DIVISIONAL OUTLOOK: NL East—3B competition in ATL
Feb 28 2013
Now that Chipper Jones (3B, ATL) has retired, the third base job is up for grabs. Juan Francisco (3B, ATL) and newly acquired Chris Johnson (3B, ATL) will compete for the position this spring.
Francisco hit .265/.296/.497 with 8 HR in 151 AB as a starter last season, but struck out in 20 K in his 41 pinch-hit AB. He has struggled against left-handed pitching in the majors (career .190/.224/.222), but he hit southpaws well during his 2011 minor league campaign (.269 with 6 HR and .798 OPS). The 25-year-old, at the urging of GM Frank Wren, spent the offseason getting into better shape and working on some adjustments to his swing. He hit well in the Dominican Winter League and has made significant strides on both...
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