Community Corner

Who Will Replace Chipper Jones at Third Base on Atlanta Braves Team?

The Braves make a deal for Justin Upton and others.

Ah, time for some baseball hot stove talk, with help from the Atlanta Braves. Seems the Braves made a big trade Thursday (January 24) that could determine a replacement for retired All Star Chipper Jones.

The Braves' signature acquisition Thursday was outfielder Justin Upton from the Arizona Diamondbacks, in exchange for utility player Martin Prado and pitcher Randall Delgado, among others.

However, the deal also brought third baseman Chris Johnson to Atlanta, and that's the other interesting part.

Find out what's happening in Peachtree Cornerswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Johnson, 28, likely will compete with Juan Francisco, who was acquired by Atlanta in 2012, for the spot vacated by Jones, who is gone after 19 seasons.

In 2012, Johnson hit .281 with 15 homers. Francisco, 25, hit .234 in 93 games as Jones' backup.

Find out what's happening in Peachtree Cornerswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Justin Upton will join brother B.J. Upton, a free agent, and Jason Heyward in the Atlanta outfield in 2013.

As reported by ESPN, B.J. Upton, 28, signed a five-year, $75.25 million contract with Atlanta in November.

Justin Upton has five full seasons in the majors but is just 25 years old.

Braves general manager Frank Wren said he expects the brothers will push each other.

"I do think it will drive them," Wren said. "We've been looking for that young dynamic, right-handed, power-hitting outfielder that can hit in the middle of the lineup and makes that other team think a little bit."

-- Whose your pick to replace Chipper Jones at third for Atlanta? And what about the Upton brothers? How do you think they will fare on the same team?


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Peachtree Corners