The Atlanta Braves travel to Port St. Lucie to play the New York Mets today at 1:10.
Braves Lineup:
1. Martin Prado, LF
2. Nate McLouth, CF
3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
4. Brian McCann, C
5. Wilkin Ramirez, RF
6. Brooks Conrad, 3B
7. Matt Young, 2B
8. Brandon Hicks, SS
9. Derek Lowe, SP
The word last night around Twitter was the Braves could be leaning toward carrying Hicks, confirmed by CapitolAvenueClub. It makes plenty sense, as Hicks provides greater value defensively and can play shortstop well. The claim that he isn't as versatile as Ed Lucas is hogwash because Hicks can play all three infield positions better, and it also means no Lucas in the outfield.
Which means I am leaning more heavily than ever toward my thinking that Young will make the team. If Hicks is in the infield, the Braves won't have a fourth outfielder at all. This is where Young comes in. He is playing second base today, likely just to give him some continued at bats as the season nears.
Ramirez is playing again, but I continue to believe Young is ahead of him at this point.