Atlanta Braves @ Bare Baseball - Baseball MLB Blog

01/06/2006
There doesn't appear to be any room on the 2006 Atlanta roster for Brayan Pena. But the 24-year-old catcher appears ready to come to Spring Training with intentions of proving he's got the offensive skills necessary to be a productive big leaguer.
Coming off a season in which he hit .326 for Triple-A Richmond, Pena has continued his hot hitting in the Dominican Winter League. Playing for Gigantes, he produced a .326 batting average (49-for-168) with three homers and 25 RBIs.
The switch-hitting Pena was among the league leaders in several offensive categories. He ranked second in doubles (15), third in extra-base hits (19) and fifth in hits (61).
"The guy puts the ball in play and doesn't strike out," Braves assistant general manager Dayton Moore said. "He has incredible hand-eye coordination and is a winning-type baseball player. Every team he has been on, everybody has rallied around him and drawn from his energy."
Pena, who defected from his native Cuba in 2000, was promoted to Atlanta three times last year. He recorded a hit in his Major League debut (May 23), but ended up producing just a .179 batting average in 39 at-bats.
With Brian McCann set to be the starting catcher and Todd Pratt slated to be his backup, Pena will likely begin this season back in Richmond. But the organization has noticed the consistent offensive production he's continued to provide since signing in November 2000.
"He's established himself and given the organization a lot of confidence that he can play in the big leagues," Moore said. "He's just going to have to wait for the opportunity. One thing about him is that he's going to give you all he's got wherever he is."
Because Gigantes didn't qualify for the playoffs, Pena has joined Estrellas, which is currently playing in the round-robin portion of the league's playoffs.
Wilson Betemit also enjoyed a very solid winter in the Dominican. While playing for Escogido, he hit .292 with seven homers and 23 RBIs. He ranked fourth in the league with a .488 slugging percentage and fifth in both doubles (12) and on-base-percentage (.387).
The Braves are also very pleased with what they've seen from Oscar Villarreal, who was acquired in a December trade with the Diamondbacks. Injuries have limited the right-handed reliever to just 28 big-league games over the past two seasons. But all reports are that he's regained all of the arm strength that he possessed while making 87 appearances in his 2003 rookie season.
While playing for Hermosillo in Mexico, Villarreal has completed 23 2/3 innings and recorded 18 strikeouts. In his last 5 1/3 innings, he's had six strikeouts and hasn't issued a walk.
Opponents are hitting .297 against Villarreal. But Manuel Samaniego, the Braves' scout in Mexico, told Moore earlier this week that the right-hander is throwing just as hard and well as he did before being suffering injuries to both his shoulder and elbow.
Another good offseason acquisition for the Braves appears to be Moises Hernandez, the 22-year-old right-handed pitcher who was provided as compensation when the Orioles lured former Braves pitching coach Leo Mazzone to Baltimore.
Hernandez, who is the older brother of young Seattle pitching phenom Felix Hernandez, went 3-3 and posted a 3.08 ERA in 14 starts for Lara in the Venezuelan Winter League. He recorded 41 strikeouts and issued 31 walks in 73 innings.

Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/

01/09/2006
Will Joey Devine be given a chance at the closer's role? I know he's young and had a shaky year, but he's the club's only true closer at this time.-- Todd D., Simpsonville, S.C.
The most important thing to know about Joey Devine is that the organization still has the utmost confidence that he'll be a successful big leaguer. But let's not forget that last year at this time, he was in Raleigh, N.C., preparing to face collegiate hitters with aluminum bats.
Oakland's Huston Street and Washington's Chad Cordero have proven a collegiate closer can quickly become a successful one at the big-league level. Had he not suffered a hip flexor injury in his Major League debut, Devine might have traveled that same accelerated path.
That's not saying he's not still on that path. But at the same time, there isn't any reason for the Braves to rush his development by forcing him to prove himself as a big-league closer right now. It might be in everyone's best interest if he begins the season back in the Minors and regains the confidence that might have been shaken last year.
But even after allowing grand slams in both of his first two big-league appearances and surrendering the 18th-inning walk-off homer that ended the Braves' season, Devine was a standup individual willing to answer any and all questions with maturity and grace.
That is why his teammates, manager Bobby Cox and the rest of the Braves management believe he'll bounce back and be a key to the team's success by season's end. Also, they're all aware that he pitched with an injury in his first two career appearances and then made just three more regular-season appearances before being placed on the postseason roster.
However, I think your reference to Devine being the team's "only true closer" is unfair and inaccurate. Let's not forget that many of the best closers the game has seen -- standouts like Dennis Eckersley, Eric Gagne and John Smoltz -- all began their big-league careers as starters. Even Mariano Rivera was a starting pitcher throughout the majority of his Minor League career.
So just because Devine closed games with great dependability for North Carolina State over the previous three years doesn't mean he's any more suited for the closer's role than Chris Reitsma, who was named the National League's best closer in July.
There wouldn't be anything wrong with Reitsma beginning the season as the closer in the hopes that he'll be just as effective as he was before leg injuries hampered him in August and September.
At the same time, there's no reason to doubt Devine would be capable of filling the closer's role if Reitsma were to falter. But right now, there's no reason to rush a young pitcher like Devine, who has made a grand total of eight appearances in the Majors, including three playoff games.
With all the possibilities in the rotation, assuming that Jorge Sosa goes to the closer position, who has an edge over the rest of the starters for the last spot in the rotation?-- Mark S., Newnan, Ga.
First, let's not assume Sosa is going to be in the closer's role. As last week's mailbag suggested, it's simply one option being considered.
However, if the Braves were to move Sosa back to the bullpen, the final three spots in the rotation would likely be filled by John Thomson, Horacio Ramirez and Kyle Davies.
If Sosa remains a starter, the Braves certainly have some decisions to make. They would have him, Thomson, Ramirez and Davies to choose from for the final three spots in their rotation. In addition, Chuck James and Anthony Lerew are two impressive youngsters coming to camp with dreams of making the big-league rotation.
With Sosa in the rotation, or unless one of those starters is traded, Davies would likely be the odd man out. But it does appear that his mental maturity and physical skills are advanced enough for him to have the chance to be a productive figure in the Atlanta rotation.
During his first three Major League starts, Davies was as impressive as any rookie pitcher the Braves have had during the pitching-rich dynasty they've produced over the past two decades. Later in the year, he lost his aggressiveness in the strike zone and wasn't nearly as effective.
But as Braves fans will likely come to know over the next few years, Davies is a determined competitor whose mental makeup is as strong as the one a young Greg Maddux possessed. So, if given the chance to win a rotation spot, I think Davies will find a way to secure it.
Are there any concerns about the fact that Edgar Renteria had a lot of errors last year? The Braves have always had a strong defense.-- Barry F., Charlotte, N.C.
I'm not sure that a player can suddenly go, at the age of 30, from one of the most reliable performers in the field to a defensive liability. Thus, I'm sticking to the belief that field conditions, his unhappiness in Boston and his occasional struggles at the plate all factored into the career-high 30 errors Renteria committed.
Over the 2003 and 2004 seasons, Renteria committed just 27 errors combined. He refuses to blame last year's defensive struggles on cold weather or any other factors. But his sudden decline does suggest they played a role.
The Braves are confident he'll once again prove as dependable as he was while winning Gold Gloves in 2002 and 2003. That's not to say he'll cover as much ground as Rafael Furcal. Very few do. But he can certainly be just as reliable.
Whats the story with Ryan Langerhans? It seems as though he would only get better. Is his future with Atlanta or elsewhere?-- James T., Albany, N.Y.
All indications are that his immediate future is in Atlanta. Langerhans improved his offensive skills throughout this past season to the point he was one of the club's most consistent hitters in September.
Langerhans, who is an above-average defensive player, may platoon in left field with the right-handed-hitting Matt Diaz, whom the Braves acquired in December.
There were some rumors that the Braves were looking to trade Langerhans to Cleveland for right-handed reliever David Riske. But a club official said that trade was never discussed.
Will Roger McDowell continue the tradition of having a pre-Spring Training camp for the pitchers like we saw with Camp Leo? Or will he and the Braves just wait until Spring Training?-- Nicholas S., Little Rock, Ark.
McDowell will assemble the pitchers at Turner Field for early workouts during the first few days of February. While a little shorter in length, it will be similar to the preseason workouts that former pitching coach Leo Mazzone conducted in Atlanta over the past 15 years.

Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/

01/10/2006
ATLANTA -- Lists of non-roster invitees don't always include many recognizable names. That isn't the case this year for the Braves, who have invited a couple of their long-time veterans and Jonathan Schuerholz to join their roster players at Spring Training.
Schuerholz, the son of Braves general manager John Schuerholz, will join Brian Jordan and Eddie Perez as part of the cast of non-roster players that have been invited by the Braves to participate in the club's big league camp.
Jordan and Perez were tabbed to be key figures heading into the 2005 season. Injuries caused both to miss most of the season, but they recently singed Minor League contracts in hopes of proving they've regained their health.
While the elder Schuerholz is a proud father, he stresses that his son's invitation was simply based on the production Jonathan provided both in the Minors and during the Arizona Fall League.
"Jonathan said it best," the elder Schuerholz said. "It's about what he can do. It's not about what his name is or any of that."
After assistant general manager Dayton Moore called each of the club's 14 non-roster invitees to inform them of their invite, Schuerholz called his son and simply asked, "So how is your day going?"
"I could hear [Jonathan] smiling across the phone," Atlanta's general manager said.
Jonathan, a 25-year-old infielder, was promoted after hitting .278 at Double-A Mississippi this past season. He struggled at Triple-A Richmond, hitting just .175. But he rebounded in fine fashion, producing a .310 batting average in the strong Arizona Fall League.
"I didn't just start feeling proud," the elder Schuerholz said. "I've been feeling proud for a long time. He's worked hard all of his life to succeed in a tough business. I'm glad for him. He's worked hard."
Jordan and Perez are the other two most recognizable names among the list of non-roster invitees. If Jordan can prove his troublesome left knee is healthy, there's a chance the Braves could keep him as a backup outfielder.
Perez, who had shoulder surgery in October, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Steve Pyzik and Clint Sammons are the four non-roster catchers that have been invited to camp. Saltalamacchia hit .314 with 19 homers and 81 RBIs for Class A Myrtle Beach last year.
Considered by many to be one of baseball's top prospects, Saltalamacchia followed that by hitting .288 in the AFL. He then provided seven hits, including two homers, while playing for the United States in a regional Olympic qualifying tournament in November.
The Braves will bring five non-roster pitchers to camp: Wes Obermueller, Travis Smith, Kevin Barry, Chad Paronto and Sean White.
Along with Jordan, David Kelton and Michael Ryan will also come to camp as non-roster outfielders. Joining Schuerholz as a non-roster infielder will be Cesar Crespo, who played for Pittsburgh's Triple-A affiliate in Indianapolis last year.
The Braves currently have 38 players on their 40-man roster. They will bring a total of 52 players to camp. Pitchers and catchers are set to report on Feb. 16 and the first full-squad workout will be held on Feb. 22.

Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/

01/10/2006
ATLANTA -- John Smoltz was intrigued and excited about the opportunity to represent the United States in the World Baseball Classic. But after giving it much thought, he's decided it's in his best interest to decline the invitation.
Smoltz said he was planning to call U.S. manager Buck Martinez on Tuesday to tell him of his decision, which is based solely on his desire to intelligently prepare for a season in which he doesn't want to experience arm problems again.
"I'm fighting some incredible ambition, but I need to be smart," said Smoltz, who experienced shoulder fatigue caused by tendinitis at the end of last season.
When Smoltz agreed to make himself a candidate for the U.S. team in December, he was under the impression he'd be able to wait until late-February before having to make an ultimate decision. But he's since learned that he would have had to make that decision within the next week.
"If I had until late February to make this decision, then it would be a no-brainer," Smoltz said. "I'd know exactly where I stood at that point. But right now, this is the best decision."
While some may believe Smoltz's decision signals he's still feeling discomfort in his right shoulder, the veteran right-hander says that's definitely not the case. He has thrown three times since Thursday and not experienced any type of ache or pain.
"The moment I come out and say I've got to be smart about something like this, people are going to think, 'he's got to be really hurt," said Smoltz, who will be 39 in May. "That's not the case. At this point, I'm going to really just get ready for the year and bite my tongue. It's just best to err on the side of caution."
Smoltz entered the 2005 season fully confident that he could make the successful transition from being a dominant closer to being the type of successful starter he was during the 1990s.
Mission accomplished.
In his first full season back in the rotation since 1999, he exceeded many expectations by throwing 229 2/3 innings and going 14-7 with a 3.06 ERA. Despite skipping his final two starts to rest his fatigued shoulder, he still finished fifth among National League pitchers in innings.
Smoltz came back to throw seven solid innings and get the win in Game 2 of the NL Division Series against the Astros. But he's since said that he likely wouldn't have been able to pitch again if the postseason would have extended beyond Game 4 of that series.
Because tests weren't showing any structural damage, Smoltz was convinced that he was simply battling tendinitis and would get healthy by resting it during offseason. So far, that seems to be the case.
"When I began throwing, I would have known right away if there were any lingering effects of the tendinitis," Smoltz said. "It seems to have made a nice full recovery."
Teammate Chipper Jones is still planning to play for the U.S. team in the WBC. Other Braves slated to participate include Andruw Jones (Netherlands), Jorge Sosa (Dominican Republic) and Chris Reitsma, Pete Orr and Minor Leaguer Scott Thorman, who would all play for Canada.

Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/

01/10/2006
NEW YORK -- Bruce Sutter made history on Tuesday. Not only did he become the latest member of baseball's most exclusive club by the slimmest of margins, the right-handed split-fingered fastball artist became the first pure reliever ever elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
In a year in which there were no runaway candidates, a select group of 520 members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America cast their votes -- the most in history -- anointing only Sutter, who pitched for the Cardinals, Cubs and Braves in a career that spanned from 1976-88, ending when his signature pitch shredded the insides of his right shoulder.
Only three pitchers previously elected to the Hall were known for their closing skills. But Hoyt Wilhelm, Rollie Fingers and Dennis Eckersley all made numerous starts during their illustrious careers. Sutter never started a game, but he finished 512 of them to record 300 saves, the 19th most in history.
"I hope more closers now get in," Sutter said during a conference call only moments after Dale Petroskey, the Hall of Fame president, announced his selection on BaseballChannel.TV. "Goose Gossage is a friend of mine. Definitely a Hall of Fame pitcher in my mind. Lee Smith, a friend and a teammate. He's definitely a Hall of Famer in my mind. I just think that sometimes the voters just try to compare us with the starting pitchers.
"We can't compete with their statistics: their innings and their strikeouts. If you compare [the relievers] to each other, I think that you'll see we're all pretty equal. Without us, it's tough to win."
Gossage and Smith, the all-time saves leader with 478, didn't come close to getting in on Tuesday. Sutter, who turned 52 years old this past Sunday, will be inducted during Hall of Fame weekend ceremonies in Cooperstown, N.Y., on July 30, giving baseball's red brick shrine on Main Street 196 former players, 103 elected by the BBWAA. He'll be in New York on Wednesday for the traditional Hall of Fame electee press conference.
Hall of Fame officials now determine the cap a player "wears" on his plaque in Cooperstown. For Sutter, that announcement is expected to be made at Wednesday's press conference.
Sutter received 76.9 percent of the vote -- only 1.9 percent more than the necessary 75 percent to gain election -- as his name appeared on 400 of the 520 ballots, 12 of which were returned blank. Voters -- BBWAA members with at least 10 consecutive years of baseball writing experience -- can place the names of up to 10 former players on their ballots.
This was Sutter's 13th year on the BBWAA ballot, two shy of the end of his eligibility for the writers' vote. His percentage had steadily increased in recent years from 53.6 percent in 2003 to 59.9 percent in 2004 to 66.7 percent last year when Wade Boggs and Ryne Sandberg were inducted.
But Sutter's 2006 total was the lowest percentage since 1975 in a year in which there was a single electee. Pirates slugger Ralph Kiner received 75.4 percent of the vote that year to make it in.
The last time the writers elected only one player was when Ozzie Smith routed the field in 2002 with 91.74 percent of the vote. The writers have elected at least one former player a year since 1996.
Sutter said he was in shock and then broke down in tears as he told his family the news when the long-awaited telephone call finally came.
"I don't know what you all [the writers] talk about when you're together and how you go about deciding," Sutter said. "I'm just glad you decided on me."
There were a total of 29 candidates on this year's ballot, including 14 first-timers.
Jim Rice and Gossage, who many thought had a chance this time around, garnered 64.8 percent and 64.6 percent, respectively. Andre Dawson, with 61 percent, was the only other player on the ballot who received 60 or more percent of the vote. Smith finished at 45 percent, his highest vote total since he went on the ballot for the first time in 2003.
Thirteen players -- Will Clark, Doc Gooden, Willie McGee, Ozzie Guillen, Hal Morris, Gary Gaetti, John Wetteland, Rick Aguilera, Gregg Jefferies, Doug Jones, Walt Weiss, Gary DiSarcina and Alex Fernandez -- did not receive the requisite five percent of the vote and will no longer appear on the ballot. DiSarcina and Fernandez didn't receive a single vote.
Any possibility of Rice, Gossage or Dawson making it will dwindle in 2007, the year Tony Gwynn, Cal Ripken Jr. and Mark McGwire are eligible for the first time.
Sutter said he knew in his gut that if he didn't make it this year it might never happen.
"I was planning a hunting trip next year if I didn't get in this year," he said. "I didn't need to be hanging around the phone. I can tell you that."
Sutter led the National League in saves five times from 1979-84. In an era in which relievers routinely pitched several innings or more an outing, Sutter recorded a career-best 45 saves in 1984 for the Cardinals, a year before he signed what was then considered a huge four-year, $6.5 million free agent contract with the Braves.
Sutter, who starred for the Cardinals' 1982 World Series winners and saved 36 games that year, was never the same in Atlanta. He saved only 40 more games and missed the entire 1987 season because of the elbow injury before his career petered out in 1988, when he made only 38 appearances, saving 14.
Sutter, though, was considered the top closing stylist of his time because he perfected the split-fingered fastball, also known as a forkball, as his out pitch.
"I was short with my fastball and breaking ball," said Sutter, who was born and raised in Lancaster, Pa., and now resides in Georgia. "I would've never made it in the big leagues without that pitch."
The three other relievers already in the Hall started 489 games between them. Wilhelm, who was one of the top knuckleball artists in history, started 52 games. Fingers was used as a starter 39 times. And Eckersley started 361 games before he was turned into a closer by then-Oakland manager Tony La Russa. After that, Eckersley added 390 saves.
Wilhelm was elected in 1985, Fingers in 1992, and Eckersley when he was on the ballot for the first time in 2004. Who will come after Sutter is anyone's guess.
"It's just something you get groomed to do, how you work your arm, how you stretch out your arm and what you get used to doing," Sutter said. "Relievers are just a special breed. I just hope the other guys get the call like I did today."

Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/

01/11/2006
NEW YORK -- Bruce Sutter will enter the National Baseball Hall of Fame on July 30 with the interlocking S, T and L of the St. Louis Cardinals on his cap, an official of the shrine in Cooperstown, N.Y., said on Wednesday.
Sutter made history on Tuesday when he became the first pure reliever elected among the 196 players in the Hall, 103 by members of the Baseball Writers Association of America, who voted him in as this year's only inductee.
Sutter becomes the eighth member of the Cardinals and first since Ozzie Smith in 2002 to go into the Hall representing the Redbirds. Smith also was the lone inductee at the time. The others are Lou Brock, Dizzy Dean, Bob Gibson, Stan Musial, Red Schoendienst and Enos Slaughter. The Cardinals list 37 players, 14 of them pitchers, who played at least a portion of their careers in St. Louis and are enshrined in the Hall.
"My sons remember me most as a Cardinal," Sutter said. "My one son is 26 years old and I don't think he's ever seen me without a beard. It's not as black as it used to be, but it's still there."
Sutter came up with the Cubs and finished with the Braves during the course of his 13-year career that ended in 1988. He played five years with Chicago and four years for St. Louis before grinding out the last four in Atlanta, where he experienced severe shoulder problems from the repetition of using the split-finger fastball as his out pitch. Incidentally, Ryne Sandberg, who came up with the Phillies, but played almost his entire career in Chicago, went in last year as a Cub.
Sutter's career hit its zenith, though, when he helped the Cardinals defeat the Brewers in Game 7 of the 1982 World Series. Sutter pitched two hitless, shutout innings to earn his second save of the series and punched out Brewers center fielder Gorman Thomas to give the Cardinals their last World Series title.
"My family identifies with me throwing that last pitch to Gorman Thomas," Sutter said. "I'm certainly thankful for what the Cubs did for me. I respect their organization. It's the same way with the Atlanta Braves, an awfully fine organization. I respect everybody who's down there and that's still where I live today. But the Cardinals represent the best years of my career."
No matter, it wasn't his choice. And on Wednesday, Sutter appeared at a press conference in Manhattan and was asked to don a dark blue cap with a Hall of Fame insignia above the brim and a white jersey with Hall of Fame embossed in script across the chest. A photo placard of Sutter to the right of the dais showed the bearded right-hander throwing off the mound in Cardinals garb juxtaposed to a black and white photo of a young clean-shaven Sutter wearing his Cubs uniform.
The cap issue wasn't even addressed on Wednesday until it was broached by a member of the media.
"It's the Hall of Fame's call now," said Dale Petroskey, the Hall's long-time president. "Because Bruce played with three great organizations, we agonized about what logo we'd place on the cap on his plaque. But in the end, I think he and we thought the Cardinals were the most appropriate choice, recognizing that he had some great years in Chicago and finished in Atlanta. But all that will be documented on his plaque."
Hall officials took over the process of designating the team that is represented on a player's plaque after Kirby Puckett and Dave Winfield were inducted in 2001. Puckett, of course, played his entire career for the Twins.
The Hall's decision came amidst reports that Winfield had shopped his Hall of Fame affiliation before determining to go in as a member of the Padres, the team that drafted him and gave him his start in the Major Leagues. Winfield played 22 seasons with six teams, including his first eight with the Padres and his next eight with the Yankees.
Since then, the Hall has had some tough decisions, opting to have Gary Carter go in as the only member of the Montreal Expos in 2003 rather than his glory days with the 1986 champion Mets, and designating Wade Boggs as a member of the Red Sox last year, even though he won his only World Series with the Yankees and collected his 3,000th hit with Tampa Bay.
Sutter, who received 76.9 percent of the vote -- only 1.9 percent more than the necessary 75 percent to gain election -- was an equally tough decision for Hall officials.
He signed with the Cubs in 1971 and made his way up through their Minor League system, where he developed his trademark pitch. After a decade in that organization he was traded to the Cardinals on Dec. 9, 1980, in the deal that sent Leon Durham and Ken Reitz to Chicago.
"The Cubs gave me a chance to play," Sutter said. "They signed me as a free agent and brought me to the Major Leagues. The first day I walked into Wrigley Field was one of the best days of my life. And I owe them an awful lot."
Then, after saving a career-high 45 games for the Cardinals in 1984, Sutter signed a four-year, $6.5 million deal with the Braves, a contract that might pale in comparison to the four-year, $43 million pact left-handed closer Billy Wagner recently signed with the Mets, but was one of the most lucrative at the time.
Sutter, though, blew out his shoulder and was never a factor in Atlanta. He pitched the 1985 season hurt, had surgery that offseason, rushed back and tore his labrum, sat out the entire 1987 season and wound up making only 112 appearances and saving 40 games for the Braves.
"I hurt my shoulder down there and if I had one regret, its that I could never pitch," Sutter said. "But if I hadn't thrown the split-finger, I would've never have made the Major Leagues. I would've been at best a Double-A player. So if they told me it was going to hurt my arm I'd do it all over again."

Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/

01/11/2006
ATLANTA -- If there is one negative John Smoltz has provided throughout his highly successful career, it might be that he gave Braves fans the impression that saving games was as easy as sinking a two-foot putt.
After watching Smoltz prove so dominant as their closer from 2001-04, Braves fans were reminded last year just how nice it was to have somebody they confidently believed could secure a ninth-inning lead.
It took Braves manager Bobby Cox three tries before he found a dependable closer to carry into last year's postseason. Now, as the third week of January approaches, he's not sure who will fill that role at the start of the 2006 season.
But that doesn't mean this year's group of relievers will cause as much uneasiness as last year's. The Braves have added depth to the bullpen during the offseason and there is a chance Chris Reitsma can be dependable if given the shot to be the closer.
"If everybody is healthy, we can be just fine out there," said Cox, who saw his bullpen post a 4.74 ERA and squander 22 of 60 save opportunities last year.
Primary injury concerns relate to right-handed relievers Blaine Boyer, Joey Devine and Oscar Villarreal, who all seem to be healthy and capable of providing strong setup work for Reitsma or whomever the Braves choose to place in their closer's role.
Smoltz has said numerous times that he believes Reitsma is capable of being a successful closer. Now as Spring Training nears and the options dwindle, it appears Reitsma will be given that opportunity to prove himself.
Before suffering a leg injury that hampered him in August and September, Reitsma was a dependable closer for the Braves. During June and July, he converted 13 of 15 save opportunities and was named the National League's Rolaids Relief Man of the Month for July.
Because Reitsma has struggled down the stretch both of the past two seasons, fans don't seem to have confidence in him as the closer. But his late-season struggles last year were a product of the injury and the fatigue that came from appearing in 160 games over the past two seasons.
With an outstanding changeup, strong fastball and improving curveball, Reitsma has the tools necessary to be a strong closer. In fact, some believe his stuff fools hitters so badly that they swing and get so little of the ball that it creates a bad hop or spin that results in a bad-luck single.
If Reitsma is able to work with new pitching coach Roger McDowell and find a pitch that creates more strikeouts, he certainly could be a solid closer. He's recorded just 102 strikeouts in 153 innings over the past two years.
"I think Reitsma has done a good job with us," Cox said. "He's been spectacular at times. Like you say, the tail end, it's gotten a little rough for him at times. But I think he's quality and I know he's looking forward to working with Roger."
If the Braves choose to go in another direction, it could be because they've acquired another closer via a trade or have decided to move Jorge Sosa into that role. But it appears they'll likely keep Sosa in the rotation in hopes that he proves as effective as he did as a starter last year.
Whatever happens, the Braves are hoping that Boyer is ready to be one of their top setup men. The 24-year-old right-hander made 15 consecutive scoreless appearances before soreness in his shoulder slowed him in September.
All indications are that he's healthy and will be ready to go at full strength at the start of Spring Training. That also seems to be the case with Devine, who suffered a hip flexor injury while making his Major League debut last year.
Devine, the club's top selection in June's draft, became the first Major Leaguer to surrender grand slams in both of his first two career appearances. His season ended with Chris Burke's 18th-inning walk-off homer in the clinching fourth game of the National League Division Series.
But the Braves believe his confidence is solid and that he'll be a key part of their bullpen by the time this season ends. The 22-year-old right-hander didn't begin playing pro ball until June, but he's already made a good impression on the organization. He has the potential to be Atlanta's closer within the next two years.
"I really like the kid a lot," Cox said of Devine. "I think once he's able to pinpoint his fastball a little bit better, he's going to be awesome."
If Villarreal is able to stay healthy, he too could be a valuable setup man or possibly even the closer. Since appearing in a rookie-record 86 games in 2003, he has been plagued with injuries. An elbow injury limited him to 17 games in 2004, and a shoulder injury allowed him to make just 11 appearances this past year.
Villarreal, who was acquired from the Diamondbacks along with Lance Cormier in exchange for Johnny Estrada, has been throwing well in the Mexican Winter League. A Braves scout has told the team it appears he's regained all of his arm strength.
Two other key additions to the bullpen include Cormier, who posted a 2.70 ERA in 37 appearances before last year's All-Star break, and Brad Baker, who was acquired as a Minor League free agent in November. The club likens Baker to Greg McMichael, who enjoyed success in Atlanta in the 1990s.
It appears John Foster and Macay McBride will enter camp as the top candidates to serve as the club's left-handed relievers. Foster was strong early last year, and McBride enjoyed a strong rookie season after making his big-league debut in late July.

Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/

01/11/2006
ATLANTA -- With the call that confirmed that his father had finally gotten the call to the Hall, Ben Sutter burst out of Roswell High School and raced home to enjoy a celebration that he and his entire family had waited 13 years to enjoy.
Racing down the rural Georgia roads to his father's home in Kennesaw, Sutter eluded detection from the police with the same type of success that his father had enjoyed while pioneering his way toward the Baseball Hall of Fame.
"I'm glad I didn't get pulled over," said the 26-year-old Ben, who is a special-education teacher at the high school. "But they had every chance to get me."
Likewise, the select voters from the Baseball Writers Association of America had 12 previous chances to elect a deserving Bruce Sutter into the Hall of Fame. But it wasn't until Tuesday afternoon that they tallied enough votes to make him the fourth reliever in history to be elected to Cooperstown.
Sutter, who registered 300 saves and finished 512 games during 12 big-league seasons, received 76.9 percent of the vote in balloting by the BBWAA (75 percent is the minimum required for induction). The man credited with perfecting the since popularized split-finger fastball is the only pitcher never to have started a game to have gained election.
It was one he wasn't sure would ever come. With this being his 13th year of eligibility, time was running out. After 15 years, a player's name is removed from the ballot and the only chance for election is through the Hall of Fame's veterans committee.
"I guess 13 is a lucky number for me," the Hall's newest inductee said during a press conference at Turner Field on Tuesday night. "I did get turned down 12 times. You don't expect things to change."
During many of those 12 previous years, when he hadn't received a congratulatory call, Sutter keep himself busy by going hunting. But the increase in votes he received last year, combined with a recent phone call he received from veteran St. Louis journalist Rick Hummel, led him to believe it might be best to stay close to the phone this year.
Fortunately for him and each of the family members who were huddled in the home, the phone call they had awaited for 13 years finally was received around 1 p.m. ET. As soon as the 212 (New York City) area code appeared on the caller identification screen, all knew that this year was indeed different.
"He wasn't on the phone five seconds and we already had gotten the thumbs up," Sutter's oldest son, Josh, said. "It was one of the most wonderful feelings I've had."
With Josh, 32, another son, Chad, 28, and his wife Jamye by his side, Sutter received the congratulatory call and then shed a few joyful tears. It's something Chad, a baseball coach at Tulane University, had never seen, and an emotion that their mother said she'd only seen three times.
But these tears were different from those that had been shed in 1983, when his father died, or in 1988, when after three shoulder surgeries, the dominant closer was forced to retire at the age of 35.
"It's a special feeling ... I don't know what else to say," Sutter said. "So far it's been a hectic day for me, but a good day. I don't mind."
After gaining election, Sutter spent much of Tuesday afternoon being interviewed by media outlets from around the country. It wasn't until he boarded a plane headed to New York late Tuesday evening that he really had time to reflect upon what had happened.
While on the plane, he knew he was going to think about how special this moment would have been for his father. At the same time, he'd reminisce about those countless times during his youth that the two of them would find time to enjoy numerous different athletic activities together.
"It didn't matter when he got home from work, we'd go out there and play catch, or we'd shoot foul shots or we'd throw the football," Sutter said. "I'm just sorry he's not here to see this."
While much gratitude is owed to his father and mother, who passed away in 1987, Sutter also took time on Tuesday to think about how much Fred Martin meant to his career. Unfortunately, the former Cubs Minor League pitching coach passed in 1979 and never got to see all that happened after he taught the young hurler how to throw the split-finger fastball.
But Sutter did have time to call Mike Roarke, who served as his pitching coach with both the Cubs and the Cardinals. In addition, some of his time on Tuesday afternoon was spent receiving phone calls from fellow Hall of Famers Don Sutton and Gary Carter. He also received messages from former teammates like Bob Forsch and Gene Tenace, who both routinely saw the Hall of Fame closer enter a game in the seventh inning and not exit until the game was won.
It seemed wherever he turned, he was being congratulated. In other words, it was a much better day than those disappointing ones he'd endured over the previous 12 years.
Trying to keep his emotions in check, Sutter began Tuesday by taking out the garbage. A short time later he and Chad went to breakfast and then ran some errands, one of which included a stop at the cigar store. Obviously, there was at least hope this day would be different.
After returning home, Bruce, Josh and Chad headed to the basement and chose to quell their anxiety by watching "Blade 2." Then, moments after Jamye and Chad's wife, Kasey, joined the men, the phone rang, and all soon learned the moment had finally arrived.
Knowing their mother never comes to the basement for any reason, the kids have reason to believe the baseball gods were at work again.
"Every player would love to be in the Hall of Fame, but you realize not everybody can be in the Hall of Fame," Sutter said. "There's going to be a lot of players that don't get in. You try to keep things in perspective. It's like being the closer. You try not to get too high and not get too low, because it's out of your hands."
Sutter's election came just two days after he celebrated his 53rd birthday. It's a birthdate that he shares with the late Elvis Presley.
But on January 10, 2006, the baseball world knew of just one king, and his name was Howard Bruce Sutter, Cooperstown's newest resident.

Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/

01/13/2006
ATLANTA -- Further adding potential depth to their bullpen, the Braves signed Jeff Bennett to a Minor League contract on Friday and invited him to Spring Training.
Bennett, a 25-year-old right-handed reliever, will come to camp hoping to earn a spot in the Atlanta bullpen. He spent all of last year with Milwaukee's Triple-A affiliate in Nashville.
While recording 13 saves and making 49 appearances with Nashville, Bennett went 2-3 with a 3.03 ERA. In 62 1/3 innings, he recorded 56 strikeouts and issued 25 walks.
Bennett was drafted by the Pirates in the 19th round of the 1998 First-Year Player Draft and was selected by the Brewers in the 2003 Rule 5 Draft. All players selected in that draft must stay in the big leagues for an entire season. If they don't, their former team has the right to take them back.
Bennett's only Major League experience came in 2004, when he made 60 appearances for Milwaukee. He went 1-5 with a 4.79 ERA and completed 71 1/3 innings.
There should be some good competition for the final spots in the Braves' bullpen. Chris Reitsma is the only candidate who earned a spot on last year's Opening Day roster.
If Blaine Boyer and Oscar Villarreal prove they're healthy, they should nab two of the top setup roles. Joey Devine could also fill one of those roles if the Braves believe he's ready and doesn't need more seasoning in the Minors.
As for Lance Cormier, he's an intriguing candidate, simply based on the fact that he posted a 2.70 ERA in 37 appearances before the All-Star break last year. Unfortunately for him, the second half wasn't as memorable. In 30 appearances for the Diamondbacks after the break, he had a 9.20 ERA and opponents hit .328 against him.
John Foster battled arm problems down the stretch for the Braves last year. But if he's healthy and able to regain the form he had in the early part of the 2005 season, he could once again be sharing left-handed relief duties with Macay McBride, who is coming off a strong rookie showing.
Some of those battling for some of the final spots in the bullpen include Bennett, Wes Obermueller and Brad Baker. Obermueller and Bennett spent a portion of last season together in Nashville. As for Baker, he was signed as a Minor League free agent in November and was immediately placed on the 40-man roster.

Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/

01/13/2006
ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Braves announced today they have agreed to terms with free agent right-handed pitcher Jeff Bennett on a one-year Minor League contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training camp. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Bennett, 25, spent the 2005 season with the Milwaukee Brewers' Triple-A affiliate Nashville Sounds where he went 2-3 with a 3.03 ERA and 13 saves, appearing in 49 games in relief. Originally selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 19th round of the 1998 June draft, his only Major League service came when he spent the entire 2004 season with Milwaukee, going 1-5 with a 4.79 ERA in 60 relief appearances covering 71 1/3 innings. He has a career Minor League record of 45-50 with a 3.94 ERA in 740.2 innings pitched.
The Atlanta Braves, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., is Major League Baseball's winningest franchise since 1991. Since then, Braves teams have earned a record 14 consecutive division championships, five National League pennants and a World Series title. Based in Atlanta since 1966, the Braves franchise is the longest continuously operating franchise in Major League Baseball. Atlanta Braves games are telecast nationally on TBS and regionally on Turner South and FSN South, with radio broadcasts heard in Atlanta on 640 GST and 96 Rock and regionally on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network.

Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/

01/13/2006
With each of his recent outings in the Mexican Winter League, Oscar Villarreal is giving the Braves even more confidence that he's healthy and some reason to believe he might indeed be somebody capable of being their closer.
Villarreal is one of a small handful of players from the Braves organization still playing in the Winter League playoffs. His recent success has helped Hermosillo advance to the second round, where it has split the first two games of a best-of-seven series against Guasave.
During three appearances in the playoffs, Villarreal has allowed just one hit and provided three scoreless innings. He retired all three batters he faced on Thursday to complete his second consecutive perfect outing. His first came on Jan. 8, when he was credited with the save in a 3-2 win over Mazatlan.
Assistant general manager Dayton Moore has had regular contact with Manuel Samaniego, a Braves scout in Mexico. Samaniego, a native of Hermosillo, has known Villarreal since the right-handed reliever was making his way through the youth ranks.
In other words, he knows just how strong Villarreal was before suffering shoulder and elbow injuries during the past two years. The injuries, which might have been a product of the rookie-record 86 appearances he made for the Diamondbacks in 2003, limited him to a total of 28 games over the course of the past two seasons.
"Manuel says that he's throwing well and his arm looks as good as it ever has," Moore said. "That's encouraging. He says [Villarreal] is really excited about his new opportunity and can't wait to get to Spring Training."
When the Braves acquired Villarreal and Lance Cormier in exchange for Johnny Estrada in December, they were hopeful that the 24 year-old right-handed reliever had returned to health. With his recent production, it appears he might be capable of enjoying the same type of success he had while posting a 2.57 ERA in his taxing rookie season.
While Villarreal is continuing to hone his skills in Mexico, Brayan Pena, Wilson Betemit and Jorge Sosa are doing the same while competing in the Dominican Winter League playoffs.
With a three-hit performance that included a triple on Thursday for Azucareros, Pena improved his postseason batting average to .291 (16-for-55). The 24-year-old catcher, who will likely be back at Triple-A Richmond to begin this season, hit .326 during the regular season.
Betemit, who will likely be used as a utility infielder again in Atlanta, has hit just .189 (7-for-37) in 10 playoff games for Escogido. His postseason struggles include 14 strikeouts.
As for Sosa, he's continuing to be used by Licey as one of its top setup men. In nine postseason innings (seven appearances), he's allowed five earned runs. He has, however, also recorded nine strikeouts while issuing just two walks.

Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/

01/16/2006
Do you think Andruw Jones will be as explosive at the plate this season as last? We all know the glove will be there.-- Todd O., Sumter, S.C.
"Explosive", "electric", "sensational", "marvelous" and "wonderful" are all adjectives one could use to describe the season that Jones had last year. Unfortunately, and almost surprisingly, "inconsistent" could also be used by some to describe his MVP-caliber season.
The only reason that Jones didn't win the National League MVP Award is that most voters couldn't overlook the fact that he had a .263 batting average. Having watched him every day, I still can't understand how such a dominant force could have produced a statistic that implies inconsistency.
Heading into the 2005 season, Jones' goals weren't to lead the Majors with 51 homers or the National League with 128 RBIs; he wanted to find that level of consistency that has eluded him for most of his career.
Had he not endured an 0-for-27 stretch (six games and one at-bat in another) in April or finished the regular season with just six hits in his final 51 at-bats, that number would have been more telling of the consistently dominant season that he had.
Braves manager Bobby Cox has said on a couple of occasions that people can make statistics mean whatever they want. There's plenty of truth in that statement.
So let's go ahead and give Jones five more hits during both of his long slumps. Over the course of those 78 at-bats (the 27 at-bat drought and the 51 at-bat drought), he'd have hit just .128. But at the same time, those 10 extra hits would have been enough for him to raise his season batting average to .280.
If that had been the case, Jones likely would have been the NL MVP and Albert Pujols would have had himself yet another runner-up finish.
In other words, take away 21 games over the course of a 162-game season and Jones was as dominant as any player in baseball last year.
You ask, "Can he be just as explosive in 2006?" To that, I have to say, "Why not?"
He'll be just 29 years old in April, and he's seemingly in the prime of his career. That's not to say he's going to hit 51 homers and drive in 128 runs again this year, but even if he were to hit just 40 home runs, he could indeed have a season that could be deemed just as impressive.
Jones was able to register his career-high RBI total while hitting just .207 with runners in scoring position. With a little more consistency in those situations and another 10 hits scattered over the course of a six-month season, he may find himself capturing the MVP crown that slipped through his fingers at the end of last season.
What about Blaine Boyer as a possible closer? He put up good numbers in the bullpen last year and has the potential to be a promising closer.-- Jermaine M., San Diego
There aren't too many who would argue with that assessment. Boyer's 95 mph fastball provides him the electricity to possibly be a great closer someday. But it's far too early to put that type of preseason pressure on him.
Boyer didn't begin pitching until the final game of his high-school career, and he has just 43 career big-league appearances. But if there was a need for him and he was throwing as well as he did last August, when he began a streak of 15 consecutive scoreless outings, Boyer could certainly become a closer candidate during the season.
The Braves also have to make sure Boyer is healthy. All indications are that his right shoulder, which hindered him at the end of last season, has returned to full strength.
Some of the discomfort he felt could have been caused by fatigue. He began last season as a starter at Double-A Mississippi and didn't become a reliever until May. Just a few weeks later, he joined Atlanta's bullpen and was impressive enough to become a mainstay.
So while Boyer may indeed be a closer at some point in his career, it's far too early to place that tag on him now.
Why are we so concerned about a leadoff hitter when he is only the first batter of the first inning? Do you believe in the statement of a "true leadoff hitter"?-- No name listed, Statesville, N.C.
When you think of a leadoff hitter, you think of somebody who has good speed and the ability to get on base with great consistency. But let's not forget that there may never be another Rickey Henderson, and there are less conventional leadoff hitters who have had success in that role.
Some will say you may lead off an inning just once in the game. While that may be true, a leadoff hitter in the NL is very important because he might be able to spark a two-out rally after an opposing pitcher opens an inning by retiring the No. 8 hitter and pitcher.
A leadoff hitter is a table-setter for the big bats in the lineup. His ability to get on base with consistency gives them a chance to both come to the plate more often and have more RBI opportunities.
So, yes, I think it's vital to have a productive leadoff hitter. That's not to say that somebody like Marcus Giles, who may not be viewed as a traditional leadoff hitter, can't be successful in the role. In fact, Giles' baseball skills and savvy give him the ability to be every bit as successful in the role as Rafael Furcal was the last few years.
Which of the Braves' coaches will return this year? -- Gracie F., Athens, Ga.
Everybody will be back except for former pitching coach Leo Mazzone. He has been replaced by Roger McDowell.
Cox's staff will once again consist of Pat Corrales (bench coach), Bobby Dews (bullpen coach), Fredi Gonzalez (third-base coach), Glenn Hubbard (first-base coach), Terry Pendleton (hitting coach), Alan Butts (baseball systems operator) and Frank Fultz (strength and conditioning coach).

Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/

01/17/2006
ATLANTA -- Continuing their successful attempts to avoid having to go through arbitration hearings with any of their players, the Braves signed both Horacio Ramirez and Oscar Villarreal to one-year contracts on Tuesday.
Their signings, combined with the one-year, $3.85 million deal that was reached with Marcus Giles late Monday night, leave Jorge Sosa as the Braves' only remaining unsigned arbitration-eligible player.
In his first year as an arbitration-eligible player, Ramirez was granted a large raise. He will make $2.2 million for the 2006 season. He made just $370,000 this past season.
This is Sosa's second year of eligibility. He made $700,000 while winning a career-best 13 games for the Braves in 2005.
Major League clubs and their remaining arbitration-eligible players exchanged figures on Tuesday. Sosa is asking for $2.6 million and the Braves have offered $1.8 million.
Arbitration hearings will be held in February. But as the Braves did with Chris Reitsma, Giles, Ramirez and Villarreal, clubs and the players can reach an agreement before having to go through with the hearings.
Giles, who was an All-Star in 2003, was able to enjoy a nice financial windfall while being eligible for arbitration for a second time. While hitting .291 with 15 homers, 45 doubles and 63 RBIs last year, he made $2.35 million. Thus, he's getting a $1.5 million raise.
The Braves may choose to use Giles as the leadoff hitter this year. He and new double-play partner Edgar Renteria seem to be the most likely candidates to fill the role previously held by Rafael Furcal.
Ramirez struggled this past season, allowing a career-high 31 homers. But he still managed to go 11-9 with a 4.63 ERA. The Braves were encouraged by the fact that he remained healthy throughout the season.
After going 12-4 in his impressive 2003 rookie campaign, Ramirez began the 2004 season with much promise. After nine starts, he had a 2.28 ERA. But at the same time, he also had a shoulder injury that prevented him from rejoining the starting rotation during the season's final four months.
"He's a tough guy and tough competitor," Braves general manager John Schuerholz said. "I really have positive expectations for him this year."
Schuerholz is also hopeful that Villarreal's recent misfortunes don't continue. Since making a rookie-record 86 appearances for the Diamondbacks in 2003, the right-handed reliever has been hampered by arm injuries. He injured his elbow in 2004 and his shoulder this past season. The ailments limited him to just 28 games over the past two years.
When the Braves acquired Villarreal in a December trade that sent Johnny Estrada to Arizona, they were confident that the 24-year-old right-hander was healthy. He's since further proven it while pitching effectively in the Mexican Winter League.
Reitsma, who signed a one-year, $2.75 million deal earlier this month, Giles, Ramirez, Villarreal and Sosa were the club's only arbitration-eligible players.

Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/

01/18/2006
ATLANTA -- Jeff Francoeur hasn't yet played a full season in the Majors, but it's obvious he caught everyone's attention during his short rookie campaign.
Francoeur's latest honor came Tuesday night, when Team USA officials named him as one of the 10 players added to their roster for the World Baseball Classic. He joins Atlanta teammates Chipper Jones and Tim Hudson as members of the 52-man U.S. squad that will be evaluated before the final 30-man roster is selected.
All participating nations had to submit a final preliminary 60-man roster before midnight on Tuesday. Team USA will not be able to add any additional players. Each of the selected players are now subject to random drug testing under international rules.
Team USA manager Buck Martinez will select his final roster by March 2, five days before his team begins pool play in Phoenix. Their pool includes Mexico, Canada and South Africa.
Before Alex Rodriguez decided late Tuesday to play for Team USA, it looked like Jones would serve as the team's starting third baseman. If he's given an assurance that he'll have the opportunity to continue making necessary preparations for the regular season, it's expected that he'll still choose to represent his country.
Francoeur, who hit .300 with 14 homers and 45 RBIs in 2005, is one of 10 outfielders currently on the Team USA roster. His competition for a final roster spot includes Lance Berkman, Barry Bonds, Carl Crawford, Johnny Damon, Luis Gonzalez, Ken Griffey, Jr., Matt Holliday, Vernon Wells and Randy Winn.
While Francoeur faces stiff competition, it's still quite an honor for him to be selected to this elite group so early in his career. He didn't make his Major League debut until July 7 and just celebrated his 22nd birthday on Jan. 8.
Along with his impressive offensive skills, Francoeur's resume proves he's got the potential to be one of the game's top defensive outfielders. His strong and accurate arm helped him record 13 assists last season. Despite playing in just 70 games, he still ranked second among National League outfielders in that category.

Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/

01/20/2006
ATLANTA -- As plans were being made for the World Baseball Classic last summer, Chipper Jones and his Braves teammates traded clubhouse banter that was filled with national pride.
Now, as the WBC approaches and Jones finds himself all but assured a spot on Team USA's final roster, the Atlanta third baseman is beginning to fully understand the personal significance of the event.
Unlike his much younger Braves teammate Jeff Francoeur, the soon-to-be 34-year-old Jones realizes this is an opportunity he may never get again.
Thus, as he weighs all of the positives and the negatives of participating, Jones can't get away from the fact that this might be the only chance he'll ever have to put "USA" across his chest and proudly represent his country.
"This is something I've always wanted to do," Jones said. "It's always something that appealed to me and something I've never been able to do."
As for Francoeur, who was added to the Team USA roster on Tuesday night, and many of the members of the game's younger generation, they will likely get many more opportunities to follow the path paved by slightly older big leaguers like Ben Sheets and Doug Mientkiewicz, who were part of the U.S. team that claimed the gold medal in the 2000 Summer Olympics.
But that doesn't mean Francoeur isn't hopeful that he gets the chance to be compete for his country in the inaugural WBC, which will be staged throughout much of March. The 22-year-old is one of 10 outfielders on the U.S. roster that comprises of 52 players. It will be pared to 30 players by the start of the tourney.
"No matter what happens, I'm just happy to be selected to this roster," Francoeur said. "But I'd love to play and have 'USA' across my chest."
Jones may end up being the only Braves player on Team USA's final roster. Francoeur faces stiff competition in the battle to earn a roster spot, and according to two different Braves sources, it looks like Tim Hudson will follow the lead of John Smoltz and opt not to pitch in the event.
Hudson accepted Team USA manager Buck Martinez's invitation earlier this month. But as he began to think about how much time it would take away from his regular Spring Training routine, he changed his mind.
The members of Team USA will gather for a short team camp that begins in Phoenix on March 2. They'll begin pool play five days later and are heavy favorites to advance to Round 2, in which they'd play in Anaheim. If they were to advance to the championship round in San Diego, they wouldn't rejoin their Major League teams in camp until March 21 or 22.
The overwhelming thought is that this would affect a pitcher more than a position player. Those three weeks away would simply prevent Braves new pitching coach Roger McDowell the opportunity to get to know Hudson's routine, mechanics and pitching repertoire.
In the case of Smoltz, Jones was happy to learn his long-time teammate had opted not to pitch in the WBC. Smoltz was hindered by shoulder fatigue at the end of last season and wants to keep himself in a controlled environment as long as possible heading into this season.
"I'm pleased that he made that decision," Jones said. "Obviously, I'd love to have him as a [Team USA] teammate because he's dominant and a competitor. But I think he's taking the right approach and looking at the big picture."
At the same time, Jones too is looking at the big picture and weighing all of the pros and cons. With Alex Rodriguez's decision to play for Team USA, the Braves third baseman may now find himself in a backup role.
So if he finds that he won't be getting regular at-bats, would he opt to give up his chance to represent his country?
"I would think about it," Jones said. "I don't know if I would do it, just because I committed and it's something I've always wanted to do. I would just play that much harder to get those at-bats. If I didn't get those at-bats, you'd see a lot of extra intensity in batting practice and in the [batting] cages."
While Spring Training games might lack the intensity of the games that will be played in the WBC, they do give players the chance to work at their own pace to get ready for the season. Every player's preparation for the season is different.
Some Braves like Marcus Giles seemingly need only 10-15 at-bats before they are in regular season form. Jones is more of a slow starter and doesn't seem to find his groove until he gets about 35 at-bats in Grapefruit League games.
As for a guy like Francoeur, he still must find his best approach to preparing for a season. This will be the Braves right fielder's first full year in the big leagues, and he's looking forward to building upon his successful rookie season.
Francoeur's strength and conditioning programs have helped him gain a little more power potential. He currently weighs 221 pounds and would like to gain about four more pounds before camp begins. Last year, he reported to camp weighing 217 pounds.
As for Jones, his offseason exercise programs have been designed in hopes of helping him avoid another injury-filled season. A hamstring injury limited him to 137 games in 2004, and last year's toe injury limited him to a career-low 109 games.
With the help of a personal trainer, Jones has been focusing on flexibility exercises that he hopes will keep his legs from being so troublesome. At the same time, he believes his new diet, which includes five meals a day, will allow him to maintain weight and keep his strength throughout the regular season.
From Opening Day to the end of last year, he dropped from 222 pounds to 205. No longer will he choose not to eat after a game. Nor will he be making three trips a week to McDonalds, as he admits he occasionally did.
"I didn't really take care of myself in terms of what I ate," Jones said. "As I get closer to the end of my career, I can't do that. I want to finish my career strong with the Braves, and I feel this is something that had to be done."
Likewise, taking advantage of what might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity might also be something Jones must do.
Since beginning his big league career with the Braves, Jones has competed in three World Series and never been part of a team that hasn't advanced to the postseason.
But this is a different opportunity, one in which Jones may never have the chance to experience again. Thus it appears he's willing to break routine and enjoy the national pride that the WBC will create.
"Everybody is looking forward to it," Jones said. "I think it will have a playoff-type atmosphere, maybe just a hair more laid back. We want to represent and represent well."

Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/

01/22/2006
ATLANTA -- Jorge Sosa's career-best season has netted him his first big payday.
Sosa agreed to a one-year, $2.2 million contract with the Braves on Saturday. The right-hander notched a career-high 13 wins and proved to be a great midseason addition to the Atlanta starting rotation last year.
"I feel very happy with the deal because we spent a long time negotiating and we avoided arbitration," Sosa told an Associated Press reporter before a Winter League game in his native Dominican Republic.
When arbitration figures were exchanged earlier this week, the Braves were offering $1.8 million and Sosa was asking for $2.6 million. He made $700,000 during the 2005 season.
Sosa's contract includes a $50,000 bonus that will vest if he throws 205 innings. The 28 year-old hurler, who threw 134 innings while making 44 appearances (20 starts) last year, will come to Spring Training in hopes of keeping his spot in the starting rotation.
After Sosa moved into the rotation in mid-June, he seemed to gain confidence and be more comfortable than he was in the bullpen. As a starter he was 10-3 with a 2.62 ERA.
With the signing, the Braves assured themselves that they won't have to participate in any arbitration hearings. Earlier this month, they signed Chris Reitsma, Marcus Giles, Oscar Villarreal and Horacio Ramirez, their only other arbitration-eligible players.

Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/

01/23/2006
ATLANTA -- Mike Remlinger had hoped he'd get the chance to come back to Atlanta. Now the Braves are simply hoping their former reliever has something left in his once very effective left arm.
The Braves signed Remlinger to a Minor League contract on Monday and offered him a Spring Training invite. They're cautiously optimistic that the veteran left-handed reliever has had enough time to overcome the shoulder problems that have plagued him both of the past two seasons.
"We hope that this is a win-win situation for both sides," Braves general manager John Schuerholz said. "We hope that Mike's career can get back on track and he can regain the level of pitching he enjoyed for so many years before shoulder problems got the better of him."
Remlinger, who pitched in Atlanta from 1999-2002, had shoulder surgery in October 2003. He missed the start of the 2004 season and still hadn't regained all of his strength by the end of last season.
But Remlinger, who will celebrate his 40th birthday in March, hopes that he can return to health. After being designated for assignment by the Red Sox on Aug. 29, he returned home and rested his arm until last week, when he began throwing again with some positive results.
"I feel at lot better than I did at the end of last year," said Remlinger, who posted a 6.58 ERA while with the Cubs and Red Sox last year.
Nobody is expecting Remlinger to be as effective as he was when he posted a 1.99 ERA in 71 appearances for the Braves in 2002. But the veteran hurler believes being reunited with manager Bobby Cox and bullpen coach Bobby Dews will put him in an environment where he has the best chance to succeed.
"I knew all winter that this is where I wanted to be," Remlinger said. "I feel like it's home. It's no so much [home], because of the success I had there, but because of why I had so much success there.
"When you have respect for a man like I do for Bobby Cox, you're going to do whatever you can to please them. I look at Bobby as being like a father. I just have so much respect for him and what he has done for me."
Cox's ability to instill confidence in his pitchers is one of the primary reasons his pitching staffs have been among the league's best during the past two decades.
"It's really a no-lose situation for me," Remlinger said. "I can't think of any group of people I'd rather be around in this situation. If it doesn't work out, then I know they're going to give me their honest opinion and not try to sugarcoat anything."
When Remlinger first expressed interest in returning to Atlanta, the Braves weren't interested. But after having him take a physical last week and hearing him tell them that he's feeling stronger, they were willing to take the small gamble on a man, who if nothing else will bring leadership and class to their always respected clubhouse. Doctors told Schuerholz that MRIs didn't show any significant shoulder damage and that there's a chance that two full years removed from surgery, Remlinger's shoulder could indeed be stronger this year.
"The key is if a person can compete at this level and also has the kind of makeup and professionalism that Mike has, you're going to be better off as a team," Schuerholz said. "But the most important aspect is that they have to help you win games."
Remlinger began the 2005 season with the Cubs and showed some early promise. Opponents hit just .233 off him in April and .167 in May. His struggles began in June and by Aug. 10, he had cleared waivers and been traded to the Red Sox.
While with the Red Sox, Remlinger overexerted himself in attempt to find the velocity his tired shoulder was preventing him from relocating. The results weren't good and after just eight appearances with the Red Sox, he was designated for assignment.
Remlinger plans to begin throwing off a mound later this week and would like to come to Atlanta next week to take get to know Roger McDowell, the Braves' new pitching coach.
If Remlinger proves healthy and effective, he gives Atlanta veteran leadership in their bullpen. While he's a left-hander, the veteran hurler's changeup has always allowed him to have success against right-handed hitters. Thus he could prove to be a valuable setup man for Chris Reitsma or whoever earns the job as closer.

Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/

01/23/2006
Is there any particular reason the Braves only gave Marcus Giles a one-year deal? Is this a payroll issue? -- Robert B., Rockledge, Fla.
Not at all. This didn't have anything more to do with payroll than any other contract the Braves have signed with any of their players. In fact, I would have been surprised had the two parties agreed to anything more than a one-year deal.
Giles, who agreed to a one-year, $3.85 million deal last Monday, has one more year of arbitration eligibility before he can become a free agent. While he may choose to be a Brave past the 2007 season, there's also a chance he'll want to go elsewhere at that time.
So it might have not been in the best interest of the team or Giles to agree to a multi-year deal. Let's not forget Andruw Jones is also eligible for free agency at the end of the 2007 season.
There's plenty of reasons the Braves have won a record 14 consecutive division titles. One of the main ones is the fact that general manager John Schuerholz and his assistants, first Dean Taylor and now Frank Wren, have never lost sight of the future.
While building this successful business model, they've found ways to continue present success and not handcuff themselves in future seasons.
By not signing Giles to a multi-year deal, the Braves may have put themselves in a position where they have to pay him a hefty salary next year. But that's not all bad. That simply means that he's continued his early career success and had another productive year in 2006.
Had Giles opted to sign a two-year deal and basically take away his right for arbitration next year, he would have been gaining some financial security while at the same time robbing himself of some money for the 2007 season.
Of course, if Giles signed an even longer deal, he may have been locking himself in Atlanta longer than he wants to stay. Every player looks forward to being a free agent and having the chance to gain both money and the opportunity to choose where they want to be.
What will the Braves do with Pete Orr, Wilson Betemit and Kelly Johnson? What role do you think that each of them will have? -- D.A., Mobile, Ala.
It currently looks like each of them will once again have a backup role. Orr and Betemit are solid utility infielders and Johnson showed signs of being a productive offensive outfielder during his rookie season.
With Ryan Langerhans and Johnson both being left-handed, there is a logjam in left field. One of them could be traded before the season begins. But the Braves could also choose to carry both of them, as they did for most of last season.
Whatever the case, having the strongest 25-man roster possible will be even more important for big league teams this year. In other words, you're going to see a lot of starting position players taking a lot more days off this year.
With the departure of Rafael Furcal and the injury to Mike Hampton opening up some money for this year, why have the Braves not been more aggressive in going to get a proven left fielder? -- George M., Staunton, Va.
While they might not have gotten a closer or improved their strength in left field, I would say the Braves were as aggressive as they could be, while sticking to their aforementioned business model.
Let's just say they had even more financial resources. Would it have been wise for them to offer Billy Wagner a four-year contract like the Mets did? Because they can't insure anything over three years, the Braves rarely give pitchers anything more than three-year offers.
The hard-throwing Wagner will be 37 years old at the beginning of the 2009 season and has a history of arm problems. As for somebody like Jeff Conine, the Braves would have loved to have had him.
But they couldn't offer Conine a job as their starting first baseman, as the Orioles did. Nor should they have given the 38-year-old Conine the guarantee that he could play left field every day. Langerhans came into his own at the end of last season and showed signs he can be a productive everyday player.
It appears the Braves have about $6 million to play with right now. For those who want solutions immediately, there might still be free agents available to strengthen the roster.
But with a little patience, that $6 million can also allow you to acquire a $12 million talent at the All-Star break or beyond. The only risk there is making sure you stay within striking distance until that point. At last check, the Braves have done a pretty good job in that department for the past 15 years.
Last year, the Braves used an alternate uniform in a red jersey. Are they going to have the red jersey again this year and are there any other changes to the uniforms? -- Ashley P., Americus, Ga.
It appears the Braves will once again be wearing their red jerseys for Sunday afternoon home games. They haven't confirmed they'll be changing the uniforms in any other way. But one team source gave an impression that there might be another change this year.
With all of the chatter before Christmas about a possible sale of the team, there has been little to no new infoemation since the first of the year. Is there anything new to report? -- Mike S., Atlanta
The only thing to report is that like with all sales of professional teams, things are going to continue moving at a slow pace. The only new item came when Tim Tucker of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported last week that former owner Ted Turner isn't interested in purchasing the team again.
Whatever happened to Trey Hodges? I was looking at his Triple-A stats from a couple of years ago and he was impressive. Is he with another team? I see he's no longer with the Braves. -- Danny E., Hampton, Va.
Trey called Horacio Ramirez recently and told him that he's going to have surgery on one of the fingers in his right hand. Doctors believe that the stiffness he's been feeling in his right arm has something to do with his fingers.
Hodges, who played in Atlanta for all of the 2003 season, tried to pitch for both Triple-A Richmond and Rochester last year. But when his arm problems prevented him from throwing harder than 80 mph, the Braves were forced to release him.

Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/

01/25/2006
ATLANTA -- As the early weeks of the 2005 season unfolded, Chipper Jones was looking like his former dominant self. In fact, it appeared that the Braves would indeed see one of their Joneses enjoy an MVP-caliber season.
Of course, at the time, nobody knew it would be Andruw Jones. Nor could anyone have known that the once ever-durable Chipper would once again be subjected to an injury-plagued season, full of both pain and disgust.
While appearing in a career-low 109 games last year, Jones had plenty of time to serve as a mentor to his younger teammates. One of his primary pupils was again Adam LaRoche, who has found being a close friend of the teacher simply means he's going to get the harshest critiques.
As far as friendships go, Jones is as close to LaRoche as he is any other Braves teammate. Now he can only hope to remain close to him on the field throughout what he hopes to be a season in which he can finally avoid injury.
While Jones simply needs health to maintain his status as the Braves' everyday third baseman, LaRoche must prove he's capable of hitting left-handed pitchers. This would allow him to assume the role of being an everyday first baseman.
If both get their wish, they'll form a corner infield duo that could prove very effective for the Braves.
When Jones first injured his left foot on April 24 last year, he was hitting .381 and had a .513 on-base percentage. Pitchers were pitching around him like they wish they'd done with more frequency during his 1999 National League MVP season.
After suffering the injury, Jones was never the same, and by June 6, he began a six-week stint on the disabled list. Before suffering a hamstring injury in April 2004, the veteran third baseman hadn't been on the disabled since 1996. That stint, necessitated by offseason knee surgery, caused him to miss just the first four games of the season.
Now having seen the hamstring injury limit him to 138 games in 2004 and the left foot injury hamper him most of last season, Jones has committed himself to an offseason conditioning program that includes a personal trainer and new diet.
Jones will turn 34 in April and he knows there's little time to regain the form that allowed him to complete eight consecutive seasons (1996-2003) with at least 100 RBIs. Mel Ott, Willie Mays and Sammy Sosa are the only other NL players to have enjoyed a streak that long. Sosa holds the record with nine consecutive seasons.
When Jones returned to the lineup after last year's All-Star break, he had some impressive stretches. He hit .357 with five homers and 20 RBIs in 70 August at-bats. At the same time, he was providing solid defense at third base.
Since leaving his left field assignment and returning to third, Jones has proven to be even better defensively than he was during his first stint at the hot corner. He credits maturity and a better understanding of the position.
Those are two things LaRoche hopes to gain as he prepares for his third full season in the big leagues. His first two seasons found him serving in a platoon role at first base with Julio Franco.
When Franco opted to sign a two-year deal with the Mets this offseason, the Braves began looking for other right-handed hitters who could platoon at first base with LaRoche. They had hoped to sign Jeff Conine to fill that role.
But now as Spring Training approaches and no replacements have been found, it looks like LaRoche might at least get a chance to prove he can hit southpaws.
Currently within their system, the two most likely right-handed candidates would be Scott Thorman or James Jurries. But they'd rather Thorman continue his development in an everyday role in the Minors. As for Jurries, he would have to prove his glove was dependable enough at first base.
Given limited opportunities (48 at-bats) to bat against left-handed pitchers last year, LaRoche hit just .188. But given the chance to see southpaws on a regular basis, the 26-year-old first baseman could greatly improve in that category.
LaRoche has proven to be a clutch player during the playoffs the last two seasons. He's belted two significant homers and produced a .320 batting average in 25 postseason at-bats.

Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/

01/25/2006
ATLANTA -- While the day that pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training might be a landmark day signaling the start of every baseball season, there are some fans who will admit they become much more excited when they learn when they'll be able to enjoy a Winter FanFest.
The Braves announced on Tuesday afternoon that they'll once again give their fans an opportunity to enjoy Winter FanFest this year. The one-day event, which will be held at Turner Field, will be Feb. 4 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. ET.
There will be no admission charge. Fans who make a $20 donation to the Braves Foundation will have unlimited access to all of the autograph stations located around the stadium.
The Braves are hopeful that all of their players will be available to sign autographs. There will once again be a cutoff point at each station, meaning fans are encouraged to arrive at their desired stations as early as possible.
Players scheduled to appear are Chipper Jones, Tim Hudson, Andruw Jones, Jeff Francoeur, Brian McCann, Kyle Davies, Horacio Ramirez, Marcus Giles, John Thomson, Pete Orr, Blaine Boyer, Edgar Renteria and Todd Pratt. New pitching coach Roger McDowell is also expected to be present.
Along with obtaining autographs, fans will also have the chance to enjoy a number of on-field activities. All fans can run the bases and shag fly balls in the outfield. Those 14 years old and younger can throw off the bullpen mound.
All of the different forms of entertainment located in the Fan Plaza and Scouts Alley will be available. Young children will have the chance to enjoy Cartoon Network's Tooner Field, which opened this past summer.
Those fans wanting to get an inside look can take a clubhouse tour. The tour provides a thorough look at the stadium and gives fans an opportunity to see where the Braves prepare for every home game.
Because of the construction of their new video board and other additions to Turner Field, the Braves were unable to host a FanFest last year.

Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/

01/27/2006
ATLANTA -- In essence, it will be the same preseason opportunity for Braves pitchers to voluntarily participate in a throwing program. But it obviously will no longer be called Camp Leo.
Nor will it be called Camp Roger or Camp McDowell or Camp Where You Learn to Pitch and Set Your Teammate's Shoe on Fire.
When new pitching coach Roger McDowell meets with Braves pitchers and catchers at Turner Field next week, he wants everybody to refer to the 10-day event simply as the Braves Early Throwing Program.
While the name may lack the excitement McDowell used to create, when he'd light a teammate's shoes on fire, it certainly explains exactly what the event is. It's simply a chance for Atlanta pitchers to get their arms ready for the start of Spring Training.
In addition, it will also allow them to get better acquainted with McDowell, who was named the club's pitching coach after Leo Mazzone left in October to accept the same position in Baltimore.
"I'm excited about getting out there and watching the guys throw," McDowell said. "It will give me a chance to get more familiar with everybody. I've talked to a lot of the guys already to get a feel for them. But it isn't until you're able to see the guys face to face and put faces with names that you really become familiar with them."
The Braves Early Throwing Program begins Wednesday at Turner Field and runs through Feb. 11. All Braves pitchers and catchers are welcome, but not required, to attend the event, which the team has annually staged since 1991 -- the year they won the first of their now record 14 consecutive division titles.
Braves pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to Spring Training on Feb. 16.
John Smoltz and Tim Hudson headline the list of pitchers who are expected to participate in next week's event. If weather permits, they'll throw off the bullpen mounds. But as they often have in the past when it's been cold, they also can throw off the mounds in the indoor batting cages.
McDowell isn't setting any specifics on the amount of times guys should throw off the mound. Having spent 12 seasons as a big league pitcher, he understands everybody's arm is different and thus should be prepared in different manners.
"This is just retraining after taking the winter off," McDowell said. "I know a lot of the guys have been throwing already. But it's always good just to get together for something like this."
During the past few months, McDowell has called many of his pitchers in an attempt to get to know their likes, dislikes and personality. Having worked in the Dodgers organization, he's not familiar with many of his new pitchers.
But he certainly knows Smoltz and understands how valuable it will be to have that kind of veteran around to help him ease into his role.
"I'm excited just to see him work and be the pied piper of the pitching staff," McDowell said. "Everybody knows the success he's had and when young guys see him work, it has an effect and often leads them to attempt to work just as hard."
While he was playing with the Dodgers in the early 1990s, McDowell had a chance to participate in a similar preseason throwing program. In fact, Mazzone began Camp Leo because he wanted his pitchers to have the same opportunity the Dodgers pitchers were getting.
But living in Florida at the time, McDowell chose to skip the event every year. Now that he's had time to reflect upon his career, he wishes he had chosen differently.
"I never took advantage of anything like this," McDowell said. "But looking back, it probably would have been something that would have been beneficial."

Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/

01/30/2006
In preparation for their attempt to claim an amazing 15th consecutive division title, the Braves will once again utilize Disney's Wide World of Sports complex as their Spring Training headquarters. This will be the ninth year that they've done all their training on Disney's immaculate grounds.
Top players returning for the Braves are Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones, Marcus Giles, Jeff Francoeur, Tim Hudson and John Smoltz. Their hopes of notching another division title were enhanced when the team managed to acquire Edgar Renteria, who will replace Rafael Furcal as the team's shortstop.
Serving as the team's leader once again will be Bobby Cox, who has been named the National League's Manager of the Year after each of the past two seasons. Cox has been in his current role for each of the previous 14 consecutive division titles.
As Braves fans get ready to visit the land of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, here are some questions and answers that may allow them to maximize their enjoyment on the trip:
When do the Braves arrive at camp? Braves pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training on Feb. 16. Position players will report by Feb. 21, and the first full-squad workout will be held on Feb. 22.
When do games start? The Braves will begin their exhibition season when they host the University of Georgia on March 1. They'll open the Grapefruit League season against the Dodgers at Vero Beach on March 2. One day later, the Dodgers will come to The Ballpark at Disney's Wide World of Sports to play the Braves in their Grapefruit League home opener.
The Ballpark at Disney's Wide World of Sports, which was formerly called Cracker Jack Stadium, has a capacity of 9,500. Fans sitting from third base around to left field are comforted with stadium seats. Those choosing to sit on the popular left-field berm have a great sightline and the opportunity to catch many home run balls.
A modern stadium environment greets fans, who will find a wide variety of concession items and souvenirs.
Where is Disney's Wide World of Sports and how do I get there? Located in the heart of Walt Disney World, the Wide World of Sports complex is easily accessible from I-4 and is located just 15 minutes from the Orlando International Airport. Those choosing to drive from Atlanta can reach their destination in approximately seven hours.
If you are coming to Disney's Wide World of Sports from I-4 eastbound, take Exit 24C to World Drive. Follow Disney's directional signs to Wide World Of Sports, exit right on to Osceola Parkway to Victory Way.
If you are coming westbound on I-4, exit 25B and again follow the directional signs, exit right to Osceola Parkway to Victory Way on the right.
Once on Victory Way, you'll drive approximately one-fourth of a mile and turn right into the complex's parking lot. Parking is free.
How can I watch the team work out? The Braves will work out on a daily basis from Feb. 16-28, with workouts beginning around 10 a.m. ET and running until about noon. Most of the top players stay on the main field, but they also occasionally are moved to one of the back fields, located behind the main field's right-field wall.
Fans coming to see the Braves on Feb. 25 or 26 can sleep a little longer. The players will get physicals in the morning and won't begin workouts until closer to noon.
Admission into the Wide World of Sports complex is $11.00.
Where can I get some autographs? Before the Braves begin playing games, there are a couple of prime opportunities to get autographs in the left-field area beside the players' parking lot. As players walk to the clubhouse (anywhere from 7:30-9 a.m.) or back to their parking lot (anywhere from (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.), fans can line the fence in hopes of getting their favorite players to provide an autograph.
Also during batting practice, players occasionally take time to sign for fans located around their dugout.
What else is there to do around Disney's Wide World of Sports complex? It's been a long time since Walt Disney World consisted simply of the Magic Kingdom. The entertainment paradise now provides options for people of all ages. Adults may choose to enjoy any of the many theme parks during the day and venture to Pleasure Island for the late evening hours.
Epcot, Animal Kingdom and MGM Studios are all located within five minutes of the Wide World of Sports complex, as are each of Disney's two large water parks.
Other non-Disney entertainment options are Sea World and Universal Studios, two popular theme parks.
As for hotels and restaurants, they are only outnumbered by the number of shopping options the Disney area provides. There are numerous outlet malls located within five miles of Disney's property.
When do the Braves open the regular season? The Braves will begin the regular season on April 3 against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Atlanta's home opener will come on the evening of April 10 against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/

