A "Baby Brave" is back

The Atlanta Braves have named right fielder Jeff Francoeur to their Opening Day roster. Francoeur last suited up for the Braves on July 9, 2009, and when he signed a Minor League deal to reunite with the Braves on Feb. 24, many thought he was a longshot to make the roster because of Atlanta's outfield depth. He proved himself all throughout Spring Training, building upon a bounce-back 2015 season with the Phillies in which he hit .258, with 13 home runs and 45 RBIs after spending most of 2014 at Triple-A El Paso. Through March 30, Francoeur has hit .327 (17-for-52), with a homer and four RBIs in 20 games. He will be a valuable piece in the Braves' clubhouse and will provide some right-handed pop off the bench.

This move seemingly decreases Michael Bourn and Emilio Bonifacio's chances at cracking the roster. The left-handed-hitting Bourn is not the speedster he used to be, but is another good clubhouse presence as well as a good defensive outfielder. So far this spring, Bourn has hit .245 (12-for-49), with two triples and five RBIs. Bonifacio, whose value comes through his speed and versatility, is coming off a down year in which he was released by the Chicago White Sox. Bonifacio is hitting .260 (13-for-50), with four extra-base hits and 17 strikeouts in 21 games this spring. The Braves signed him to a club-friendly one-year, $1.25 million contract, and would seemingly be willing to eat the money if they decide to part ways.

To add to their outfield options, the Braves signed outfielder Drew Stubbs to a Minor League contract this week after he opted-out of his contract with the Texas Rangers. Over the final days of Spring Training, the Braves plan to give him a shot at making the Opening Day roster. When at full potential, Stubbs brings a power-speed combination to the game, evidenced by accruing 89 home runs and 152 stolen bases over his seven Major League seasons. He has battled inconsistencies throughout his career, often hitting for a low average, and racking up high strikeout totals, but is worth taking a chance on. Stubbs, the No. 8 overall pick in 2006 by the Reds, has posted a .300 average (12-for-40), with two home runs and three stolen bases in 19 spring games thus far. This has given the Braves the hope that Stubbs can be a productive right-handed-hitting back up option in center, to complement the left-handed-hitting Ender Inciarte.