SPORTS TALK: Who Will Replace Chipper Jones at Third Base?

Ah, time for some baseball hot stove talk, with help from the Atlanta Braves. Seems the Braves made a big trade Thursday (Jan. 24) that could determine a replacement for retired All Star Chipper Jones.

The Braves' signature acquisition Thursday was outfielder Justin Upton from the Arizona Diamondbacks, in exchange for utility player Martin Prado and pitcher Randall Delgado, among others.

Who will replace Chipper Jones at third for Atlanta? How will the Upton brothers fare on the same team? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

However, the deal also brought third baseman Chris Johnson to Atlanta, and that's the other interesting part.

Johnson, 28, likely will compete with Juan Francisco, who was acquired by Atlanta in 2012, for the spot vacated by Jones, who is gone after 19 seasons.

In 2012, Johnson hit .281 with 15 homers. Francisco, 25, hit .234 in 93 games as Jones' backup.

Justin Upton will join brother B.J. Upton, a free agent, and Jason Heyward in the Atlanta outfield in 2013.

As reported by ESPN, B.J. Upton, 28, signed a five-year, $75.25 million contract with Atlanta in November.

Justin Upton has five full seasons in the majors but is just 25 years old.

Atlanta Braves General Manager Frank Wren said he expects the brothers will push each other.

"I do think it will drive them," Wren said. "We've been looking for that young dynamic, right-handed, power-hitting outfielder that can hit in the middle of the lineup and makes that other team think a little bit."

Steve Burns contributed to this article.

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