Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez joked that he hasn’t been making lineups, but likes what he sees when envisioning what the top of the batting order could be.
In a media session Saturday during FanFest at Turner Field, Gonzalez envisioned a lineup topped by newly-acquired center fielder Ender Inciarte, shortstop Erick Aybar and first baseman Freddie Freeman in the three hole.
“Fourth can be whoever’s hot or whoever we want to put behind Freeman,” Gonzalez said. “It’s going to be a fun team offensively. I think it’s going to be a lot better than last year’s team.”
The Braves picked up Inciarte in a deal that sent starting pitcher Shelby Miller to the Arizona Diamondbacks. In Inciarte, Gonzalez sees a spark plug in the top of the lineup.
“We haven’t had that top-of-the-order bat since (Michael Bourn) and before that maybe (Rafael) Furcal,” Gonzalez said. “A guy that’s going to put the ball in play, create some havoc, steal some bases, play great defense in center field and can really throw.”
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