Chad Paronto-The Human Burrito had a great spring, but a groin injury led to ineffective play and a DL trip. After he got back, he received a demotion around the trading deadline and never seemed to earn the trust of the organization back. Really confusing because Paronto was one of the Braves only effective relievers the previous season, but 2007 was different. Paronto's control was a bit of a problem and the Braves bullpen was molding into form as one of the game's elite pens. With Richmond, Paronto was okay, though not great and then, didn't receive a callup in September.
2008 Outlook: The fact he did not receive a promotion in September makes me think the Braves were punishing him for attitude or conditioning. I doubt he will be back. If the Braves give him another chance, he could battle fairly well for a spot in next year's pen, but his chances of playing any sort of significant role for the Braves franchise is very low. (Props to Rowland for the pic.)
Brayan Pena-Pena was not really challenged for the backup catcher spot in spring training. He had hit .326 and .302 in consecutive seasons with Richmond and .268 in 41 AB with the big league club in 2006, even providing a pinch-hit single in that ridiculous September comeback against the Marlins when after giving up four runs to fall behind 7-2 in the 10th, the Braves scored five runs via some of the worst defense in MLB history. However, Pena's season came to a sudden stop when Greg Dobbs' backswing hit Pena in the head, giving him a concussion. The injury, suffered on May 1st, gave Jarrod Saltalamacchia a chance and Salty took over. Pena went to Richmond once healthy, playing C, 1B, 3B, LF, and RF, before getting a shot back with the Braves in September.
2008 Outlook: The reason for Pena's inability to stick at catcher had nothing to do with the amazing catching duo of Corky Miller and Iker Franco and everything to do with pitchers' dislike of Pena as a catcher. The TBS crew gave credence to that thinking and they rarely speak anything the major league squad doesn't okay. Out of position, Pena's offensive abilities would be suitable for a utility man or a middle infielder. The former is much more likely. Don't know if he has much of a future with the Braves, though.
Martin Prado-Prado's year can be split in two. From the moment he got called up (5 for 28, no EBH, 2 BB) and demoted to his second callup (12 for 31, 2 2B) and the end of the season. Prado was the guy I sorta liked coming into spring to start the year at second and giving KJ more time to defensively adjust to the position. His overall numbers of .288/.323/.339 in 28 G weren't that bad. Around those callups this year, he hit .316/.374/.420 for the R-Braves. Over his career, he is a .300 minor league hitter. Essentially, he is Brayan Pena with the ability to play up the middle.
2008 Outlook: Prado is a good backup possibility, better than the likes of Peterson Orr or Nicholas Green. It won't even be that big of a fallback when you need to put him in the lineup. All in all, a perfect backup who received time at 2B/SS/3B, but is probably best suited for only 2B and 3B. I still think given time, Prado has a chance to have a Polanco type career for someone.
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