Battle for final roster spot heats up

By Andrew Hirsh After a successful MLB debut last season, Jose Constanza entered Spring Training with the inside track to land the Braves’ final bench spot. And while he is still in a good position to win the job, the competition for that roster spot has grown increasingly fierce. Emerging out of no where in 2011, Constanza quickly became a fan favorite, filling in admirably for injured outfielders and even stealing playing time from a slumping Jason Heyward. A good contact hitter and a blur on the basepaths, he was exactly what every team hopes to find in a backup position player: A feisty, pestering force who knows his role and does all that is asked of him. His success notwithstanding, the unforeseen production of multiple newcomers gives the Braves more depth than they expected and Constanza more of a battle than he would like. Luis Durango and Jordan Parraz, both in their first season with the Braves system, have each had strong springs thus far, emerging as potential options ...