It’s an exciting time of year for Braves fans. Pitchers and catchers have now reported, and most of the Braves’ position players have arrived down in Orlando for the final Spring Training at the Disney Wide World of Sports complex.
And it has not taken very long down in the sunshine for the Braves to start discussing their lineup plans.
Ronald Acuña caught fire the second the Braves plugged him into the leadoff spot. While some aren’t certain this should be his permanent spot in the batting order, Acuña himself believes that is where he should hit:
#Braves' Acuña: "If it was up to me personally, obviously I would like to stay in the leadoff spot. Simply due to fact that I like hitting there. But obviously those decisions are out of my control. The only things I can control are just to work hard and give my best.”
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) February 16, 2019
With the Braves not having a pure leadoff hitter in the lineup, getting Acuña the most plate appearances might be the best bet for the team, especially considering his speed and ability to get on base. As far as who could be hitting behind him, Josh Donaldson has also made it known he would like to bat second.
#Braves' Josh Donaldson reiterated that he prefers hitting 2nd over 4th or 5th, says it allows him to be a better, more complete hitter instead of going up and trying to hit homers. And Snitker said again that he's planning to bat him second.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) February 17, 2019
In response to the growing questions surrounding the batting order, Snitker said right now he has Donaldson “penciled in” at the two-hole, and that where guys think they should hit and where they like hitting does play a significant role in the decision process.
#Braves' Snitker on batting Donaldson 2nd: "That’s where I’ve got him penciled in. He likes it there, which is good. There’s a lot that goes into that. You can do all these analytics and guys profile at positions, but at the end of the day…. (continued)
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) February 17, 2019
Snitker on batting Donaldson 2nd (continued) "…. at the end of the day it’s where guys feel they should hit and where they like hitting. I think that’s got a lot to do with batting order.” (2/2)
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) February 17, 2019
So essentially, just days into Spring Training, the Braves are continuing to hint that the lineup will likely start with Ronald Acuna Jr., Josh Donaldson, and Freddie Freeman, with the rest to be determined. And at the very least, Josh Donaldson and Freddie Freeman look like they will be hitting second and third respectively.
Though Donaldson has had his best success in the second spot in the order, we are still waiting to see what Freddie Freeman can do with a true cleanup hitter backing him up. Outside of Ronald Acuña and Josh Donaldson, the Braves don’t have that guy right now. That is, until Austin Riley eventually gets the call.