Friday, February 24, 2006
Braves reiterate goal as camp opens
02/16/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- It's been a little more than four months since the Braves were forced to dwell upon the despairing circumstances of Kyle Farnsworth's unexpected meltdown in Game 4 of the National League Division Series.
Lost with the five-run eighth-inning lead that he squandered were hopes of October jubilation. Gained was a hunger that the Braves could use in preparation for the upcoming season, one in which they hope to notch a record 15th consecutive division title and experience a much more satisfying October.
When the Braves welcomed pitchers and catchers to their Spring Training headquarters at Disney's Wide World of Sports on Thursday, they officially began a new chapter in which they intend to continue their winning tradition.
By doing so, they would prove wrong many of the critics who have crowned the much-improved Mets the team to beat the in the National League East.
"If I were to look at it objectively, I'd probably favor other teams as well," Chipper Jones said. "But there's something about this clubhouse and this uniform. We walk out on the field and expect to win. I know other teams walk out on the field and they're hoping to win. And there's a big difference. We expect to win. It's not going to be any different this year. If we don't win this division, everyone in this clubhouse will be shocked."
Jones was among the handful of position players who have made early arrivals to the Disney complex. He was given the opportunity to reunite with Chris Reitsma and Joey Devine, the two top candidates to be named the club's closer.
The Braves had planned to bring Farnsworth back to serve in that role, but he instead signed with the Yankees. As he spoke to reporters in Yankees camp on Thursday morning, the right-hander said it was a decision based on his belief that the Braves' run on division championships is set to end.
"The main thing was winning," Farnsworth said. "With what the Braves were doing, I didn't think they had a chance to win the division again. They're a great team, but to get a chance to come to the Yankees, play for this organization, I never thought I'd say I'd be a Yankee. It's the greatest organization, so I was willing to come here.
"Maybe it's [the Braves'] time. Fourteen straight is long enough for them. They're a great organization, and hopefully, [Braves manager] Bobby [Cox] can do something again like he did last year. He's a great manager and the coaching staff is unbelievable."
Gone from last year's coaching staff is pitching coach Leo Mazzone. But he's been replaced with Roger McDowell, a man the Braves' pitchers have praised during their short association with him.
The Braves don't seem too concerned with the fact that they'll have a new pitching coach for the first time since 1990. Instead, they're more interested in seeing how things develop in the competition to win the closer's role.
"I think there's a lot out there," Cox said. "Everybody is excited to see Devine throw again, that's for sure. Reitsy has done it. So if we had to break camp right now, I think it would be Reitsma. We'll see how it all shakes out."
Had Reitsma not hyperextended his left knee last August, Farnsworth likely would never have earned the opportunity to be the closer, a role he capably filled until his struggles that led to the season-ending 18-inning defeat against the Astros in the Division Series.
Now that Reitsma's healthy, he's intent on returning to the form that allowed him to convert 13 of the 15 save opportunities he had in June and July of last year.
"I feel I have a lot to offer, and I'm very confident," Reitsma said. "I'm looking forward to it, and we'll just go from there."
Cox believes Reitsma can capably fill the role. But before naming him his closer, he would like to see how the competition evolves. It's a decision the right-hander says he respects.
"He's the best manager in baseball, so you do what he says," Reitsma said. "If that means pitching the eighth [inning], I'll pitch the eighth. Obviously I'd love to pitch in the ninth. But if he makes that decision, that's his decision and I'll have to stand by it."
If Reitsma doesn't win the job, the role could be filled by Oscar Villarreal or Devine, whose eventful rookie season ended rudely when he allowed the walk-off homer to Chris Burke in the 18th inning of the NLDS loss.
Devine returned to camp seemingly unfazed by the whirlwind events last year brought. He instead seems to be the confident and capable 22-year-old right-hander the Braves envisioned when they selected him out of North Carolina State with their first selection in last year's First-Year Player Draft.
"The offseason after that first month and a half seemed a little too long, just because I wanted to get back out here and start playing again," Devine said.
Devine, John Thomson, Horacio Ramirez and Tim Hudson were among the pitchers who took time to play catch under the bright Florida sun on Thursday. Absent was John Smoltz, who will be in camp when pitchers and catchers stage their first workout on Friday morning.
Like all of the pitchers and catchers, Smoltz wasn't required to physically be present on Thursday. They all simply had to call and let the team know they were in the Orlando area.
Smoltz and Hudson headline what looks to be a solid rotation. Thomson, Ramirez and Jorge Sosa, who arrived in camp with a Pedro Martinez-like hairstyle, give the rotation plenty of veteran experience.
If the Braves were to trade one of their starting pitchers, they would likely move Kyle Davies into the rotation. But Cox says Anthony Lerew and Chuck James should also be considered potential candidates for a starting role.
"We have depth in the starting rotation," Cox said. "We'll see how it all plays out with the younger guys."
While using 18 different rookies last year, Cox saw the immediate success young players could enjoy at the big-league level. Now, with a new chapter set to begin, he and his veteran players are looking forward to the chance to see how valuable the gained experience will prove to be.
"It's always exciting when you've got so many young kids who played so well for you last year," Jones said. "You're anxious to see how much they improved and what kind of contributions they'll be able to make this year. You certainly feel with each guy improving, your ballclub is going to be better. If that's the case, we look to be at the top of the division."
Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- It's been a little more than four months since the Braves were forced to dwell upon the despairing circumstances of Kyle Farnsworth's unexpected meltdown in Game 4 of the National League Division Series.
Lost with the five-run eighth-inning lead that he squandered were hopes of October jubilation. Gained was a hunger that the Braves could use in preparation for the upcoming season, one in which they hope to notch a record 15th consecutive division title and experience a much more satisfying October.
When the Braves welcomed pitchers and catchers to their Spring Training headquarters at Disney's Wide World of Sports on Thursday, they officially began a new chapter in which they intend to continue their winning tradition.
By doing so, they would prove wrong many of the critics who have crowned the much-improved Mets the team to beat the in the National League East.
"If I were to look at it objectively, I'd probably favor other teams as well," Chipper Jones said. "But there's something about this clubhouse and this uniform. We walk out on the field and expect to win. I know other teams walk out on the field and they're hoping to win. And there's a big difference. We expect to win. It's not going to be any different this year. If we don't win this division, everyone in this clubhouse will be shocked."
Jones was among the handful of position players who have made early arrivals to the Disney complex. He was given the opportunity to reunite with Chris Reitsma and Joey Devine, the two top candidates to be named the club's closer.
The Braves had planned to bring Farnsworth back to serve in that role, but he instead signed with the Yankees. As he spoke to reporters in Yankees camp on Thursday morning, the right-hander said it was a decision based on his belief that the Braves' run on division championships is set to end.
"The main thing was winning," Farnsworth said. "With what the Braves were doing, I didn't think they had a chance to win the division again. They're a great team, but to get a chance to come to the Yankees, play for this organization, I never thought I'd say I'd be a Yankee. It's the greatest organization, so I was willing to come here.
"Maybe it's [the Braves'] time. Fourteen straight is long enough for them. They're a great organization, and hopefully, [Braves manager] Bobby [Cox] can do something again like he did last year. He's a great manager and the coaching staff is unbelievable."
Gone from last year's coaching staff is pitching coach Leo Mazzone. But he's been replaced with Roger McDowell, a man the Braves' pitchers have praised during their short association with him.
The Braves don't seem too concerned with the fact that they'll have a new pitching coach for the first time since 1990. Instead, they're more interested in seeing how things develop in the competition to win the closer's role.
"I think there's a lot out there," Cox said. "Everybody is excited to see Devine throw again, that's for sure. Reitsy has done it. So if we had to break camp right now, I think it would be Reitsma. We'll see how it all shakes out."
Had Reitsma not hyperextended his left knee last August, Farnsworth likely would never have earned the opportunity to be the closer, a role he capably filled until his struggles that led to the season-ending 18-inning defeat against the Astros in the Division Series.
Now that Reitsma's healthy, he's intent on returning to the form that allowed him to convert 13 of the 15 save opportunities he had in June and July of last year.
"I feel I have a lot to offer, and I'm very confident," Reitsma said. "I'm looking forward to it, and we'll just go from there."
Cox believes Reitsma can capably fill the role. But before naming him his closer, he would like to see how the competition evolves. It's a decision the right-hander says he respects.
"He's the best manager in baseball, so you do what he says," Reitsma said. "If that means pitching the eighth [inning], I'll pitch the eighth. Obviously I'd love to pitch in the ninth. But if he makes that decision, that's his decision and I'll have to stand by it."
If Reitsma doesn't win the job, the role could be filled by Oscar Villarreal or Devine, whose eventful rookie season ended rudely when he allowed the walk-off homer to Chris Burke in the 18th inning of the NLDS loss.
Devine returned to camp seemingly unfazed by the whirlwind events last year brought. He instead seems to be the confident and capable 22-year-old right-hander the Braves envisioned when they selected him out of North Carolina State with their first selection in last year's First-Year Player Draft.
"The offseason after that first month and a half seemed a little too long, just because I wanted to get back out here and start playing again," Devine said.
Devine, John Thomson, Horacio Ramirez and Tim Hudson were among the pitchers who took time to play catch under the bright Florida sun on Thursday. Absent was John Smoltz, who will be in camp when pitchers and catchers stage their first workout on Friday morning.
Like all of the pitchers and catchers, Smoltz wasn't required to physically be present on Thursday. They all simply had to call and let the team know they were in the Orlando area.
Smoltz and Hudson headline what looks to be a solid rotation. Thomson, Ramirez and Jorge Sosa, who arrived in camp with a Pedro Martinez-like hairstyle, give the rotation plenty of veteran experience.
If the Braves were to trade one of their starting pitchers, they would likely move Kyle Davies into the rotation. But Cox says Anthony Lerew and Chuck James should also be considered potential candidates for a starting role.
"We have depth in the starting rotation," Cox said. "We'll see how it all plays out with the younger guys."
While using 18 different rookies last year, Cox saw the immediate success young players could enjoy at the big-league level. Now, with a new chapter set to begin, he and his veteran players are looking forward to the chance to see how valuable the gained experience will prove to be.
"It's always exciting when you've got so many young kids who played so well for you last year," Jones said. "You're anxious to see how much they improved and what kind of contributions they'll be able to make this year. You certainly feel with each guy improving, your ballclub is going to be better. If that's the case, we look to be at the top of the division."
Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/
