Atlanta Braves @ Bare Baseball - Baseball MLB Blog

03/16/2006
Braves at the plate: Matt Diaz was one of four players with two hits. He had a double and two RBIs. Adam LaRoche also had two hits.
Mets at the plate: Cliff Floyd had three hits, including his third home run of the spring, and he drove in three runs. Xavier Nady and Lastings Milledge had two hits apiece. Victor Diaz drove in the game-tying run in a two-run ninth inning with a sacrifice fly, and Ramon Castro drove in the winning run with a single.
Braves on the mound: Horacio Ramirez pitched five innings, allowing one run on seven hits. Wes Obermueller allowed three runs in the sixth inning, two on Floyd's home run.
Mets on the mound: For the second straight outing, Jose Lima pitched effectively for three innings and appeared to get tired in the fourth. He surrendered two runs on four hits in the four innings.
Grapefruit League records: Braves 5-10; Mets 10-6

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

03/16/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- While the specifics concerning Jarrod Saltalamacchia's future might be unclear, there's no doubt it's one that appears very bright.
Just three years after being the Braves' first selection in the 2003 First-Year Player Draft, Saltalamacchia has been given a chance to prove himself in his first big-league camp. With a couple of three-run homers, including one of the walk-off variety, it's safe to say the top catching prospect has made a good first impression.
"He's been doing well," said Braves veteran backup catcher Todd Pratt, who has served as Saltalamacchia's mentor. "He doesn't look out of place, and that's a positive."
Entering Thursday, Saltalamacchia has just five hits in 26 Grapefruit League at-bats. But included was a walk-off homer that gave the Braves a 9-8 win over the Dodgers on March 3, and provided him a memory from his first Major League camp that he'll never forget.
"He's looking good," Braves manager Bobby Cox said. "For a 20-year-old, [gosh] ..."
Even before seeing his impressive arm or bat, one might have a hard time believing Saltalamacchia is just 20 years old. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing close to 220 pounds, he has a physical maturity that further provides hope for a very bright future at the Major League level.
"He has to be big so that he can fit his name on the back of his uniform," Braves general manager John Schuerholz quipped. "He's got more letters than I have."
Saltalamacchia, who will celebrate his 21st birthday on May 2, has established himself as one of the best catchers in the Minor Leagues. When Atlanta traded Andy Marte in December, Saltalamacchia arguably became the best prospect in the Braves' fruitful Minor League system.
While playing at Class A Myrtle Beach last year, Saltalamacchia hit .314 with 19 homers and 81 RBIs. He also produced an impressive .519 slugging percentage. Given a chance to further prove himself in the Arizona Fall League, he hit .288 (21-for-73) with a homer and six doubles.
"I feel confident," Saltalamacchia said. "I feel good. I think I've been playing decent. Catching-wise, I think I'm ready [for the Majors]. Hitting-wise, I've felt great at the plate, so I think I'm ready."
If he were with another organization, there may be a chance he'd currently be competing for a spot on a Major League roster. But with 22-year-old Brian McCann already in place as Atlanta's starting catcher, there's no reason for the Braves to rush Saltalamacchia, who has compiled less than 800 career at-bats above the rookie level.
"He's a good young player and he's going to have a fine career," Schuerholz said. "He'll develop like all of our young guys have developed -- at his natural pace. It will happen when it happens."
With McCann already in place and the strong possibility that Saltalamacchia will be ready for the Majors by the start of next season, the Braves know there may be a need to move Saltalamacchia to a corner infield spot. But for now, they want him to simply focus on his catching skills while playing at Double-A Mississippi.
"Anything can happen," Saltalamacchia said. "I'm just going to play my game and let [management] take care of that."
Saltalamacchia became a switch-hitter during his sophomore year at Royal Palm Beach High School in West Palm Beach, Fla. Last year, while hitting .319 from the left side and .305 from the right side, he began to become comfortable with the difficult art.
During the upcoming season, Saltalamacchia will need to focus trying to hit the ball to all fields from the right side of the plate. Defensively, he'll have an opportunity to improve his game-calling skills with Mississippi's pitching staff.
Pratt, who also resides in the West Palm Beach area, has spent the past three offseasons working with Saltalamacchia. During the process, he's come to learn it's not just the physical skills that make the young catching prospect's future bright.
"He's a very coachable player, which is great," Pratt said. "Some guys will have talent, but aren't very coachable, and it doesn't pan out for them."

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

03/16/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- This has been a trying month for Marcus Giles. Having already overcome the stress created by the premature birth of his daughter, he spent part of this week concerned he might have seriously injured his right shoulder.
But after awaking on Thursday and feeling less discomfort, Giles' fears were relieved. He's now confident that he'll return to the Braves' lineup by the start of next week.
"It's definitely much better today than it was yesterday," Giles said. "I don't see any reason why I wouldn't be ready by Monday."
Giles exited Tuesday night's game after striking out in the first inning against Roy Oswalt. As the veteran second baseman attempted to swing at a very hittable 3-2 fastball, the shoulder discomfort prevented him from being able to turn his right wrist. He says he missed the pitch by about 18 inches.
"I've had my share of shoulder problems and this was a little more painful than just a sore shoulder," Giles said.
After examining Giles and putting him through some rehab, the Braves believe he simply has some inflammation in his shoulder. It could have been caused by him trying to work too hard while attempting to make up for the time he was away from camp.
While tending to his wife, Tracy, and newest daughter, Sawyur Rae, Giles was away from camp from Feb. 24-March 6. Before playing in his first Grapefruit League game, he spent a number of hours throwing and taking swings in the batting cage.
"I think it was just too much too soon," Giles said, echoing the belief of Braves manager Bobby Cox.
Giles, who has just one hit in 12 at-bats this spring, will continue strengthening the shoulder, and he doesn't want to rush back into action. Even if he misses this weekend, Giles will still have a chance to play in at least 10 exhibition games before the regular season begins.
Once he returns to action, Giles must put a lot of focus on his new role as the club's leadoff hitter. In addition, he'll need to get better acquainted with shortstop Edgar Renteria, his new double-play partner.
"I just need to make sure right now so that when I come back, I can play every day the rest of the spring," Giles said.
Potential new owners: Two different Atlanta businessmen have shown a definite interest in potentially purchasing the Braves.
According to Thursday's edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Lew Dickey Jr. and Ron Terwilliger have both been approved by Major League Baseball to begin negotiations with Time Warner, which put the club up for sale in December.
Dickey's family owns and operates a number of radio stations, including Atlanta's WCNN-AM (680 The Fan), throughout the United States. His brother, David Dickey, confirmed the family's interest to the AJC .
Terwilliger is the chairman and chief executive of Trammell Crow Residential, which is one of the nation's leaders in the construction of multifamily housing.
The report also said the Liberty Media, which owns four percent of Time Warner, has shown interest in purchasing the team.
It's believed that Time Warner is seeking at least $400 million for the Braves.
More injury updates: Because of a couple of minor injuries to players other than Giles, Cox took just two regulars (Adam LaRoche and Brian McCann) to Port St. Lucie for Thursday night's game against the Mets.
Along with Giles, Wilson Betemit is also expected to miss the next few days while resting his strained right rib cage. Ryan Langerhans (sore back) and Kelly Johnson (sore wrist) may return to the lineup sooner.
Blaine Boyer, who experienced no discomfort in his shoulder while facing live hitters for the first time on Tuesday, is expected to throw again on Friday. He hasn't experienced anything other than normal soreness the past two days.

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

03/17/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Coming into camp, the Braves knew they had enviable depth in their starting rotation. With what Horacio Ramirez and Kyle Davies have provided over the past few weeks, that belief has been solidified.
Hours after watching Ramirez look solid in a Thursday night game against the Mets in Port St. Lucie, Cox returned to Disney's Wide World of Sports complex on Friday to see Davies continue his spring dominance in a 7-0 loss to the Astros.
"He looked like a 20-game winner today," Cox said of Davies. "He really did. He can't pitch any better than he did today. That was a 10."
While the gushing comments might hint at a perfect game, Davies actually fell a little short of that accomplishment. But he was still impressive while limiting the Astros to one run and six hits in four innings. The only damage incurred came courtesy of a Preston Wilson fourth-inning home run.
"That might be the best I've ever seen him, ever, even the Boston game," Cox said. "He was that good. I was thrilled with that performance."
Cox's Boston reference was in reference to the five scoreless innings Davies provided in his Major League debut at Fenway Park last year. Two strong starts followed. But as the season progressed, he elevated too many pitches, something he hasn't done while allowing just one run in the eight Grapefruit League innings he's pitched this spring.
Likewise, Ramirez has been showing good command on both sides of the plate, something he didn't do while posting a 4.63 ERA and allowing a team-high 31 homers last year. He allowed just one run and seven hits in five innings against the Mets on Thursday night.
"I wasn't happy with the way I pitched last year," Ramirez said. "So come this spring, I had to go. I wanted to get back to being a solid pitcher again. That's what I've been doing. So far, so good."
Through his first three Grapefruit League starts, Ramirez has allowed six earned runs in 12 innings. He hasn't given up a home run, and more importantly, he's regained confidence in his changeup.
With Ramirez and Davies throwing well, the Braves have six legitimate candidates to fill their five-man starting rotation. Thus, there's certainly a chance they could trade one of the starters to help strengthen their bullpen or bench.
There's also still the seemingly unlikely chance that they could choose to move Jorge Sosa back to the bullpen. One National League scout has said other team's interest in Sosa would likely be as a reliever.
Familiar faces returning: With the United States and Mexico eliminated from the World Baseball Classic, Chipper Jones, Jeff Francoeur and Oscar Villarreal all could be back in camp by Saturday. Sosa, a member of the Dominican Republic team, is the only Brave still participating in the Classic.
Villarreal has been able to impress his new team and teammates from afar. After seeing him throw two scoreless innings that included three strikeouts in Mexico's 2-1 win over the U.S. on Thursday night, John Smoltz and Tim Hudson were among those who said "[Villarreal's] stuff looked nasty."
One of Villarreal's strikeout victims was Francoeur, who received a total of nine at-bats during the Classic and the exhibition game the U.S. played before the tournament. The lack of playing time raises reason for concern. But the 22-year-old outfielder still has 15 exhibition games to prepare for the regular season.
Cox says he'll likely take Francoeur, Jones -- who hit .353 with two homers in the tournament -- and Villarreal on the team's two-day trip to Jupiter on Sunday.
Every player that participated in the Classic joined their national team's camp on March 2, the day the Braves began their Grapefruit League schedule. Atlanta hasn't yet played a game with all of its starters, and won't do so until a few regulars overcome some minor injuries.
Marcus Giles (sore shoulder), Wilson Betemit (strained right rib cage) and Ryan Langerhans (sore back) are all expected back in the lineup early next week.
"With the flu, injuries and the [Classic], it's certainly been a different kind of camp," Cox said. "But a lot of teams are dealing with the same thing."
Slumbering Andruw: Andruw Jones' second-inning single on Friday was just his third hit in 13 Grapefruit League at-bats. Obviously, he's not going to match the spring numbers he produced last year, which included a .413 batting average and 10 homers.
But as he pointed out, despite that strong Grapefruit League performance, he didn't start his career-best 51-homer regular season in sizzling style.
"It didn't matter, I started the season 0-for-30," said Jones referencing a career-worst 0-for-28 slump he endured last April.
Jones, who finished second in balloting for last year's National League MVP Award, is featured on the cover of the April edition of Sports Illustrated for Kids. It's the special baseball preview edition.
Braves bits: Celebrating St. Patrick's Day, the Braves wore green hats on Friday and the grounds crew made two shamrock symbols in the infield dirt. ... Mike Remlinger allowed one unearned run to give him two consecutive impressive appearances. ... Blaine Boyer reported no discomfort in his shoulder after facing hitters for the second time this week. The right-handed reliever says he still could be ready by Opening Day.

