Vaughn Grissom continues to push Orlando Arcia out of Braves shortstop race

Vaughn Grissom is going to beat out Orlando Arcia to be the Atlanta Braves’ new shortstop.

Vaughn Grissom has done exactly what he needed to do in Spring Training to beat out Orlando Arcia for the Atlanta’s starting shortstop role.

This Troublemaker is about to be the next great star in the Braves’ infield. Although he may have exhausted all of his rookie eligibility a season ago, Grissom instantly became a fan favorite. He filled in at second base out of necessity when Ozzie Albies broke his leg and Arcia pulled his hamstring. With Albies back at second, it was always Grissom’s job to lose over at shortstop.

Here is why Braves Country should be over the moon about what Grissom has done this spring.

Atlanta Braves have a new starting shortstop and his name is Vaughn Grissom

There are three things that made Grissom resonate so much with Braves Country last summer. His bat is outstanding. He has an infectious personality that plays well in the clubhouse. Above all, he is a gamer. You can tell that he is always locked into the moment and will do the necessary little things to help his team win games. This is a huge part in Atlanta being so high on him anyway.

With there being a universal DH, Grissom was not going to have an issue sticking on the Braves’ roster. The challenge was all about where to position him defensively. Although he is every bit the middle infielder, there was some debate about sticking him out in left field. That could have worked, but he seems to be right at home manning shortstop. Defense will make him a superstar.

Given that Atlanta has an outstanding infield coach in the living legend that is Ron Washington, we know that Wash will get everything he can out of Grissom’s continued growth and development in the field. If he is marginal to slightly above that, the Braves have their new shortstop. He may never be a Gold Glover, but the Braves have plus defenders all over the field.

Ultimately, unless Grissom’s defense was an unmitigated disaster and his offensive prowess took a massive swan dive, he was always going to be the Braves’ starter at shortstop. Arcia is replacement level there, but Grissom appears to be way beyond that and then some. If he can flash the leather decently and make a few plays with his legs, he is going to be an Atlanta hero.

Your eyes are not fooling you, as the Braves knew what they had in Grissom all along at shortstop.