LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Upton brothers reported to Braves camp Sunday, leaving shortstop Andrelton Simmons as the only lineup regular not in camp. That wasn't a problem, considering the team's official reporting date for non-catcher position players is Tuesday and first full-squad workout Wednesday.
“I got to spend a little time in the outfield with both (Uptons),” said Braves manager Fredi onzalez said. “Their spirits are good; I wouldn’t expect anything else…. It’s nice to see all the guys coming. Simmons texted me last night and told me he’d be here in a couple of days. He just got back into the country, flew to Atlanta. He was apologizing for not being here; I said don’t worry about it, you’re not late or anything.”
Gonzalez said Simmons had to take care of some things in Atlanta but would be at camp by reporting day.
Last year in his first full season in the majors, Simmons won both a Rawlings Gold Glove as the National League’s best defensive shortstop and Platinum Glove as the league’s best overall defensive player. He hit just .248 with a .296 OBP, but among NL shortstops Simmons ranked first in WAR (6.7) and fourth in home runs (17) and RBIs (59).
He could be the next of the Braves’ core group of young players signed to a long-term contract, either this year or next. Simmons, 24, is not yet eligible for arbitration, but might be next winter as a “Super 2” player if he’s among the 17 percent with the most service time below three years.