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

03/17/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- If not for bad luck, Chris Reitsma might have none at all.
During his first two seasons with the Braves, Reitsma has appeared in nearly half his team's games and seen his dedicated service virtually go unnoticed by a multitude of Atlanta fans, who have chosen to focus simply on the nearly ridiculous amount of misfortune he's encountered.
"It's a very difficult game," Reitsma said. "It's an unfair game. If people can't realize that, it's not my problem.
"People who doubt me, that just adds fuel to the fire. I can't control what people think."
That underlying disgust in Reitsma's tone doesn't match exactly match his friendly personality. Still, remembering how much verbal abuse he's received over the past two years, it's easy to see where he's acquired this edgy side.
"It's one thing to deal with criticism when you haven't done your job," John Smoltz said. "That's part of the game. But it's harder to deal with it before you've even been given a chance."
When the Braves were unable to land a proven veteran closer in the offseason and it became apparent that Reitsma would likely eventually be given the role, fans began grumbling. It didn't matter that he'd proven capable while converting 13 of 15 save opportunities last June and July.
Instead, as the 2006 season approaches and it becomes more apparent that Reitsma will indeed be the closer, the critics are more inclined to look at the fact that last year he was unable to close out nine save opportunities and discount the fact that just five of those chances came while he was the closer.
Or maybe they've chosen to remember he combined to allow six earned runs and record just one out in Games 1 and 3 of the 2005 National League Division Series. With the criticism, most have forgotten that four of the six hits he allowed during those games were singles that either never left the infield or were delivered by broken bats.
While it's always easy to make excuses, this type of misfortune has become far too regular for Reitsma, whose nasty changeup often causes hitters to take bad swings and much too frequently put a spin or hop on a ball that finds its way for a resulting base hit.
"It got to be almost laughable in the dugout, the way he started innings with the high choppers," Braves manager Bobby Cox said. "Whatever happened, there'd always be one guy [scoring]. It was no fault of his."
Fortunately for Reitsma, his misfortunes haven't followed him to camp this spring. With a perfect inning that included two strikeouts in Friday afternoon's 7-0 loss to the Astros at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex, he continued his recent success.
Having pitched for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic, Reitsma has made just two Grapefruit League appearances. In the process, he's completed two scoreless innings, issued no walks and registered four strikeouts.
"There's no reason not to use him [as the closer], the way he's throwing," said Cox, who saw Reitsma convert a career-high 15 saves last year.
With Joey Devine, who has recorded 15 strikeouts in eight innings, and Oscar Villarreal, who wa dominant for Mexico in the Classic, Cox has a number of strong options to evaluate before selecting his closer.
But unless the Braves acquire a proven closer via a trade, it's assumed Reitsma will have the role when the regular season begins. If that's the case, he'll enter the role with many fans assuming he's destined to struggle.
"If Chris [converts 20 straight save opportunities], it does not matter," Smoltz said. "There's a perception problem in Atlanta that's hard to get over."
Of course, Smoltz is partly to blame for creating the perception that being a closer isn't all that difficult. While serving as Atlanta's closer from 2002-04, he converted 144 of his 157 save opportunities.
The pressure of following in his footsteps proved far too daunting for Dan Kolb, who last year might have been the only Braves reliever to have been booed more frequently than Reitsma.
"Nobody understands what it's like being that person, trying to fill that role and to have to hear it everywhere he turns," Smoltz said. "We all can say pretty confidently that was a great part of the problem for Danny Kolb."
After Kolb lost the closer role, Reitsma took over and provided reliability until hyperextending his left knee in August. One month earlier, he'd allowed just two earned runs in 15 1/3 innings and begun a streak where he'd eventually notch nine consecutive save opportunities.
But the injury led to three consecutive blown saves, which forced Cox to give the closing duties to Kyle Farnsworth for the season's final six weeks. Physically, Reitmsa appears to have returned to health. As for his mental health, he's determined not to allow himself to become overwhelmed with the reality that fans are going to never forget how easy Smoltz made things seem as the closer.
"I'm not John Smoltz," Reitsma said. "I'll never be John Smoltz. I'm Chris Reitsma, and if they can't understand that, then that's not my problem. The only thing I can guarantee the fans of Atlanta and the organization is that I will be out there giving 110 percent every single day.
"If I go out there and don't do well for a day, I'll still be able to go to the mirror and say, 'I gave it everything that I've got.' If I can do that, I can sleep at night."
One of Reitsma's most restless nights last year occurred after the first game of the '05 NLDS, in which he was charged with four earned runs and recorded just one out. His performance began with two infield singles fielded by second baseman Marcus Giles, included an intentional walk and ended with Jeff Bagwell hitting a broken-bat RBI single into left field.
"If people can't see that sometimes I give up five runs on three [cheap] hits, there's nothing I can do," Reitsma said. "What do you want me to do, throw a four-seam fastball so that they can hit the ball a little harder at people?
"The goal as a pitcher is to take the sting out of people's bats. Sometimes in this game, when you do that, it doesn't work out. So I'm not going to change a thing."
Of course, Reitsma and the Braves are hoping his luck changes and that he is indeed capable of proving he can be a reliable closer.
"If I'm given that role and I said, 'Yeah, give me the ball every ninth inning for a whole season,' the results are going to be there and I can personally guarantee that," Reitsma said. "The game's not fair. Life's not fair. But all you can do is keep going out there and busting your [behind]."

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

03/17/2006
Braves at the plate: Andruw Jones' second-inning single was one of three he's recorded in 13 at-bats this spring. Matt Diaz recorded his team-high 15th hit with a fourth-inning single.
Astros at the plate: Preston Wilson began the fourth inning with his first Grapefruit League home run. Jeff Bagwell hit a deep fly to center that Brandon Jones dropped, leading to an unearned run in the fifth. A Luke Scott RBI single and Kevin Orie three-run homer highlighted Houston's five-run ninth inning against Paul Bush.
Braves on the mound: Kyle Davies allowed one earned run and six hits in four innings. Mike Remlinger issued a two-out walk that led to an unearned run in the fifth inning.
Astros on the mound: Fernando Nieve allowed five hits and registered four strikeouts in four scoreless innings. Trever Miller tossed a perfect seventh inning.
Grapefruit League records: Astros 6-9; Braves 5-10-1.

