Of the dozens of newcomers in Braves spring training, none has impressed more during the early days of camp than infield prospect Jace Peterson and previously obscure left-handed reliever Brady Feigl, a non-roster invitee.
Peterson, 24, a line-drive hitter who came from the Padres in the Justin Upton trade, could push for the second-base job after Alberto Callaspo reported to spring training overweight. He hit .304 with a 33 extra-base hits (three homers), a .402 OBP and an .849 OPS in 382 plate appearances last season in the minors and also started 18 games for San Diego, including 10 at second base and eight at third.
The Louisiana native has good speed and the ball jumps off his bat, in baseball parlance. Peterson has also drawn praise for his work habits and enthusiasm. He projects as at least a long-term utility man — he can also play shortstop and could move to the outfield — and might get a chance as a lineup regular.
Feigl, 24, was an undrafted free agent out of Mount St. Mary’s University and spent time in an independent league before signing with the Braves. In his first season of affiliated pro ball, the lefty had a 3.02 ERA with 60 strikeouts and 13 walks in 65 2/3 innings of 38 relief appearances with Single-A teams, including 13 games for high-A Lynchburg.
