the gang’s all there

All of Atlanta’s minor league players are officially due in spring camp today — though most were already there. Minor league games start next week. The players who will make up the 2010 Mississippi Braves’ roster are scattered about the Kissimmee, Fla., complex and will be until the end of the month. Many decisions are yet to be made by Braves brass. That means it’s still open season for speculation on who’s coming to Pearl. Not much has changed since the previous post on this subject, but just to refresh: Pencil in Benji Johnson at catcher, Freddie Freeman at first base, Travis Jones at second, Brandon Hicks at shortstop and Donell Linares at third. The four outfielders likely will be Willie Cabrera, Concepcion Rodriguez, Cody Johnson and Antoan Richardson, the latter a free agent pickup. Another free agent addition, Orlando Mercado, could be the second catcher. Reserve infielders … who knows? If Freeman makes the Triple-A club, Gerardo Rodriguez looks to be in line for first base. If Hicks moves up, there is no obvious candidate at short. Projecting a pitching staff is always tough. Rotation candidates include Mike Minor (last year’s top draft pick), Kyle Cofield, Tim Gustafson, Erik Cordier, Brandon Beachy and Jacob Thompson. Cory Gearrin is the likely closer. Thomas Palica and Michael Broadway are bullpen possibilities. There are always some surprises when the roster is revealed.