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

03/18/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Six months ago, Peter Moylan was just some baseball-loving Aussie playing once a week for some Australian club team named the Blackburn Orioles.
If the nearly unbelievable current chapter of his life goes according to his wishes, he'll soon be bringing his sidearm delivery and 96 mph fastball to the Braves' bullpen.
"I know I have the stuff to make it," said Moylan, a 27-year-old right-hander who signed a Minor League contract with the Braves on March 11, two days after making quite an impression with Team Australia in the World Baseball Classic.
Having already heard glowing remarks from his team's scouts and player development department, Braves manager Bobby Cox got his first chance to see Moylan during Saturday's 10-6 win over the Reds at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex.
"The Australian looked all right," said Cox after seeing Moylan allow one run, four hits and not issue a walk in two innings. "He's got a nice breaking ball and a changeup. He's a good sign[ing]. It's not like it cost us a fortune or anything."
Moylan, who had major back surgeries in 2001 and '03, hasn't appeared in the Minors since 1997, when he went 4-2 and posted a 4.05 ERA for the Twins' rookie-level team. But at a cost of just $30,000, he's certainly worth the almost non-existent risk the Braves have taken.
"There's obviously a lot of guys in the big leagues that don't have the stuff he has," Atlanta assistant general manager Frank Wren said. "But you've still got to produce at this level."
After Moylan allowed one hit, issued five walks and recorded four strikeouts against Venezuela on March 9, his stock quickly rose. Obviously, it wasn't the 22 strikes he threw in the 51-pitch outing that was grabbing the attention of scouts. Instead it was the 96 mph fastball that helped him make Major Leaguers Bobby Abreu, Marco Scutaro, Ramon Hernandez and Magglio Ordonez his strikeout victims.
With Australia manager Jon Deeble being a Red Sox scout, Boston certainly had a chance. But with the Aussie's pitching coach being Phil Dale, a longtime Braves scout, Atlanta also had an inside track.
The day after burning the radar guns against the Venezuelans, Moylan, accompanied by Dale, came to Braves camp and met with assistant general manager Dayton Moore and director of Minor League operations J.J. Picollo. The tattooed hurler immediately gained a trust factor with Moore and Picollo.
"[The Braves] promote from within, whereas the Red Sox don't," said Moylan, who says he reads MLB.com regularly and was quite aware of the fact the Braves used 18 different rookies on the way to a record 14th consecutive division title last year.
When Moylan last pitched in the Minors, he was a teenager whose overhand delivery created fastballs that weren't clocked any higher than 89 mph. It wasn't until six months ago, while throwing with some teammates in the outfield, that he found the magical success created by the sidearm delivery.
Looking for a delivery that would prevent another back injury, he found a fastball that may deliver him to the Majors and prevent him from returning to his job as a pharmaceutical salesman in Australia.
Just as impressive was the fact that he immediately showed command with his changeup and slider, a pitch he used to get Dane Sardinha to look at strike three in Saturday's sixth inning.
"Still to this day, I don't know how it's happened," Moylan said. "It was surprising. I had success with it right away, except in the World Baseball Classic."
It wasn't until Moylan displayed the new fastball in the Claxton Shield, an Australian club state tournament held just seven weeks ago, that the Australians even thought about placing him on the national team.
If he gets a chance, Cox would like to get a few more looks at Moylan in Spring Training. The Braves will send him to Double-A Mississippi or Triple-A Richmond to begin this season.
Thomson looking for consistency: John Thomson began Saturday's game against the Reds with two scoreless innings. But by the time he completed his five-inning assignment, he'd allowed four earned runs and nine hits.
Thomson's problems against the Reds came from the fact that he was unable to keep the ball down in the zone. Through his first four Grapefruit League starts, he's compiled 14 innings, allowed 23 hits and surrendered 12 earned runs.
"They say that numbers don't matter," Thomson said. "But I think they do. There isn't a lot of emphasis on them. But you want something positive in your head going out of Spring Training."
Thomson, who hasn't been bothered by the finger injury that caused him to spend three months on the disabled list last year, will make two more exhibition starts before the regular season begins.
Injury update: Wilson Betemit had a setback, and his strained right rib cage will cause him to miss a few more days. At the earliest, he could return to the lineup on Wednesday, which is also the projected date for Marcus Giles' return.
Betemit, who has hit .464 this spring, suffered the injury while taking batting practice from the left side of the plate on Tuesday. He aggravated the injury while taking swings from the right side.
"It feels a little better [Saturday]," Betemit said.
Giles hasn't played since feeling discomfort in his shoulder while attempting to swing at a pitch on Tuesday night. The Braves aren't overly concerned with the injury. But they'll leave him behind while going to Jupiter to play the Cardinals the next two days.

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

03/18/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- There was an unfamiliar sense of normalcy in Braves camp on Saturday afternoon.
For the first time in more than two weeks, Braves manager Bobby Cox's clubhouse included Chipper Jones, Jeff Francoeur and Oscar Villarreal. Each returned to Disney's Wide World of Sports complex satisfied with their World Baseball Classic experiences and intent on making final preparations for the regular season.
"It's good to have them back," Cox said. "We looked sort of naked without three of our top guys."
Because of illness, injuries and the World Baseball Classic, Cox still has yet to fill out a lineup that includes all of his projected Opening Day starters. But with Jones and Francoeur back in Saturday's 10-6 win over the Reds, the skipper had at least a better chance to see what his team might look like.
"What was fun was getting everybody out there together on the field," Francoeur said. "It was fun to be playing with them. I missed it a bunch."
From the time he left Braves camp to join Team USA on March 2 until Saturday, Francoeur got just nine at-bats (exhibition game included). His only hit was a double that he registered in Thursday's 2-1 loss to Mexico.
But those concerns that he might not be ready for the start of the regular season were lessened when he returned with a three-hit, five-RBI performance that included a two-run homer off Cincinnati's Dave Williams.
"My hands need to get a little quicker to be where I need to be," Francoeur said. "But it was a good start and a good chance to get out there."
As Francoeur was talking to reporters, Chipper Jones jokingly proclaimed that Team USA manager Buck Martinez should have played the 22-year-old right fielder more. But Martinez gave Jones plenty of playing time and the veteran third baseman responded by going 6-for-17 with two homers in the Classic.
"It was probably the best baseball experience of my career," Jones said. "I thoroughly enjoyed it. Every day was a new memory, a new career high."
While winning just one game in Pool 1, Team USA didn't advance to the championship round that began in San Diego on Saturday. But while seeing his team fall short of expectations, Jones savored the opportunity to play alongside the likes of Alex Rodriguez, Roger Clemens and Derek Jeter for more than two weeks.
"From a team point of view, it wasn't a real good trip," Jones said. "But from an individual standpoint of getting to go out there and prove myself with some of the best players in the country and the world, it was very satisfying."
Jones said the All-Star-filled Team USA roster quickly meshed and there were a number of evenings when at least 10-12 of them went to dinner together. Fortunately for youngsters like Francoeur and Huston Street, Jones, Jeter and Rodriguez picked up the tabs.
"We said we were on the scholarship plan when we were out there," Francoeur said. "We got wined and dined. It was like a recruiting trip every night."
Along with the off-field entertainment, Francoeur also got a chance to experience intense workouts with some of the world's greatest players. The chance to take at least 20 minutes of batting practice allowed him some compensation for the lack of playing time he was receiving.
"They did a lot work," Cox said. "Chipper said he's never gotten as many swings in his life. That part is good. But there's nothing like game situation and game pitching.
"[Francoeur] will get a lot of at-bats in all the [remaining exhibition] games and he should be ready."
With 12 spring games left, Francoeur certainly has plenty of time to prepare for his first full big-league season. After making his Major League debut on July 7, he produced a .300 batting average, belted 14 homers and registered 13 outfield assists.
"He's got all the tools," Jones said. "He's just got to get all of the extra reps in and then take the next step. He appears to be right on the cusp."
Jones and Francouer's run with Team USA ended Thursday when Villarreal provided two scoreless innings in Mexico's victory. The only run the right-handed reliever allowed in 2 2/3 innings during the Classic, came in the first round, when Jones took him deep.
Villarreal, who will serve as one of Atlanta's top relievers, took a red-eye flight back from California and arrived in camp around 6 a.m. ET on Saturday.
"I thought he was nasty the second game that we played against him," Jones said. "Everybody was saying he looked like a different guy. But to be honest with you, he pitched well the first game against us. He just made the one bad pitch."
Had the U.S. defeated Mexico, it would have played on Saturday against Korea, a team that Jones says is the best one he saw during the tournament.
Of course, that would have prevented Jones and Francoeur from bringing some of that normalcy back to Braves camp so soon.
"It's kind of bittersweet, because it's good to be back," Francoeur said. "But you'd still love to be playing tonight against Korea and representing your country. But at the same time, what's done is done and you just kind of move forward."
As Francoeur has so often proved, it appears he's ready to do so in the fast-forward mode.

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

03/18/2006
Braves at the plate: Catching prospect Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit a home run off Mike Pelfrey, leading off the second inning. Saltalamacchia and Matt Diaz had two hits each. Ryan Langerhans drove in Atlanta's second run with a double.
Mets at the plate: Paul Lo Duca hit his first home run, and Julio Franco had the Mets' only other extra-base hit, a double.
Braves on the mound: Left-hander Chuck James allowed two runs, both earned, in four innings.
Mets on the mound: Facing mostly Minor League hitters, Juan Perez struck out four and allowed one hit in 2 1/3 innings. Pelfrey started and allowed three hits and one run. He walked no one and struck out three in four innings.
Grapefruit League records: Braves 5-12; Mets 12-6-1.

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

03/18/2006
Braves at the plate: Making his Grapefruit League season debut, Jeff Francoeur, who played for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, singled and hit a third-inning two-run homer. Edgar Renteria hit his second homer with a first-inning solo shot. Andruw Jones had two hits and Brian McCann added a two-run double.
Reds at the plate: Dewayne Wise's solo shot highlighted a three-run third that included an Edwin Encarnacion RBI double. Andy Abad had a fourth-inning RBI single.
Braves on the mound: John Thomson allowed four earned runs and eight hits in four innings. Making his Braves debut, Peter Moylan, who was signed after playing for Australia in the Classic, tossed a scoreless sixth inning.
Reds on the mound: Dave Williams allowed eight earned runs and 10 hits in 3 2/3 innings.
Grapefruit League records: Reds 10-8; Braves 6-11-1.

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

03/19/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Other than having the misfortune of pitching on a day when none of Atlanta's other pitchers had much success, Lance Cormier has had no reason to be upset with the first impression he's provided the Braves.
Before each hurler struggled in Sunday afternoon's 11-2 loss to the Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium, Cormier, Tim Hudson and Joey Devine had been three of the Braves' most impressive pitchers. In eight combined innings, they surrendered 12 hits, issued eight walks and recorded just four strikeouts.
After Hudson allowed four earned runs, surrendered four hits and issued four walks in five innings, Cormier followed with four earned runs and five hits in just two innings. Like Devine, who allowed three earned runs in the eighth inning, Cormier hadn't allowed an earned run this spring.
In his first five Grapefruit League appearances, Cormier, who was acquired from the Diamondbacks in December, had totaled eight innings, allowed three unearned runs and surrendered just seven hits.
"He's got a lot of pitches and knows where they're going," Braves manager Bobby Cox said before Cormier tripled his spring walk total with two walks against the Cardinals on Sunday.
When the Braves traded Johnny Estrada to the Diamondbacks in December, their accompanying acquisition of Cormier was somewhat overlooked. Much more focus was put on Oscar Villarreal, who was also part of the Estrada trade.
But if Cormier is able to regain the form that allowed him to begin last season with 18 consecutive scoreless innings, he also could be a very important part of Atlanta's bullpen. He'll be looking to avoid the midseason struggles that led to the 5.11 ERA he posted in his first full big-league season.
"It's not that I was tired," said Cormier, whose 67 appearances ranked fourth among National League rookies. "It was just certain times, when I had a bad game, I had a bad game. That's the whole thing, you've got to be consistent."
Cormier, a 25-year-old right-hander, spent his entire Minor League career as a starter. Thus, he was forced to learn how to handle the daily rigors of a reliever last year. While allowing just one earned run in his final nine appearances of the season, he showed he'd made some necessary adjustments.
Having been a starter throughout most of his professional career, Cormier gives Cox the option of using him for multiple innings.
With right-handed reliever Blaine Boyer's availability for the start of the regular season in doubt, Cormier will likely be able to prove himself with a number of early-season appearances.
Rising ERAs: Before Sunday, Hudson had completed eight consecutive scoreless innings and surrendered a total of five hits in his previous two starts. His problems against the Cardinals were the result of four walks -- the same total he'd compiled in his first three Grapefruit League starts combined.
Devine, who has impressed enough to remain in contention for the closer role, incurred all of his damage against the Cardinals courtesy of a John Gall one-out, three-run homer. It was the first long ball surrendered by the 22-year-old rookie, who last year became the first big leaguer to surrender a grand slam in his first two career appearances.
In four of his first five appearances this spring, Devine had held opponents scoreless. The only previous damage he incurred came on March 9, when he allowed the Devil Rays five hits and three unearned runs in two innings.
Proud George Mason grads: There are a few Braves scouts and player development executives who claim assistant general manager Dayton Moore and director of Minor League operations J.J. Picollo didn't even know their alma mater, George Mason, was playing Michigan State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday night.
But with George Mason gaining entry into the Sweet 16 with wins over Michigan State and North Carolina, they're all expecting to hear Moore and Picollo make at least a few comments about their alma mater this week.

