37-year old switch hitting Chipper Jones is back in 2010 but he looked his age last season. Jones played in 143 games for the Braves last season and he was 129 for 488 (.264 avg, .818 OPS) with 80 runs scored, 18 homers, 71 RBIs and 4 stolen bases. The Braves are hoping that Jones will hit more like his career norms of a .307 batting average with a .947 OPS in 2010. Jones’ defense suffered as well as his bat did last season. He played in 133 games for the Braves last season and he made 22 errors while showing poor range. The Braves need him to play better if they are going to make a playoff run in 2010.

28-year old righty swinging Omar Infante will be Jones’ backup at 3B in 2010. He played in 10 error-free games for the Braves at 3B last season while showing outstanding range.

32-year old lefty swinging Eric Hinske will likely get most of his P.T. in the outfield in 2010 for the Braves but he can play 3B. He played in 13 error-free games for the Pirates and Yankees last season but he showed poor range there.

30-year old lefty swinging Joe Thurston played in 68 games at 3B for the Cardinals last season and he made 10 errors while showing good range. The Braves would be in trouble if Thurston got extended playing time at 3B in 2010 as he is not much of a hitter.

PROJECTED GRADE AT 3B IN 2010: B