Simmons was drafted by the Braves back in 2010 and was immediately considered a top prospect. He came into spring training before the 2012 season and was fighting with Tyler Pastornicky for the starting job at shortstop. He didn't win it then, but he took over the job just two months later in June.
His only down part to the 2012 season was the broken pinkie finger he suffered on his right hand. That happened on July 8th in Philadelphia against the Phillies when he slid into a base and ended up being out until September 10th. When he first came up, he provided the Braves with an exciting spark. Once he came back from the injury, he didn't seem the same as he probably still felt some discomfort.
When Simmons was called up, he caught fire. Through his first month in the big leagues, he was batting .333 with three home runs and fourteen RBI's. He surprised everyone with his bat, as it wasn't his best aspect in the minors. His defense was what he was always known for, and it was superb, along with the hustle he displayed. His best game came on June 5th against the Miami Marlins as he went three for five with a triple, three RBI's and also scored a run. He finished the year overall with a .289 average with three home runs and nineteen RBI's.
Simmons will be Atlanta's starting shortstop next season. He provides the Braves with another young player that could potentially be a star in the near future. It will be exciting for the Braves and their fans to see what Simmons can do in a full season in 2013.
Andrelton Simmons was most known in the Braves' system for his great defensive skills but he surprised everyone with his hitting too.
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