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

03/19/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- With an overabundance of talented middle infielders in the Braves' Minor League system, J.C. Holt has often been overlooked. But one top Braves player development executive says he believes Holt will command plenty of attention at Advanced Class A Myrtle Beach this year.
Holt, a 23-year-old second baseman taken out of Louisiana State University in the third round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft, hit .268 with five homers and 50 RBIs at Class A Rome last year. But it's the .335 batting average he managed after July 1 that has produced reason for optimism.
The Braves plan to keep the left-handed-hitting Holt at second base this season. But if he progresses quickly toward the Majors during either of the next two seasons, there's a chance they could ask him to begin working in the outfield.
Even if Marcus Giles were to leave Atlanta after the 2007 season, Holt's path to the Majors could still be blocked by Pete Orr or Martin Prado, two of the organization's most versatile infielders. There's also a chance Luis Hernandez, Yunel Escobar or Diory Hernandez will have been moved to second base by that time.
Aussies benefit from Classic: After watching Damian Moss and Peter Moylan compete for Australia in the World Baseball Classic, the Braves signed both hurlers. Moss, who won 12 games for Atlanta in 2002, posted a 3.73 ERA, fourth best in the Pacific Coast League, for Triple-A Tacoma last year. Known for his knack of stubbornly attacking the strike zone, he doesn't profile well as a reliever. But if needed, he could be used in that role.
Moss will likely begin the season at Triple-A Richmond with Moylan, a 27-year-old right-hander whose sidearm delivery has produced numerous 96 mph fastballs. Moylan hasn't pitched in the Minors since 1997 and is definitely a gamble worth the $30,000 contract he signed.
Injury report: Jon Mark Owings, a talented 20-year-old outfielder targeted for Class A Rome, broke his jaw after colliding with a teammate in the outfield last week. He could miss up to two months.
Class of '05: The Braves are very impressed with the physical development of Michael Broadway, whose fastball was clocked at 96 mph even before he gained 30 pounds during the winter. Broadway, selected in the fourth round of last year's draft, will likely begin this season at Rookie-level Danville.
What they're saying: "I think my main goal is not to get too relaxed, because when you get relaxed, that's when somebody catches up to you." -- Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who will begin this season as Double-A Mississippi's catcher

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

03/19/2006
Braves at the plate: Andruw Jones doubled and scored a run. Todd Pratt singled and scored, while Tony Pena rapped an RBI double.
Cardinals at the plate: David Eckstein reached base three times, with a single, a walk and a hit-by-pitch, and he scored twice. Scott Rolen drove in three runs on a single and a groundout, and he also walked. Skip Schumaker knocked an RBI double and singled and scored, and Chris Duncan drove in two runs with a double.
Braves on the mound: Tim Hudson wasn't sharp in his five-inning start. In addition to allowing four runs on four hits, Hudson walked four batters, hit one and unleashed a wild pitch. Lance Cormier endured a rare tough game, giving up four runs in two innings.
Cardinals on the mound: Sidney Ponson got through five effective innings with two runs allowed, one earned, on four hits. Josh Hancock pitched a perfect inning with two strikeouts, and Ricardo Rincon didn't allow a baserunner in his first Grapefruit League appearance.
Grapefruit League records: Braves 6-13; Cardinals 10-7-1.

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

03/20/2006
Having won their 14th consecutive division title while using 18 different rookies last year, the Braves have every reason to believe they can continue the amazing run of success for many years.
In order to do so, they'll need Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann to avoid sophomore slumps and Edgar Renteria to bounce back from his forgettable Boston experience.
With Tim Hudson and John Smoltz heading it, the Braves rotation is arguably one of the deepest in the Majors. Bounce-back seasons from both Horacio Ramirez and John Thomson would certainly solidify this belief. If projected closer Chris Reitsma and the rest of the bullpen does its job, the pitching staff could prove to be the difference in a tight division race.
Rafael Furcal's departure creates a significant void. But Marcus Giles and Renteria are certainly capable of providing numerous run-producing opportunities for Chipper Jones and Andruw Jones in the middle of the lineup.
There are some question marks in the youthful bottom of the lineup. But the guidance of ever-supportive manager Bobby Cox should help Francoeur, McCann and Ryan Langerhans confidently enter their second big league seasons.
Team strength: If Hudson is able to successfully carry the load and give Smoltz the opportunity to pace himself throughout the season, the Braves will take a solid one-two punch into the postseason. There are valid reasons to doubt Thomson, Ramirez and Jorge Sosa, who magically worked his way toward a career-best 13-win season last year. But Thomson has overcome his finger injury and it appears Ramirez has regained the confidence he'll need to live up to his tremendous potential.
Achilles heel: With Julio Franco around the past five seasons, Cox regularly had the opportunity to call upon a reliable pinch hitter in late-inning situations. Those at-bats may now go to rookie Matt Diaz or Brian Jordan, who must prove both his health and worth. But if Pete Orr and Wilson Betemit are able to duplicate last year's rookie success, they will strengthen what now seems to be a suspect bench.
Top newcomer: There are those who believe Renteria is on the downside of his career. The Braves believe he's a 30-year-old proven All-Star who will provide offensive spark and display the Gold Glove form that was absent during his 30-error season in Boston last year. Renteria could prove to be a huge addition with his bat, glove and leadership skills in the clubhouse.
Ready to make The Leap: Joey Devine was thrown into the fire two months after being the Braves' top draft pick last year. Refreshed and strengthened with his initial adversities, he enters this year as a key component in the Braves bullpen. With a sharp slider, biting sinker and strong mental makeup, he has the potential be the closer if necessary.
On the hot seat: Given his first chance to enter a season as a closer, Chris Reitsma can only hope that his success quickly changes the views of fans who have become skeptical of him the past two years. With a solid fastball and top-notch changeup, he has the tools to be very successful. But he must prove mentally strong enough to handle the rude realities that closers face.
You can bank on: Significant injuries the past two seasons have tarnished Chipper Jones' image as one of the game's most reliable players. But at 34 years old, there's still reason to believe he can be the player who produced 100-plus RBIs for eight consecutive seasons (1996-2003). Back at third base, his hamstring and troublesome feet have more chance of staying healthy. Plus, as a proud team leader, he realizes the responsibility he has in a relatively young lineup.
Litmus test: If Reitsma proves to be a reliable closer and Oscar Villarreal teams with Devine to provide a solid setup duo, the Braves should be able to at least prevent falling into an early hole. Marcus Giles may have to make some adjustments, but if he gets comfortable in the leadoff role, he'll give Renteria and the Jones boys the opportunity to produce strong offensive numbers to back the solid starting rotation.

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

03/20/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Back in 1984, the Seattle Mariners signed a couple of Venezuelans named Rolando Petit and Omar Vizquel. At the time, they thought enough of Petit's offensive skills to project he would be the more successful big leaguer.
Two decades and 10 Vizquel Gold Glove Awards later, Petit still hasn't made his Major League debut. But in his current profession as a scout, he has provided the Braves with yet another stud Venezuelan shortstop, who one day may prove to be even better than Vizquel.
A little more than a year after signing with the Braves, 17-year-old Elvis Andrus has already created enough buzz to earn himself some time in two big-league exhibition games. Taking advantage of the situation, he recorded a hit in four at-bats.
"I think the kid has the tools to be one of the best in the game," said Petit, the Braves' Venezuelan scout, who signed Andrus on Jan. 26, 2005.
Like many Venezuelans, Petit knows a thing or two about great shortstops. But along with savoring the Hall of Fame talents of native legends like Luis Aparicio and Dave Concepcion, he also got a first-hand look at the development of Vizquel. They began playing together at the age of eight in Caracas and continued to be teammates through their first three Minor League seasons.
While Vizquel might have been slightly superior defensively, there's really only one difference Petit can find when comparing Andrus to his long-time friend.
"Elvis is a shortstop who can definitely hit," Petit said. "That's the biggest difference."
While Vizquel's .274 career batting average is certainly respectable, projections are much higher for the much stronger Andrus, who weighs 185 pounds and stands at 6 feet. In 46 games with the Gulf Coast League Braves last year, he used his strong hands to hit .295 and produce a .398 slugging percentage.
"He has the projection of being a five-tool player," Braves assistant general manager Dayton Moore said. "But he just needs to play and adjust to the rhythm of the game at each level."
When the Braves held a workout camp in Venezuela in 2004, Andrus didn't show up. The belief is that the Yankees, who currently had his older brother Erold in their system, were telling him not to sign with any other clubs.
Andrus was first eligible to sign a professional contract on July 2, 2004. When he didn't, the Braves and many other clubs felt they still had a chance to grab a kid who had been labeled the next great shortstop to come out of Venezuela.
When the Braves went back to Venezuela for a workout camp in January of 2005, Andrus arrived about 15 minutes late. But after seeing the youngster take his first five swings in batting practice and deliver five consecutive line drives to the opposite field, Moore told his people they weren't leaving the country without signing the shortstop.
In all his years of scouting, Moore said that he has never seen another kid who has shown the maturity that Andrus displayed, while showing patience and not trying to pull any of his first few pitches in batting practice.
"I never saw Derek Jeter when was young, but that's who he reminds me of," Moore said. "He's just real sure and real controlled with everything that he does."
A few hours after the workout, with the benefit of Petit's good relationship with the family, Andrus had signed a six-figure contract with the Braves. His signing bonus was slightly less than the $600,000 figure Andy Marte received from the Braves in 2000.
It was also about $4 million less than the signing bonus B.J. Upton received after being selected by the Devil Rays with the second pick in the 2002 draft. Braves director of Minor League operations J.J. Picollo said during the 2005 workout that Andrus reminded him of Upton, when Upton was a sophomore in high school.
"He's got enough ability to be very good in the Majors," Petit said. "But let's wait and see. It's too soon. He's only 17."
With the Braves, Andrus won't be rushed toward the Majors. There's a chance he could start this year at Class A Rome.
But knowing that Andrus has the advanced maturity that helped Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann make a rapid rise to the Majors, the Braves know there's a chance it won't be long before Elvis has left the Minors and found his way to Atlanta.
"He has the charm that people want to be around," Moore said. "No matter what your physical ability is, unless you didn't have that advanced ability and advanced knowledge of the game, you can't advance quickly."