01/30/2006
What do you think is in store for Chipper Jones this season? Do you think that his career is winding down because of all of his recent injuries? Or do you think he will put up a few more good years and make a run at the Hall of Fame?-- Kurt G., Santa Cruz, Calif.
Jones' recent injuries have concerned him enough that he's committed himself to a much more stringent offseason conditioning program. He's hired a personal trainer and altered a lifestyle that he admits used to consist of at least three trips a week to a fast food restaurant.
This doesn't guarantee he'll be able to avoid the injury bug, which has wrecked his past two seasons. But it's certainly going to give him a better to chance to stay healthy in a time where he and every other 34-year-old athlete's body has more tendency to break down.
Had he committed himself to more stretching and flexibility exercises, there's a chance he could have avoided the hamstring problems that plagued him throughout the 2004 season. But even in top shape, there's no guarantee that he wouldn't have suffered the freak left foot injury that caused him to spend six weeks on the disabled list last year.
Injuries are simply a part of athletics. They've certainly slowed Jones' march toward Cooperstown. At the same time, these specific injuries have also robbed Braves fans the chance to see a certain Hall of Fame-caliber athlete in what could have been some of his prime years.
Before Jones injured his foot on April 24 (his birthday) last year, he was hitting .381 and had a .513 on-base percentage. Along the way, he produced two at-bats that displayed both his immense skill and knowledge of the game.
They resulted in two of the softest doubles he's ever produced. But they were works of art. Batting from the left side in both instances, he simply put his bat on outside pitches and directed them over third base and into shallow left field. They produced video that hitting coaches and parents can forever use to show the importance of using your hands while swinging.
Then came the foot injury and another year of frustration for one of the greatest switch-hitters the game has seen. When he returned from the disabled list, he produced another torrid stretch, one in which he hit .463 over a 16-game span.
So it's obvious Jones still has the potential to be among the game's elite. He just has to hope that those baseball gods he so often references are a little kinder to him than they've been the past two years.
Can you compare Dale Murphy's stats with Andruw Jones' at the same point (that Andruw is now) in their careers?-- Mark H., Forest, Miss.
There are a couple of different ways to do this. I decided it would be best to compare them using the numbers produced in their first nine full seasons. Andruw played in just 31 games in 1995 and Murphy totaled just 37 games in the 1976 and 1977 seasons.
In his first full nine seasons, Jones has hit .268 with 296 homers and 881 RBIs. As for Murphy, he hit .276 with 264 homers and 799 RBIs.
By this time, Murphy also had won two NL MVP Awards and five Gold Gloves. Andruw's accomplishments include eight consecutive Gold Gloves and the satisfaction that last year earned him every award but the NL MVP.
During Murphy's ninth full season, he was 30 years old. Jones was 28.
There are a lot of similarities in the comparison of these two Braves greats. Some of the disparities in the power numbers are created with the fact Murphy didn't have the supporting cast Jones has had and he played in an era that included larger ballparks and fewer expansion teams. His numbers also include the strike-shortened 1981 season in which he hit 13 homers -- the same total Jones recorded just in June last year.
I'm very excited about the acquisition of Brad Baker from the Padres. I've been watching him progress over the past couple of years. What do you think his role will be this year?-- Zach H., Oakley, Calif.
Baker certainly has a shot to be in the bullpen mix at the beginning of the year. One Braves executive compared him to Greg McMichael, who certainly had a respectable big league career.
While Baker has had success in the Minors in the closer's role, I'd say he'll likely be a middle reliever at the start of this season. But it's certainly beneficial to know that he has experience closing games.
Are the players that are participating in the World Baseball Classic still going to be at the Spring Training workouts in February? Will they play in any Spring Training games with the Braves at all?-- Chris C. Bradenton, Fla.
All players will report to their respective big league teams and then join their national teams five days before the World Baseball Classic begins. In relation to the Braves players that will be affected, this means they'll leave camp on March 2 -- the same day the Grapefruit League season begins.
Players will remain with their national teams until they have been eliminated. So if Chipper Jones were to play and Team USA advances to the championship round, there's a chance he could be away from Atlanta's camp from March 2-20.
Of the Braves who are non-roster invitees, which player or players has the best chance to make the team?-- Phil P., Rockville, Md.
I'd have to say Brian Jordan and Mike Remlinger are the most likely. If Jordan proves he's healthy, the Braves may want to begin the season with him serving as a backup outfielder.
Remlinger may be even more likely to make the team. The Braves are hopeful that he has indeed regained strength in his left shoulder that was surgically repaired in October 2003.
If Remlinger makes the team, he would certainly provide a valuable veteran presence in the bullpen. But the fact that he seemed to decline as last year progressed certainly raises doubts about how effective he could be.
What would your Braves' Opening Day lineup be for this season?-- Aaron T., Athens, Ga.

Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/

03/03/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Since its inception in 1995, the RBI Institute has given disadvantaged youths a chance to hone their baseball skills and possibly prove they have what it takes to be a big leaguer.
After their game at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex on Friday afternoon, four members of the Braves' coaching staff provided a clinic for the coaches who have come to Orlando to participate in this year's RBI Institute Seminar.
Former National League MVP and current Braves hitting coach Terry Pendleton was joined by pitching coach Roger McDowell, third-base coach Fredi Gonzalez and bullpen coach Bobby Dews. Each provided a 15-minute discussion on hitting, infield techniques, outfield techniques and pitching.
"The opportunity to get in front of a Major League staff doesn't happen too often," said Major League Baseball vice president of community affairs Tom Brasuell. "From the feedback we've received, all of the coaches have said this is the best training they could receive."
During this year's seminar, the coaches have been given a chance to hear from medical personnel about how to prevent and treat certain injuries. The hope is that they'll be able to return to their hometowns and relay the information to other league coaches and directors.
"What they learn at these clinics allows them a better understanding of how to deal with both on-field and off-field issues," Brasuell said.
When the coaches returned to their hotel on Friday night for dinner, they were surprised with a visit from former Major Leaguer and current ESPN analyst Harold Reynolds.
Since its start in 1995, the RBI Institute has provided a chance for community leaders to teach kids baseball and lessons in life. It is currently active in 203 cities worldwide.
While 72 percent of the children participating are from less fortunate backgrounds, RBI's association with the Boys and Girls Club of America has also provided programs for children living on military bases. The influence can be found in such countries as Great Britain, Germany and Italy.
Red Sox center fielder Coco Crisp and James Loney, a top Minor Leaguer in the Dodgers organization, are two of the top products to have come out of the RBI Institute.
Before the coaching seminar, the coaches watched the Braves claim an 8-7 win over the Dodgers. Jarrod Saltalamacchia ended the game with a walk-off homer, but the highlight for them might have been seeing Loney contribute two hits.

Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/

03/03/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- As Jonathan Schuerholz made his way out of the Braves' clubhouse at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex on Friday afternoon, he jokingly said, "Way to go, Salty, way to steal my thunder."
Before Jarrod Saltalamacchia drilled a three-run walk-off home run in the Braves' 8-7 win over the Dodgers, the spotlight was on Schuerholz, whose father is also his boss in the business world.
While being the son of Atlanta's general manager made the accomplishment interesting, it's not the only reason Schuerholz's fifth-inning solo homer was newsworthy. More interesting is the fact that every time he's had to prove himself to his critics, the kid has found a way to silence them.
When it was announced that he was one of the Braves' non-roster invitees this year, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's story mentioned that he wasn't a prospect. While the 25-year-old infielder might not be a top prospect, he's certainly fueled by those who doubt he'll ever find a steady spot on a big-league roster.
"It's fun," Schuerholz said. "You've got to play this game with a chip on your shoulder. Everybody is going to say you can't do this or you can't do that. I think I've got to go out every day and prove I can play at the big-league level. Hopefully I'll get a shot to do that every day."
It still remains to be seen whether Schuerholz will realize that dream. After a late-season promotion to Triple-A Richmond last year, he hit just .175 in 143 at-bats. But holding true to his form, the gritty infielder rebounded and hit .310 in the Arizona Fall League.
"Jonathan has come a long way since he was a little teenager," Braves manager Bobby Cox said. "He's made himself into a real nice player."
Schuerholz, who has hit a total of five home runs in 1,479 career Minor League at-bats, has been in big-league clubhouses since he was a small child. When his father was the Royals' GM, he remembers the tounge-lashing he received when he pulled a chair out from under Kurt Stillwell, who was a Kansas City infielder from 1988-91.
During his high school years, Cox often allowed him the opportunity to take batting practice during Spring Training. But this year is different in the fact that Schuerholz actually has chance to prove he can play at the game's highest level.
"It's different being on the team, actually having a locker in this locker room," Schuerholz said. "You feel like part of the team."
This is something that is also very different for his proud father, who had the pleasure of seeing his son hit the memorable homer off Franquelis Osoria, who appeared in 24 games for Los Angeles last year.
"It was a great thrill for me to see him to do that," the elder Schuerholz said. "I'