LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — When the Braves signed Alberto Callaspo to a one-year, $3 million contract Dec. 9, their initial plan was for the switch-hitter to get most of the playing time at second base until top prospect Jose Peraza was ready for the majors.
But that was before the Braves traded Justin Upton to the Padres for four prospects including Jace Peterson, an interesting potential option at second base.
And before they signed non-roster invitee Kelly Johnson, a former Braves second baseman who’s now back as a well-traveled veteran who can play several positions.
And don’t forget Phil Gosselin, whom the Braves initially preferred more for a utility role than second base, but who might fit better in a platoon second-base role now since they have others who can play a variety of infield positions.
What it all means, according to manager Fredi Gonzalez, is the Braves have quite a few options to sort through during spring training, and how they go at second base could also be affected by – or have an affect on – how they configure their bench players. Callaspo has also been mentioned as a possibility to get at-bats at third base after Chris Johnson excelled against left-handed pitching but struggled against right-handers.
Gonzalez also made sure to mention the possibility of Peraza having a shot at the opening-day roster if he impresses this spring. But at this point, Peraza on the opening-day roster still seems unlikely given his age (20) and limited experience (44 games) above the Single-A level.
“There’s so many different dynamics,” Gonzalez said. “It’s Feb. 26, there’s a lot of stuff going on. Do you want to go left/right (platoon)? Do you want to give Callaspo the job? Do you want to go Gosselin/Callaspo? Gosselin/Peterson? Gosselin/Peraza? Put Peraza in there?
“So I think it’s wide open. It really is. Kelly Johnson combo with someone else? It all just depends on how we want to work second base, the infield, and even the bench. Because I think that position could affect how you want to use your bench.”