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

03/20/2006
Braves at the plate: Jeff Francoeur hit a two-run homer, and Edgar Renteria doubled and hit a solo home run to give the Braves an early advantage. Cesar Crespo singled and drove in two runs to help put the game away. Atlanta racked up 12 base hits.
Cardinals at the plate: David Eckstein singled and doubled, and has reached base five times in the past two games. John Gall walked and scored a run.
Braves on the mound: John Smoltz was outstanding, pitching five shutout innings with two hits, one walk and four strikeouts. Oscar Villareal, Chris Reitsma and Anthony Lerew each pitched a shutout inning of relief.
Cardinals on the mound: Anthony Reyes was touched for both home runs and charged with three runs on six hits over four innings. Jason Isringhausen, Braden Looper and Brian Falkenborg each pitched a perfect inning, but Carmen Cali surrendered four runs on five hits in the ninth.
Grapefruit League records: Braves (7-13-1); Cardinals (10-8-1)

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

03/20/2006
Who do you see making the club, James Jurries or Brian Jordan? -- Anthony S. Clemson, S.C.
Let's first say that Jurries has done everything to prove he's ready to play at the Major League level. There's never been reason to doubt his offensive abilities, and defensively, his dedication has allowed him to prove he wouldn't be a liability at first base.
But manager Bobby Cox has always liked to keep veteran players like Jordan, as long as they can be both productive on the field and in the clubhouse. Like there's no reason to doubt Jurries' bat, there's no reason to deny Jordan's tremendous leadership skills. But there's certainly reason to wonder whether the 39-year-old veteran still has what it takes to make the necessary offensive contributions.
Jordan's surgically-repaired knee appears healthy, and he's definitely still capable of being a solid defensive outfielder. His athleticism has enabled him to quickly prove he could also provide a solid glove at first base.
Jurries hasn't spent a lot of time in the outfield, but he has shown he could handle occasional time in left field if necessary.
There's no doubt that sending Jurries to Triple-A Richmond to begin the season would mean that the Braves are sacrificing some offense. But Jordan's defensive versatility and leadership might lead Cox to make this choice.
Assuming Wilson Betemit, a switch-hitter, is no longer bothered by his strained right rib cage, he and Matt Diaz give Cox a couple of solid right-handed options to send to the plate in pinch-hit situations. This certainly increases Jordan's chance of being on the Opening Day roster.
Of course, if Betemit were to begin the season on the disabled list, there's a chance both Jurries and Jordan would be on the Opening Day roster.
But if Betemit is healthy, odds are Jordan will stick around and Jurries will be forced to wait for his first opportunity to be a Major Leaguer.
The downside is that he'll be 27 years old on April 13 and there's nothing else for him to prove in the Minors. But he's waited this long and there's a good chance he'll have to utilize his patience just a little longer.
Since Jarrod Saltalamacchia is having such a good spring, do you think he'll see action with Atlanta this year? The Braves seem fine at the catcher position. But is there any chance he'll play first? -- Luke M. Rome, Ga.
There's no doubt Saltalamacchia has impressed with his tremendous power from both sides of the plate. But before assuming he's ready for Atlanta, there are certainly some things to remember. Along with three home runs, his Grapefruit League statistics through Sunday also included a .219 (7-for-32) batting average.
But more importantly, the 20-year-old catcher has just 782 at-bats above rookie level and exactly none above the Class A level. Comparatively, a then 21-year-old Jeff Francoeur had 1,269 at-bats above rookie level -- 411 of which came at Double-A Mississippi -- before he made his Major League debut last year.
The Braves will allow Saltalamacchia to continue the maturation process as a catcher at Mississippi this year. When the time comes that they're forced to make a decision, they may move him to another position, such as first base.
But until he proves himself at the Double-A level and 22-year-old Brian McCann further solidifies his status as the club's catcher of the future, there's absolutely no reason to mess with Saltalamacchia's development behind the plate.
What is your opinion of the overall depth and talent of the Braves' Minor League organization for the upcoming season? -- Lenny Land, Buford, Ga.
Recently, a top executive said, "Everybody is all excited about last year's rookies, but they haven't seen anything yet."
Obviously, it appears Francouer, McCann and Davies have the makings to be superstars at the Major League level. They proved this last year, while proving to be the most impressive of the 18 rookies the Braves used to garner a 14th consecutive division title.
But the next wave of Minor Leaguers to hit Atlanta over the next few years also has a number of potential All-Stars. Saltalamacchia obviously appears destined for a great big-league career and there's a chance Chuck James will have an impact in the Atlanta bullpen at the start of this season.
Any organization would like to have shortstop like Yunel Escobar or 17-year-old Elvis Andrus. The Braves have both.
Adding to the impressive depth of the Minor League system are the likes of third baseman Eric Campbell and 19-year-old left-hander Beau Jones, who could quickly establish himself as one of the top left-handed pitchers in the Minors.
Will Kelly Johnson get the majority of playing time in the left field platoon? -- No name submitted, Hallandale Beach, Fla.
With Diaz and Jordan available to serve as backup outfielders, Johnson will either begin this season at Triple-A Richmond or on the disabled list. His surgically-repaired right elbow has been bothering him and there's a chance he won't return by Opening Day.
There's also not a guarantee a platoon will be used in left field. Ryan Langerhans is superior defensively to both Jordan and Diaz, and he proved that he could hit left-handed pitchers in limited opportunities last year.
Who catches the bullpen pitchers when they warm up? If they are not roster players, is warming up pitchers their only job? -- Robert Hansman, Cumming, Ga.
Bullpen catcher Alan Butts and bullpen coach Bobby Dews share this responsibility, which honestly is one of the least taxing roles they assume on a daily basis.
Dews, who will celebrate his 67th birthday on Thursday, spends the afternoon hours throwing early batting practice or working on defensive skills with players. In addition, his 46 years of professional baseball experience allows him to provide plenty of astute mental coaching.
As for Butts, he organizes all of the scouting reports in preparation for coaches meetings and develops spray charts after every game. In addition, he also throws countless hours of batting practice over the course of a season.
Being in the bullpen also requires one to have thick skin and the ability to take a joke.
While in Philadelphia a few years ago, one fan chose to take a line from the popular movie "Old School," which included an older character named Blue. As Dews was in his crouch, the fan yelled "You're my boy, Blue!"

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

03/21/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- For the second year in a row, Edgar Renteria will be entering a new city in which all eyes will be on him. He can only hope they'll be much more forgiving than the ones that were upon him in Boston last season.
Coming off a forgettable one-year experience with the Red Sox, Renteria comes to Atlanta determined to prove the Braves made a wise decision when opting to acquire him in a December trade for their top prospect.
Less than five days after losing Rafael Furcal via free agency, the Braves traded Andy Marte to the Red Sox in exchange for Renteria, a man they're confident will bounce back with his return to the more familiar National League.
"I couldn't ask for a better person to fill in for Fookie (Furcal)," Marcus Giles said. "It was a great move by whoever did it."
When Braves general manager John Schuerholz learned that Renteria was available, he focused not on the fact that he had hit .276 and committed a career-high 30 errors last year. Instead, he saw the welcome opportunity to grab a 30-year-old veteran shortstop who has made four All-Star Game appearances, won two Gold Gloves and three Silver Slugger Awards.
"[It's] not only what you see on the field [that] makes him the kind of player he is," Schuerholz said. "But what we know is in the clubhouse, his teammates, his managers and his coaches and his general managers and his public relations manager will tell you this is the best teammate there is."
During the early weeks of camp, Renteria has quickly gained favor with his teammates, who believe he's quite capable of sparking their offense and at the same time providing a solid glove at the shortstop position. That's exactly what he did while establishing himself as one of the game's best players in Florida and St. Louis.
"I've liked Edgar for a long time," Chipper Jones said. "I thought we should have been in the running for him a long time ago. He's a clutch hitter, situational hitter, Gold Glove-caliber shortstop. You can't ask for anything more."
Renteria's struggles in Boston began when he hit .228 in April. The resulting boos got even louder as his defensive struggles mounted. It didn't matter that he managed to end the season hitting .276 with eight homers and 70 RBIs -- the same amount of runs driven in by Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter.
To Red Sox fans, Renteria had fallen far below their expectations. In fairness to them, this wasn't the same guy who had hit .297 and averaged 10 homers and 80 RBIs with the Cardinals between 2002-2004. Nor was he the sure-handed fielder who had totaled just 27 errors in his final two seasons with St. Louis.
"Nobody likes to get booed," Renteria said. "Maybe [it was] the fact they don't know nothing about me or they didn't believe I could play in the [American League]. But I know what I can do."
The Braves are hoping Renteria proves once again that he can be solid at the second spot in the lineup and at the same time regain the defensive skills that might have been hindered by the less than friendly infield dirt at Fenway Park last year.
Since delivering the celebratory 11th-inning single for the Marlins in Game 7 of the 1997 World Series, Renteria -- then just 22-years-old -- has proven to be a clutch performer. During his career, he's batted .296 with runners in scoring position and .303 with runners on base.
"If you don't go out and get that caliber of ballplayer, it's just a Grand Canyon in our lineup pretty much," Giles said. "It's the biggest hole ever."
Giles, who will make the move to the leadoff spot in the batting order, looks forward to working with a shortstop of Renteria's caliber. He has spent most of his professional career with Furcal as his double-play partner. But knowing the replacement comes with impressive credentials, the veteran second baseman welcomes the change.
"Like I said, before I even took one throw from him, I figured he was going to make my life easy because of how good he is and that's exactly what has happened," Giles said. "If you've got a shortstop like Fookie or Renteria, it just makes you look so much better as a second baseman because they make your life easy."
Renteria has never blamed his struggles on the Fenway Park dirt or the intense pressure that Boston brings. Instead he's accepted full responsibility and taken it upon himself to enter this season in great health. He hired a personal trainer during the offseason and came to camp looking to be in top playing shape.
"The only way you get better is by working hard, and that is what I plan to do," Renteria said.
Renteria's greatest benefit might be playing for the ever-encouraging Bobby Cox and in a city where the fans are much more forgiving. Although he didn't meet expectations in his first year with the Braves last year, Tim Hudson says Atlanta "is one of the easiest places to play."
"Everybody knows how awesome he was in St. Louis and then he goes over to Boston and Boston is a tough place to play," Hudson said. "Anybody can go there and struggle their first year."
The consensus throughout the Braves organization is that Renteria will thrive back in the National League and in a less pressurized environment.
"I respect him as a player that I've played against about as much as anybody," John Smoltz said. "That's a high regard when you talk about the likes of who I've played against. He plays the game right, plays with his head and you never hear anything about him bad. I think he's going to wear our uniform about as good as most have."

