Peeking towards 2007 pt. 2

With part 2 let's look at the OF's in Atlanta for '07. At the start of this year center and right were already taken while leftfield was up for grabs. Matt Diaz/Ryan Langerhans/Scott Thorman all played LF for the Braves this year, heck maybe even Brian Jordan played a game. Langerhans started the year in left, but Diaz has since taken it over. I honestly don't know what to expect in '07. I think Langerhans is gone, but not sure about Diaz. Diaz has had a good season but he's only played half the year.

2006 comparison

Ryan Langerhans: 297AB 69H 7HR 27RBI 86K/46BB .232/.340/.370

Matt Diaz: 265AB 88H 6HR 30RBI 43K/11BB .332/.373/.479


Will these numbers justify Matt a starting job next year? One OF who will be avaliable this winter will be Phillies RF/LF David Dellucci. His numbers are simlilar to Diaz, and having both on your team would allow you to basically use the same person each night, right? I think Dellucci would fit in the Braves pocketbook, but do the Braves really need him?

David Dellucci: 243AB 71H 13HR 37RBI 54K/28BB .292/.371/.547

Francoeur has planted his spot in right for years to come, while Andruw Jones as of today will be playing CF in '07. Next year is the last year in Andruw's contract. Andruw's glove is the best among any OF in baseball while his bat shines in moments. Here's a look at his numbers over the last three years.

2004: 570AB 149H 29HR 91RBI 147K/71BB .261/.345/.488
2005: 586AB 154H 51HR 128RBI 112K/64BB .263/.347/.575
2006: 524AB 134H 34HR 112RBI 120K/71BB .256/.353/.502

Andruw certainly has a few more years of 30/100 plus season's ahead. Will this be in a Braves uniform remains the question. If the Braves aren't going to resign him, they'll trade him and should receive a significant return. JS could have already composed a wishlist of players he would like to get in return for Andruw. This one will be an interesting story to follow. Next up is part three, where I'll move to the infield.