean Newcomb who looks to be well on his way to becoming an ace. But back to Simmons, Andrelton was one of the best defensive players I have ever seen in Atlanta or anywhere else.

He saved runs making improbable plays and keeping balls in front of him that belonged in the outfield. His defensive wizardry was fun to watch and will forever be missed in Atlanta.

Simmons still plays with the Angels and is just as fun to watch although it would be better were he still wearing a tomahawk on his chest.