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

03/21/2006
You digest all the angst concerning the uncertainty at the end of the Braves' bullpen, and you giggle. "Don't these people know it always turns out right in Atlanta, where they always figure out a way to close out games and seasons?"
You assess all the doomsday analyses of the Braves' starting rotation, their meat and potatoes, and you shake your head. "This is new? A year ago, it was one guy out of Oakland, another guy out of the bullpen, some others out of sick bay or the shadows. Turned out all right. It always turns out all right."
Yes, the cynics allow, but now Leo Mazzone isn't on hand to make it right. And even that makes you roll your eyes. Not so much because the Braves accept the challenge of proving they can win with Roger McDowell, too, but because these skeptics, with their toes dug a little too firmly in the real world, just don't get it.
The Braves don't play by the same rules as the rest of flesh-and-bones baseball. They are not about individuals, roles, billings. They are about a system, about consistently buying into an approach, about execution both in the front office and on the field.
So, come late September, we may again find the other four teams in the National League East wearing blindfolds, with their backs to the wall.
Expressing the Braves' simple philosophy, manager Bobby Cox says, "We like what we've got. We've done it before with pieces and we'll do it again."
Call it faith, and success, by osmosis. They've done it 14 straight times now, sports history's greatest achievement. Even the Cubans -- and we all have certainly gained a deep appreciation for their talent and legitimacy -- lost the 2000 Olympics.
By the way, this isn't an idle comparison. Cuba's World Baseball Classic run through a gauntlet of Major League star-studded national teams offers a valuable reminder: Names don't win games, teams do.
And that's what the Braves have been doing since 1991. So to dimiss them now because, say, Rafael Furcal has gone to Los Angeles is to totally miss the point.
If anything, the division may have missed its chance last season. Injuries and ineffectiveness panicked the Braves into working 18 rookies into their mix. It smacked of being the type of rebuilding, transitional season all teams must endure at some point.
The difference is, in the process other teams take a hit, step back for a couple of years. The Braves chalked up another 90-win season, put another notch in their championship belt.
Now they're younger -- half of the Opening Day lineup will be new from a year ago -- and set up for another cycle of domination. Average age of that projected lineup: 27. Does this sound like a troupe heading into any sunset?
"If we don't win this division, everybody in this clubhouse will be shocked," Chipper Jones has been saying all spring. "If I were looking at it objectively, I'd probably favor other teams. But there's something special about this clubhouse, this uniform.
"We walk out on the field and expect to win. I know other teams walk out on the field and they're hoping to win. There's a big difference. We expect to win. It's not going to be any different this year."
Well, the challenge will be different. Logical arguments can be made for both the Phillies and Mets, who finished two and seven games behind, respectively, having improved.
And the Braves can't point to evidence that they've kept pace. They've lost a half-dozen veterans and, with the exception of shortstop Edgar Renteria stepping into Furcal's spot, are replacing them with youth or journeymen. So there is always the danger of misplaced conceit, that this might be the time they're wrong about feeling they can survive with small parts.
Yet, it's hard to fault their faith, even when it appears to be blind. So Chris Reitsma may seem chancy as the closer? Could anything turn out worse than last year's Dan Kolb experiment? But the Braves survived that with a communal approach -- three relievers posted saves in double figures -- and are as prepared to adjust on the fly.
Reitsma at times seems too fatalistic to succeed in the role. To him, blown saves are a routine part of an often-cruel game, which is a good bounce-back attitude for a closer. But there is a difference between being able to shake off bad days and expecting them in advance.
John Smoltz, part of Atlanta's 15-year bullpen shuffle prior to his successful return to the rotation, understands that the task is difficult because it is the one element the Braves haven't perfected.
He, Tim Hudson and the healed Horacio Ramirez are solid atop the rotation. There is enough pop in the lineup to overcome even the departure of leadoff man Furcal. So there will be late-game leads throwing a spotlight on the bullpen gate.
"There's a perception problem in Atlanta with the bullpen," Smoltz said. "It's hard to let go of the past. As soon as something goes wrong, everyone says, 'Here we go again."'
Funny. That's what the rest of the NL East has been saying about the Braves since 1991.

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

03/21/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Atlanta Braves announced today that they have reached a formalized working agreement with the Hanshin Tigers of the Japanese League.
"We are extremely pleased to announce this agreement," said Dayton Moore, Assistant General Manager/Baseball Operations. "We have great respect for the Hanshin organization and we are looking forward to developing a stronger working relationship with them."
Braves Eastern Rim Scouting Coordinator Phil Dale and International Scout Hiroyuki Oya have worked informally with the Tigers for several years in the talent evaluation of Japanese players.
"We have worked hard to develop our international scouting and Phil and Hiroyuki have had a good relationship with the Tigers for some time," Moore said. "This agreement will help us in building a strong and trusting partnership as we seek and exchange information that allows us to acquire talent from Japan."
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 Braves Radio 640 WGST and 96 Rock and regionally on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network.

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

03/22/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- As stressful as March has been for Marcus Giles, he's got plenty of reason to head into its final days with his usual youthful exuberance.
With his right shoulder rested and his healthy newborn in attendance at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex on Wednesday afternoon, Giles returned to the Braves lineup for the first time in eight days.
Serving as the leadoff hitter in a 10-inning game against the Phillies that ended in a 4-4 tie, Giles struck out, drew a walk and got picked off of first base. But he was back on the field, and more importantly, his wife, Tracy, was there behind home plate watching their 1-month old daughter, Sawyur Rae, sleep soundly.
"It's been quite a roller coaster," Tracy said of the past few weeks. "She's healthy, and we're all healthy, and thank goodness for all of that."
Giles rushed back to Atlanta for the Feb. 23 premature birth of his new daughter and remained there 10 days, until he was assured she'd overcome her respiratory problems. When he arrived back in camp, he made up for lost time and may have pushed himself too hard.
When his ailing shoulder prevented him from taking a full swing in the first inning against the Astros on March 14, he left the game and then spent the next few days resting and rehabbing.
"If we were in the regular season, I would have been playing last week sometime," Giles said. "It was never too bad, except for Tuesday night, when I came out."
Giles admits he was rather concerned before the medical staff assured him there wasn't anything structurally wrong with his shoulder. He also feels fortunate that the injury occurred during Spring Training, when he had the luxury of taking a few days of extra rest.
"I'd still be sore now, and I might feel completely healthy in three or four weeks," Giles said. "But now that I've taken four or five extra days, because we can during Spring Training, I feel fine. I feel no pain. I think that was big taking a few extra days."
With the move into the leadoff spot, this might not have been the best year for Giles to have missed so much time. He has just one hit in 13 Grapefruit League at-bats. But the Braves aren't too concerned because he has always proven he can get ready for the season much quicker than most players.
"Marcus is always ready," said Braves manager Bobby Cox, who indicated he would get Giles extra at-bats in Minor League games if he felt it were necessary.
Francoeur flexes muscles again: Speaking of getting ready for the season quickly, it doesn't appear those limited at-bats Jeff Francoeur got while playing for Team USA have affected him. His fifth-inning homer off Wayne Franklin on Wednesday gave him three homers in the four games he's played since coming back from the World Baseball Classic.
For those keeping score, it's taken him all of four games to tie for the team lead in home runs. Andruw Jones, who hit 10 in Spring Training last year, hit his first of this spring off Franklin in the fourth inning.
"He's on fire," Cox said of Francoeur, who had just nine at-bats while away with Team USA. "He's had a good at-bat every at-bat he's had."
Francoeur, who has six hits in 10 Grapefruit League at-bats, has been focusing on being more selective and forcing pitchers to throw him strikes. The homer he hit off Franklin came on a 2-0 count.
"I'm forcing [pitchers] to throw strikes, and when you do that, it makes baseball a lot easier," said Francoeur, who has been known to be a free-swinger. "I felt like too many times last year I didn't put any pressure on the pitcher."
Rusty Sosa: Having pitched just six innings while with the Dominican team that advanced to the semifinal round of the World Baseball Classic, Jorge Sosa came back to Braves camp looking forward to seeing live hitters again.
Making his first appearance for the Braves since March 2, Sosa allowed the Phillies to score four runs in the sixth inning. But he held them scoreless the next two innings and ended his three-inning stint with five strikeouts.
"I was completely lost in that first inning but felt good after that," Sosa said with Eddie Perez serving as his interpreter.
Sosa made two appearances for the Dominicans, including one in which he threw 40 pitches, and completed four innings. He's confident that he'll be able to throw at least five innings in his first start of the season.
Injury report: Wilson Betemit's strained right rib cage has improved, and he and Kelly Johnson (sore right elbow) could return to game action on Friday. Both are able to swing relatively pain-free.
The Braves aren't going to rush Macay McBride back to the mound any time soon, and it looks like he'll join fellow left-handed reliever John Foster on the disabled list to begin the year. Because the discomfort is around McBride's wrist, the club isn't too concerned about it possibly being a severe injury. He hasn't pitched since March 6.
Right-handed reliever Blaine Boyer will make his first start of the spring in a Minor League game on Thursday. Confident the inflammation in his right shoulder will no longer be a problem, he anxiously awaits his first game action since Oct. 2, when he was unable to retire a single Marlins player.
"I probably will not sleep tonight," Boyer said. "It's almost guaranteed I won't sleep. I can't wait. You don't understand. The last time I threw in a game was [October], and I didn't get an out. So I'll go up against some eighth graders if they want me to."

