DIVISIONAL OUTLOOK: NL East—Will the Braves retain McCann?

Atlanta Braves

While decisions will need to be made in the bullpen with regard to free agents-to-be Eric O’Flaherty (LHP, ATL), Scott Downs (LHP, ATL) and Luis Ayala (RHP, ATL), those take a backseat to the looming issue of Brian McCann (C, ATL).

With Evan Gattis (C/OF, ATL) and Gerald Laird (C, ATL) already in the fold and prospect Christian Bethancourt (C, ATL) waiting in the wings, the team certainly has options. Gattis entered spring with many questioning his defensive abilities, but he proved to be much better than expected. Laird has done a solid job when called upon and has been given a good bit of credit for helping Julio Teheran (RHP, ATL) mature as a pitcher. Bethancourt, whose defense has been major league ready for some...

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