26-year old righty swinging Martin Prado will be the starting 2B for the Braves in 2010. He has been bounced around the infield the last couple of years for the Braves but this season he will focus on 2B. Prado played in 128 games for the Braves last season and he was 138 for 450 (.307 avg, .822 OPS) with 64 runs scored, 11 homers and 49 RBIs. Prado is not only a good hitter but he’s a solid defensive 2B. He made 4 errors at 2B for the Braves last season while showing above average range. It took a little time for Prado to get this starting job but he definitely has earned it.

28-year old righty swinging Omar Infante will be the Braves’ top infield backup in 2010. He played in 70 games for the Braves last season and he was 62 for 203 (.305 avg, .750 OPS) with 24 runs scored, 2 homers, 27 RBIs and 2 stolen bases. Infante played in 30 games at 2B for the Braves last season making 2 errors while showing slightly below average range. He is a natural shortstop but he will be the one giving Prado a day off once in a while.

30-year old lefty swinging Joe Thurston will try to earn a bench spot this spring with the Braves. He played in 124 games for the Cardinals last season and he was 60 for 267 (.225 avg, .646 OPS) with 27 runs scored, 1 homer, 25 RBIs and 4 stolen bases. Thurston played in 47 games at 2B for the Cardinals in 2009 and he made only 2 errors while showing outstanding range.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2B IN 2010: B