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

03/22/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- With Opening Day 12 days away, the Braves face the enviable dilemma of having too many quality candidates to fill their starting rotation.
But as the regular season nears its start, it's becoming much safer to assume that Kyle Davies will begin the season in the Atlanta rotation and that either John Thomson or Jorge Sosa will soon be traded.
Davies strengthened his bid with five scoreless innings against the Phillies at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex Wednesday. It was a shaky sixth inning from a rusty Sosa that allowed the visitors to come back and then salvage a 4-4 tie in a game called after 10 innings.
"I said when we came here [Davies] belongs in the big leagues," Braves manager Bobby Cox said. "I really believe that. He's really got everything down right now that you'd want in a pitcher."
Davies, who made 14 starts for Atlanta last year, has allowed just one run in 14 Grapefruit League innings. The 22-year-old right-hander will make two more exhibition appearances and then assume his likely spot in the Atlanta rotation.
"I feel good about the results," Davies said. "But it's more or less about getting your arm ready for the season, wherever it's going to be."
While there's still a chance Davies could start the year at Triple-A Richmond, the ringing endorsements he's received from Cox and his teammates after his past two appearances seem to indicate otherwise.
"He's certainly got the makeup and the stuff to be a really, really good one," Chipper Jones said. "I don't think there's any doubt about that. We've just got to let him get his sea legs. When he gets them, I can see him as a future [number] one or two starter."
Making the relatively safe assumption that John Smoltz, Tim Hudson, Horacio Ramirez and Davies have secured four of the spots in the five-man rotation, the Braves now must decide what to do with Thomson and Sosa, who are both drawing some interest in the trade market.
With top scout Jim Fregosi having arrived in town this week for meetings, the chances of the Braves making yet another late March trade have increased. During the past two years, they've acquired Chris Reitsma and Sosa during the final week of camp.
The Braves would like to use their depth in the starting pitching department to help strengthen an injury-plagued bullpen. But there are very few teams willing to part ways with relievers who would provide equal compensation in exchange for either Sosa or Thomson.
As for Davies, he falls into that untouchable category. Jason Schmidt and Jason Marquis were also once labeled "can't misses" in the Braves' Minor League system. But neither can match what Davies does both mentally and physically.
"He's just a starting pitcher," Braves catcher Brian McCann said. "He's got three pitches, and he can throw them all for strikes. With his demeanor, he's got the best poise I've seen."
McCann grew up playing against Davies in the Atlanta area, and the two spent a number of seasons together in the Minor League system. They began the 2004 season together at Advanced Class A Myrtle Beach, where in 14 starts, the young right-hander limited opponents to a .208 batting average.
"He was unhittable in the Minor Leagues," said McCann, who enters this season as Atlanta's starting catcher.
Davies' physical abilities may only be dwarfed by his mental strength, which was immediately displayed during the five scoreless innings he provided in his May 21 Major League debut against the Red Sox at Fenway Park last year.
Davies allowed just two runs and totaled 23 1/3 innings in his first four career starts. By the time the 2005 season concluded, his statistics as a starter included a 4.28 ERA and .274 batting average allowed.
His struggles came because of his inability to keep the ball down in the strike zone. Thinking back, he believes that was a result of trying to be too fine and precise in the strike zone.
"I feel like sometimes when I leave the ball up is when I don't want to throw the ball and I'm trying to place the ball," Davies said. "This year, I'm not taking that attitude into any start. I'm just going out there and trying to pitch and give 100 percent every time."
Even if the seemingly obvious proves to be wrong and Davies does indeed begin this season in Richmond, he's determined to stay focused and await his chance to continue his construction of what appears to be a very promising big-league career.
"If I go there, it's not something I'm going to get down about," Davies said. "If they send me there, I'm just going to pitch. That's all you can do."
Keeping with that theme, it appears he's already done all he had to do to prove he belongs in the Atlanta rotation.

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

03/22/2006
Braves at the plate: Andruw Jones hit his first homer of the spring, a two-out fourth-inning solo shot. Jeff Francoeur's fifth-inning solo blast gave him his third homer in the past four games. Marcus Giles struck out and drew a walk in his first game since March 14.
Phillies at the plate: Ryan Howard continued his power barrage with a three-run sixth-inning homer off Jorge Sosa. It was Howard's ninth Grapefruit League home run. Chris Roberson provided two singles, including one to begin a four-run sixth inning.
Braves on the mound: Kyle Davies allowed four hits in five scoreless innings. Sosa, making his first appearance since returning from the World Baseball Classic, allowed three singles and Howard's homer before recording his second out in the sixth inning.
Phillies on the mound: Ryan Franklin allowed two earned runs and three hits in five innings. Geoff Geary allowed an Adam LaRoche double, but he completed a scoreless sixth inning.
Grapefruit League records: Phillies 14-6-1; Braves 7-13-1.

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

03/23/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Jarrod Saltalamacchia knows there will be many more big-league camps in his future. Sean White can only hope the positive impression he left during his first one will be a lasting one.
Saltalamacchia and White were among the 10 players sent back to Minor League camp when the Braves made their second round of cuts on Thursday afternoon. They now have 35 players remaining in camp.
Coming into his first big-league camp, Saltalamacchia, a 20-year-old switch-hitting catcher, knew there was the slimmest of chances that he'd begin this season on the Major League roster. But he still took advantage of his opportunity, belting three homers that seemingly hid the .206 batting average he produced.
"Pretty dang good impression," Braves manager Bobby Cox said of the young catcher known as Salty. "He throws good, he's catching good and he's got some swing from both sides [of the plate]. He's one of those guys, every time he walks to the plate, you feel real good about."
Saltalamacchia, who is considered one of the game's top catching prospects, hit .314 with 19 homers and 81 RBIs at Class A Myrtle Beach last year. He'll begin this season serving as Double-A Mississippi's catcher.
White, who allowed just three runs (all in one appearance) in 12 spring innings, will begin this year in Mississippi's rotation. There was some thought he might land the final spot in Atlanta's bullpen. But the Braves believe the right-hander, who will be 25 on April 25, needs to continue his development as a starting pitcher.
"We like him a lot," Cox said of White, who combined for 26 starts with Myrtle Beach and Mississippi last year. "He's really shown well here."
Other players sent to Minor League camp included Anthony Lerew, who was reassigned to Triple-A Richmond, and Wes Obermueller, who will also begin this season at Richmond. Both were considered legitimate candidates to earn a bullpen spot.
"He's much better than what he showed here," Cox said of Obermueller, who posted a 10.13 ERA in five Grapefruit League appearances.
The Braves also sent right-handed pitcher Chad Paronto and Travis Smith to Richmond. They'll be joined there by Cesar Crespo, David Kelton and Michael Ryan, a trio of longtime Minor Leaguers who didn't make a strong impression. Catcher Steve Pyzik was sent to Myrtle Beach's camp.
Thomson ignoring rumors: Whether they're planning to trade him or not, John Thomson certainly made the Braves happy with his best performance of the spring in Thursday afternoon's game against the Indians, which ended in a 1-1 tie after 10 innings.
In the process, it can be said that he either enhanced his trade value or at least provided the Braves reason to believe he's still capable of being a top-notch pitcher in the middle of a rotation.
Thomson, who had allowed four earned runs in three of his previous four starts, allowed one run and five hits in six innings. Afterward, he admitted that he's well aware of the fact the Braves may choose to trade him because he's one of six quality arms they have to fill their five-man starting rotation.
"It's there," Thomson said. "I have no control over it. All I can do every fifth day is pitch and get everybody out."
Before heading to the bullpen on Thursday, Thomson asked pitching coach Roger McDowell how much stock he put into Spring Training results. McDowell responded by telling the veteran right-hander that Tom Seaver had told him many years ago that pitchers shouldn't worry about their spring stats.
"This was a big confidence builder for me," said Thomson, who saw the Braves exercise his $4.75 million option in November.
One National League scout reconfirmed on Thursday that the Braves are trying to deal either Thomson or Jorge Sosa, who will make $2.2 million this year. But they're seeking bullpen help and other teams aren't willing to part with quality relievers.
Book again links Sheffield to steroids: Former Brave Gary Sheffield has once again been linked to steroids, this time in "Game of Shadows," the new book which deals with Barry Bonds and the BALCO case.
Andruw Jones denies having any knowledge of Sheffield ever using steroids. But he understands that there have been many players using different chemicals and substances for many years.
Starting this season, Major League Baseball has banned amphetamines, which have often been used in the form of pills called "greenies."
"Steroids have been around for a long time, man," Andruw Jones said. "And all the supplements, all the things people take to play the game -- the pills, the 'greenies' -- they've been around forever.
"Some of the greatest players that ever played took [greenies]. I'm not saying they took steroids. ... But greenies have been around the game forever, not just 10 years.
"But what can you say? You can't prove it. They played the game and they're done, and now what can you say?"
Relievers itching to get rolling: Blaine Boyer threw some 93-mph fastballs in an intrasquad Minor League game on Thursday morning. The right-handed reliever exited his one-inning stint feeling more confident that he's overcome the problems his inflamed right shoulder has provided since the end of last season.
"I felt like if I wanted to, I could have revved back and thrown 100 [mph]," Boyer said. "That's how good I felt."
Cox watched the inning, during which Boyer allowed two soft singles, and came away impressed. He says the right-handed reliever will throw another inning on Saturday.
"He excited me a little bit," Cox said. "He was throwing 91-93 [mph]. He threw some breaking balls and changeups. He looked good."
Like Boyer, Macay McBride, who hasn't pitched since March 6 because of a slight muscle strain above his left wrist, may not be ready for Opening Day. The left-handed reliever will throw on Friday and get a better feel of whether there's still discomfort when he throws his four-seam fastball.
"I have no doubt in my mind that, by the time we leave here, I'll be ready to go," McBride said. "My arm will be fully recovered."
If McBride and Boyer don't throw in a big-league game, they can be placed on the disabled list with a date retroactive to nine days before the start of the regular season. Thus they would be eligible to come off the DL on April 8, which is scheduled to be the Braves' sixth game of the year.
"I don't understand how all that works," McBride said. "I just want the sucker to feel good, and that's all that matters."
Braves bits: Jeff Francoeur banged his left shoulder while making a diving catch on Wednesday and was given a chance to rest on Thursday. He'll likely return to the lineup on Friday and be joined by Wilson Betemit, who hasn't played since March 13 because of a strained right rib cage. ... Kelly Johnson, who hasn't played since March 15 because of an ailing right elbow, has been cleared to pinch hit.

