Atlanta Braves: Should They Keep Starting Johan Camargo?
By Kit Anderson
Johan Camargo is coming off of a great week for the Atlanta Braves. After hitting a walk-off home run and showing signs of heating up should the Braves feel confident in Camargo as their third baseman?
The Atlanta Braves have had one position that is clearly struggled for much of the season. Early in the year Ryan Flaherty was raking and holding down the hot corner. As his bat began to cool the Braves acquired Jose Bautista.
Bautista playing third was a short-lived idea that resulted in a lot of strikeouts. Parting ways with Bautista the Braves gave Johan Camargo a chance to start at third base.
Watching Camargo this season it is obvious he has a great glove. He has suffered from bad luck as well hitting the ball hard right at people.
Still, there is a reason to think that he would be better utilized in a utility role. He is hitting .232 this season an unimpressive number and isn’t going to add much power to the lineup.
His walk-off shot was electric and fun to watch but don’t allow the rest of his season to become jaded based on one clutch at-bat.
The answer to the question is no, the Braves shouldn’t feel confident with Camargo at the hot corner. Using their farm to trade for a third baseman or taking a look at prospect Austin Riley should be what the Braves are focused on.
Camargo is a good player who is going to be a great bench piece for the Braves. Making spot starts or using his glove in the late innings would be how the Braves could best use Camargo.
Not to say the Braves should chase a top third base target like Manny Machado, but rather they should trade for a mid-level starter who they can rely on at the hot corner.