Who Are These People?

It's not even Christmas and already the Braves have nearly filled their roster for the 2011 season. It's not going to make for a lot of suspense trying to figure out who will fill the backup center field or shortstop spots, and no one is on the edge of their seat trying to figure out who the final bullpen spot will go to. One thing that you may be thinking about looking at the Braves current 40 man roster is, who are these guys?

So to clear the clouds away for you Braves fans that don't spend all of your time on Fangraphs or Baseball Reference here is a breakdown of the Braves off season acquisitions thus far.

Dan Uggla 2B
Hits-Right
Throws-Right
Hight-5'11 Weight- 207
Born 3/11/1980

The Braves acquired the slugging second baseman in a trade with the Marlins for Omar Infante and Mike Dunn. He is a human powder keg who hits for more power than any right handed hitter the Braves have has since Andruw Jones. As a second baseman he forced All-Star Martin Prado to left field, or third base if Chipper Jones isn't healthy. He's not quite the fielder that Martin is at second, but has improved some in recent years, he's not so bad at any one thing but is just below average in all defensive categories though not as embarrassing as many would have you believe. He'll probably hit fourth or fifth for the Braves this season and is the picture of hard work and durability.

Scott Linebrink RP
Hits-Right
Throws-Right
Hight-6'3 Weight-220
Born-8/4/1976

A veteran of ten big league seasons, the Braves brought in the veteran setup man in exchange for minor league pitcher Kyle Cofield and got more than half of his salary paid for by the White Sox. He will likely fill the setup role vacated by Takashi Saito and will help mentor the young bullpen corps. He's not going to dazzle you but typically gets the job done, with his graying goatee and  bowlers physique some fans may mistake him for former closer Bob Wickman. He's been a durable if uninspiring player for a long time who has had a great deal of success in the NL.

George Sherrill RP
Hits-Left
Throws-Left
Hight-5'11 Weight-237
Born-4/19/1977

Sherrill is a former closer, albeit for the Orioles who will be serving primarily as a left handed specialist for the Braves. He has had a lot of success in the past with that role, and the hardships he endured last season were a result of him being overexposed to right handed hitters. Look for him to rebound in 2011 and also keep a look out for fans making fun of his facial hair and flat brimmed cap.

Joe Mather OF/1B/3B
Hits-Right
Throws-Right
Hight-6'4 Weight-215
Born-7/23/1982

Mather will try to fill the spot vacated by Matt Diaz in the Braves outfield and off the bench. Mather has a ton of power and is a competent outfielder at the corners and at first base. He has also seen time at third base and in center field in the Cardinals organization. He is a candidate to be a late blooming power threat in the mold of Carlos Quentin or Nelson Cruz, but probably will be more like a Matt Diaz with more power and a little less dominance against left handed pitchers. He may see some time in left and right spelling Martin Prado and Jason Heyward and perhaps even in center if he proves rangy enough.

That wraps it up for the big league acquisitions so far, if you want more info about the minor league free agents singed this off season left me know and I'll dedicate a post to them.

Please join me in wishing all the nubies good luck in Braves Country, and have a good week everyone.