Braves Sleepers

Every year there are some players that seemingly come out of nowhere and surprise us. There was Charles Thomas and Damien Moss a couple of years ago. Last year Salty was on everyone's radar and people expected big things, but the players who stepped up the most were Willie Harris (in the beginning of the year) and Peter Moylan. My guess is as good as anyone else's as to whether there will be another no name come up and perform this year, but I have a couple of people on everyone's radar that could easily make a huge impact.

1. Jeff Bennett-I can't say how excited I am about him. I really want to see him get a chance to start, as he really impressed me near the end of last year (maybe it was only because their other pitchers were so awful). Before last season he added a sinker, and dominated when pitching for Richmond (AAA) before making some quality appearances and starts in the Majors. I don't want to see anyone on the staff struggle or get injured, but I want to see Bennett starting because he could post double digits in wins even if he doesn't start the whole season.

2. Manny Acosta- He still has control problems but is one of my favorite pitchers in the organization. His slider is sick-nasty and he dominated anywhere he pitched last year. Although Moylan had a ton of success last year, I think that Acosta could easily end up as the Set-Up man in the future.

3. Phil Stockman- Another reliever, Stockman has dealt with injuries the last couple of years. Although he has very limited MLB experience, I think he has the stuff to succeed in the Majors, and probably could do a better job than Tyler Yates (why is he still on the team?). Having seen him blow hitters away in Richmond, I have been waiting for him to get a chance in the Majors. Unfortunately, the last couple of years where he likely could have gotten a shot, he was injured, and the Braves has tons of pitching depth now.

4. Omar Infante- Originally, it appeared that Infante would serve as a utility player and Willy Aybar would be starting if anyone in the infield got hurt. The Braves traded Aybar, which should leave Infante with a better chance of getting extended playing time. Because he plays everywhere except pitcher and catcher, Infante could easily get 300+ ABs even without platooning or injuries. With decreasing playing time, his power and speed numbers also decreased, but he hit 16 HRs and had 13 SBs for Detroit in 2004, and should provide the Braves with more pop than any utility player could last year.

5. Josh Anderson- For a time, before the Braves acquired Mark Kotsay, it appeared that Anderson would be competing with Brent Lillibridge and Jordan Schaffer for the CF job this year. I still am not sold on Kotsay, who has been injured a lot recently, and think that at some point this year, Anderson will get extensive playing time in center. He has a ton of speed, something that the Braves haven't really had since Furcal, and I think he could make things happen if he gets on base. I see him possibly hitting in the 1-2 hole if he gets to start, as he offers much more speed than Kelly Johnson.