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

03/23/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Since moving from Milwaukee in 1966, the Braves have allowed the city of Atlanta to savor the lasting memories provided by Hank Aaron, Phil Niekro, Dale Murphy, Chipper Jones and Andruw Jones.
During the first 40 seasons in their current hometown, the Braves have established a current streak of 14 consecutive division titles, seen Hank Aaron become baseball's home run king and cherished the night when all of Atlanta celebrated the 1995 World Series title.
To celebrate 40 memorable years, the Braves have scheduled a number of events for fans to enjoy throughout this season. The first will come on April 12, when they commemorate the 40th anniversary of the first game played in Atlanta.
"It's going to be really exciting to commemorate 40 years of Braves baseball memories," Braves senior vice president of sales and marketing Derek Schiller said.
During the first game at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, the Braves dropped a 3-2 decision to the Pirates and saw their starting pitcher Tony Cloninger throw all 13 innings. Five Hall of Famers (Aaron, Eddie Mathews, Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell and Bill Mazeroski) played, and current Yankees manager Joe Torre, who may one day be enshrined in Cooperstown, accounted for the Braves' runs with two solo homers.
Obviously Torre's duties will prevent him from being at Turner Field on April 12. But approximately 15 members of the 1966 team will be present throughout the day to participate in a number of events that will begin with the Braves Leadoff Luncheon.
Each member of the 2006 Braves will also attend the luncheon, which will be held in the 755 Club. Later that night, during their game against the Phillies, they will don replica 1966 uniforms. Adding to the theme, fans can purchase $2 tickets in the Upper Pavilion and Upper Reserved sections for the game.
Before the game, members of the 1966 team will be in the Fan Plaza signing autographs and participating in question-and-answer sessions. Their attendance will also be recognized during a pregame ceremony.
During the game, the Braves will hold a "Jerseys Off Their Backs Raffle" in which the winners will be presented a jersey worn by one of the players during the game.
"We have a great opportunity to have two great events back-to-back," said Schiller in reference to the Braves' first home game, also against the Phillies, on April 10.
Players from the 1966 team expected to attend include: Lee Bales, Frank Bolling, Rico Carty, Ty Cline, Cloninger, Mike de la Hoz, Pat Jarvis, Ken Johnson, Denny Lemaster, Denis Menke, Felix Millan, Niekro, Gene Oliver, Jay Ritchie, Don Schwall and Woody Woodward.
Aaron will not be able to attend because of a previous engagement. But many of his historic homers, including his record-breaking 715th, will be remembered during the month of May.
Every month, the Braves plan to celebrate a different decade. During April, many of their in-game promotions and giveaway items will recognize the team's achievements and historical moments of the 1960s.
The first 20,000 fans attending Opening Day will receive the first of six commemorative pins presented by Home Depot. During May, Turner Field will have a 1970s feel and fans will have plenty of opportunities to celebrate the evening of April 8, 1974, when Aaron passed Babe Ruth on the all-time home run list.
Before every Sunday home game throughout the season, the Braves will have former players from specific decades available in the Fan Plaza to sign autographs.
Before every Friday home game, fans will be treated to a concert representative of the specific decade theme of the month. At the end of each of those Friday night games, fans will be treated to a fireworks display that is supposedly just slightly less impressive than the one the Braves present after July 4th home games.

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

03/23/2006
Braves at the plate: Chipper Jones' first-inning single and a Matt Diaz fifth-inning single accounted for the only Braves hits through the first five innings. James Jurries' sixth-inning sacrifice fly to right scored the Braves' first run. Marcus Giles drew three walks to give him four in his past five plate appearances.
Indians at the plate: Consecutive two-out doubles by Todd Hollandsworth and Andy Marte led to the game's first run in the top of the sixth inning. Marte, Franklin Gutierrez and C.C. Sabathia accounted for the three hits the Indians recorded in the first five innings.
Braves on the mound: John Thomson allowed a run on five hits in six innings. He retired 10 batters in a row before allowing the consecutive doubles in the sixth inning. Joey Devine recorded two strikeouts in a perfect eighth inning.
Indians on the mound: Sabathia allowed four hits and one run in six innings. Two of the four singles the southpaw surrendered came in the sixth inning. Guillermo Mota tossed two scoreless innings.
Grapefruit League records: Indians 15-9-1; Braves 8-13-1.

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

03/24/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Things have never looked so good for Matt Diaz, and it's not simply because he's expected to be included on an Opening Day Major League roster for the first time in his life.
While being examined by vision specialist Dr. Bill Harrison in late February, Diaz learned that he basically had no depth perception. He's since been given a corrective contact lens that he wears in his right eye. Diaz, who is expected to begin the season in Atlanta as a backup outfielder, is entering his eighth season of professional baseball. But while with his two previous organizations, the Devil Rays and Royals, he was never informed of his lack of depth perception.
"Maybe it's the sugar pill or placebo," Diaz said. "But whatever it is, mentally it's helped."
While it may provide some assistance offensively, the lens is expected to have its greatest effect defensively, which is certainly the weaker aspect of Diaz's game.
During this year's first Grapefruit League game, Diaz misplayed a ball in left field. The next day, he began wearing the lens and hasn't had trouble tracking balls since. As for his offense, the .358 batting average he's produced simply continues the trend he followed throughout his Minor League career.
"Offensively, I've worked real hard," Diaz said. "Defensively, everybody is saying I'm taking good jumps. I've always felt OK, just sometimes I've lost the ball. I lost the ball just once all spring and that was on the first day. I got the contact on the second day. I don't know if it's a coincidence or not."
Diaz, who turned 28 on March 3, has hit .309 and produced a .475 slugging percentage during his Minor League career. But with all of his success, he's still played in just 14 Major League games.
That will change this year with the Braves, who will use him as pinch-hitter and give him some time at the corner outfield positions.
"You can't have a much better spring than he's having," Braves manager Bobby Cox said.
Diaz's greatest opportunity should come against left-handed pitchers. In 54 at-bats with Kansas City last year, he hit .370 against them. In his 72 at-bats against southpaws with Triple-A Omaha last year, he hit .403.
Trade winds still a blowin': As the regular season quickly approaches, there's a growing belief that John Thomson will be traded in the next few days. The Braves have talked to a number of teams, including the Rangers, about Thomson, expressing their desire to be compensated bullpen help.
The Rangers may be willing to part ways with Joaquin Benoit, a strong-armed right-hander.
The Braves know John Foster won't be available for the start of the regular season, and it appears Macay McBride could also miss at least the first few weeks of April. McBride has a left forearm muscle strain that is causing bruising just above his left wrist. Cox said it's an injury that the team's medical staff hasn't seen before. McBride hasn't pitched since March 6 and it's unknown when he'll be able to pitch again.
As the Braves' roster currently stands, Chuck James and Mike Remlinger would likely begin the season as the left-handed relievers. Remlinger was once thought to be a long shot to earn a roster spot. But with four consecutive impressive performances, the 40-year-old southpaw has certainly earned a chance to prove himself again.
Remlinger allowed one hit in one scoreless inning during a 4-2 loss to the Nationals at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex on Friday night. He's allowed two runs (one earned) in his past four appearances.
"Rem has so much knowledge, I think he's going to help this team in a lot of ways," said closer Chris Reitsma, who tossed a scoreless eighth on Friday and has allowed just two hits in the five scoreless innings he's worked during the Grapefruit League season.
Hudson ready for Opening Day: Completing six innings in his second to last Grapefruit League start, Opening Day starter Tim Hudson allowed the Nationals four earned runs and five hits. He also struck out six and issued just two walks.
Hudson's only mistake came when he didn't get a fastball in far enough against Alfonso Soriano, who was making his third consecutive start in left field. Soriano turned on the pitch and belted it for a three-run homer in the fifth inning.
During his final start of the spring on Wednesday against the Mets, Hudson hopes to put more emphasis on his curveball and cut fastball. "I feel like I'm where I need to be," Hudson said. "I feel like my arm is in shape to where I can throw [the curve and cutter] a lot more."
Braves bits: Jeff Francoeur had three singles on Friday to raise his batting average to .692. Since returning from the World Baseball Classic, the 22-year-old right fielder has nine hits, including three homers, in 13 at-bats. ... Blaine Boyer said he will pitch against the Dodgers in Vero Beach on Sunday. The right-handed reliever, who has battled shoulder inflammation since the end of last season, could be available by the start of the regular season's second week.

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

03/24/2006
Braves at the plate: Jeff Francoeur contributed three singles, including one that scored Chipper Jones in the fourth inning. Brian McCann followed that RBI single with an RBI double.
Nationals at the plate: Alfonso Soriano, making his third consecutive start in left field, drilled a one-out, three-run homer in the fifth inning. Doubles from Jose Guillen and Ryan Zimmerman provided the Nationals their first run in the fourth inning.
Braves on the mound: Tim Hudson allowed four earned runs and five hits in six innings. He retired 10 of the first 11 batters he faced and then ran into some trouble in the fourth and fifth innings.
Nationals on the mound: Livan Hernandez allowed two runs and six hits in six innings. He threw 54 of 89 pitches for strikes.
Grapefruit League records: Nationals 7-17; Braves 7-14.

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