The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Competition plentiful for third base
Camargo, Ruiz to vie for starting job, as prospect Riley awaits his chance.
The Braves enter spring training with a third base situation similar to a season ago, despite a winter of rumors and speculation that the team would add external help at the position.
Johan Camargo and Rio Ruiz, barring a late addition, will compete for the starting job as the Braves report to spring training this month. The team also has 20-year-old prospect Austin Riley, whom it holds in high regard.
The Braves have been conscious of Riley’s status despite him logging just 48 games at the Double-A level. His presence dialed down the team’s urgency in adding a third baseman such as still-free agent Mike Moustakas.
“Our focus, unless it’s someone we really believe in, would be on a shorter term,” general manager Alex Anthopoulos said. “Because we don’t want to block a Riley,
we don’t want to block an (outfield prospect Ronald) Acuna. At least not now until we have a better sense of who they are.”
Camargo, 24, and Ruiz, 23, are generally viewed more as utilitymen than starters. Anthopoulos inherited both players when he accepted the job in December.
Ruiz appeared in 58 games in the past two seasons, hitting .197 with four home runs and 21 RBIs in 157 at-bats. He’s yet to play consistently.
Camargo became the Braves’ biggest surprise, hitting .299 with 27 RBIs and four homers in 241 at-bats. He’s a steady defender, and Anthopoulos took note of his strength during the Dominican winter league.
“I knew Camargo had a good arm, but watching some of the video, wow,” he said.
Neither candidate addresses arguably the Braves’ biggest need: a middle-of-the-order bat to slot behind first baseman Freddie Freeman in the lineup. But that may be a weakness with which the team must live.
The Braves kept tabs on slugger Todd Frazier, who signed with the Mets a week ago. They’re reportedly interested in veteran Eduardo Nunez, who’s in some ways a more seasoned version of Camargo. Nunez slashed .313/.341/.460 while playing all over the infield and corner outfield in 2017. He stole 24 bases as well, another lacking area for the Braves.
His addition would give the Braves more flexibility if shortstop Dansby Swanson’s struggles turn out to be more than a one-season affair. Nunez or Camargo could supplant him at shortstop if needed. But unless Nunez’s price fits the team’s liking (and budget), it’ll be a two-man race at third.
The third base competition also directly affects how the
team will fill out its bench. It’s probable the Braves will elect to use an eight-man bullpen, leaving room for four extra men. One spot will be filled by Tyler Flowers or Kurt Suzuki — whichever player isn’t catching that day. Another will be filled by one member of a Lane Adams/Preston Tucker leftfield platoon, or whoever is the fourth outfielder in the event Acuna starts opening day.
The other two slots are less certain. Newcomer and Rome native Charlie Culberson is expected to take one of them. If Camargo starts, Culberson would slide into his versatile role from a season ago. If Anthopoulos adds a veteran third baseman,
Camargo would be bumped to the bench and Culberson’s place is a bit muddier, though he’d remain among the top candidates for a spot.
Ruiz, if not the starter, could face an uphill climb. Given that he’s strictly a third baseman, the team could opt for a more versatile option, in which case it’d be mutually beneficial if Ruiz was sent to Triple-A.
As for non-roster invitees, the Braves brought back Danny Santana to compete for a bench job. The versatile Christian Colon came over from the Royals. There’s always the chance of a younger player — outfielder Dustin Peterson for instance — fighting his way into the discussion.