Atlanta Braves

Consider the Braves lineup that was posted for tonight's opening night game:

1. 2B Kelly Johnson
2. SS Yunel Escobar
3. 3B Chipper Jones
4. C  Brian McCann
5. LF Garret Anderson
6. RF Jeff Francoeur
7. 1B Casey Kotchman
8. CF Jordan Schafer
9. SP Derek Lowe

With the Grapefruit League completed, the Braves will prepare to face Philadelphia on Opening Day on Sunday.

The Braves finished with a 20-11 record, and gave fans a lot to look forward to this season.

Below is a review of the Braves' offense this spring, as well as predictions on where each player will be at the start of the season.

Catchers

Brian McCann (.304/.379/.478 in 23 AB)

Chipper Jones has reached agreement on a contract extension with the Atlanta Braves. The extension is said to be worth $42 million over three seasons, with an option for a fourth year at an additional $19 million.

The Atlanta Braves just made their smartest move since Frank Wren was hired as General Manager. They signed their star third baseman, Chipper Jones, through 2012 for $42 million.

The 36 (nearly 37) year old third baseman has been the heart and soul of the Atlanta Braves organization for over 10 years, and it seems that it will stay that way until he decides to call it quits.

Once upon a time, Will Ohman was considered to be one of the best relief pitchers on the free agent market.

Once upon a time, Will Ohman thought he had a market for his services.

Once upon a time, Will Ohman actually had a major league contract offer from the Atlanta Braves.

Once upon a time, Will Ohman thought he was in line for a huge contract similar to those given out to Jeremy Affeldt and Damaso Marte.

According to ESPN's Jayson Stark, Philadelphia lefty Cole Hamels is officially out of consideration for opening night versus the Atlanta Braves.

After injuring his pitching elbow a few weeks ago, Philly "phans" were sure their ace was going to be good to go on Apr. 5.

However, after allowing 10 hits against the pride of Philadelphia's farm on Mar. 30 in four innings (he also walked one and Kd five), pitching coach Rich Dubie said the Philly Phenom's control just wasn't good enough for the season's first game.

It's Jordan Schafer!

I must say, I was skeptical that the Braves would make the right move here. I was very afraid they would treat Schafer the way they did young pitcher Tommy Hanson, who also had a great spring.

While it is not yet official, the trade of CF Josh Anderson for righthanded minor-league reliever Rudy Darrow certainly suggests that Schafer has claimed the starting job over the competition.

Going into training, it was really down to Schafer and Anderson; Gregor Blanco was a longshot from the start.