Conrad, Chavez, Reyes Round Out Roster

The final roster moves have been announced: Brooks Conrad beat out Joe Thurston for the final bench spot. Jesse Chavez and Jo-Jo Reyes won the final bullpen spots.

I've been hoping for Conrad all spring. He's a better player than Thurston in every way, and ever since I first saw Conrad hit last year I've loved his approach. He's a solid utility guy who can play all over. Thurston hit better this spring but it's good to see the Braves not fall for it.

Chavez has been very unlucky but also hasn't looked good. I've said it a hundred times before, but he has a huge arm and is a potential late-inning guy. He just has to harness it. Hopefully he can emerge in the back of the pen, but I also hope he doesn't get any meaningful innings.

Reyes is irritating and having him in the bullpen will only make it worse, but he shouldn't see too many meaningful innings. He will more than likely be the long relief/spot starter instead of Kris Medlen, though it won't matter once Scott Proctor returns in a few weeks. Reyes will be sent to Gwinnett and become the #1 option if a starter goes down. I'm under the impression the Braves will keep Medlen a reliever until they let a starter go.