Gonzalez: Justin Upton to bat 3rd in lineup

Gonzalez: Justin Upton to bat 3rd in lineup

Published Jan. 29, 2013 4:35 p.m. ET

ATLANTA -- Fredi Gonzalez sat down and started writing out projected lineups last week as soon as he heard the Braves had traded for Justin Upton.

It didn't take long. The manager says making out lineups just got easier.

Gonzalez used 107 lineups last year, sometimes adjusting due to the opposing pitcher.

Gonzalez says his juggling days are over. Gonzalez says Justin Upton will be the No. 3 hitter "no matter who is pitching against you." Older brother B.J. Upton, who signed with Atlanta in November, and catcher Brian McCann, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, will follow in the middle of the lineup.

Justin Upton, acquired from Arizona in a seven-player trade on Thursday, said Tuesday he thinks the Braves have enough talent to win the World Series.

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