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trueDavid2006-07-21T10:41:00-07:002006-07-21T17:44:03Z2006-07-21T17:44:03Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-115350384364583818Braves fall to Cards in finale07/20/2006
ST. LOUIS -- For the first time since the All-Star break, the Braves found somebody capable of ending the ridiculous offensive flurry that had carried them over the past week.
Facing defending National League Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter at Busch Stadium on Wednesday night, the Braves were reminded there will be some nights in which they aren't able to provide their pitchingfalseDavid2006-07-21T10:40:00-07:002006-07-21T17:41:27Z2006-07-21T17:41:27Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-115350368702302334Campbell learning on fly in Minors07/20/2006
ATLANTA -- Eric Campbell's journey through the Minors has been an adjustment. Well, it's been more like a journey of adjustments.
Last year, it was the batting stance; this year, it's his defensive position. The recently-converted third baseman has spent his first season for the Class A Rome Braves learning to manage the hot corner.
It's been a slow and frustrating process, he said, butfalseDavid2006-07-21T10:39:00-07:002006-07-21T17:39:49Z2006-07-21T17:39:49Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-115350358916934988Chipper's July reviving Braves07/20/2006
ST. LOUIS -- With every swing of his bat, Chipper Jones is creating memories of the dominant July that he enjoyed seven years ago. It was a torrid month that propelled him through an amazing second half and toward his 1999 National League Most Valuable Player Award.
Seven years later, Jones has once again put the Braves' offense on his back. He has begun the second half on a pace thatfalseDavid2006-07-21T10:29:00-07:002006-07-21T17:38:28Z2006-07-21T17:38:28Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-115350350844663348Braves acquire Wickman from Indians07/20/2006
ATLANTA -- Just before he boarded his flight from St. Louis to Atlanta on Thursday morning, John Schuerholz made one final phone call, and ended it with a smile. He had just put the final touches on a trade to bring Bob Wickman from the Indians in exchange for Minor League catcher Maximiliano Ramirez.
With his team having moved back into the thick of the National League Wild Card chase,falseDavid2006-04-03T00:14:00-07:002006-04-03T07:15:23Z2006-04-03T07:15:23Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404852379148836Ramirez solid, but Braves fall to Mets03/16/2006
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 sacrificefalseDavid2006-04-03T00:13:00-07:002006-04-03T07:14:22Z2006-04-03T07:14:22Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404846270235754Salty making solid first impression03/16/2006
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 offalseDavid2006-04-03T00:12:00-07:002006-04-03T07:13:21Z2006-04-03T07:13:21Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404840100944977Notes: Giles avoids another crisis03/16/2006
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'falseDavid2006-04-03T00:08:00-07:002006-04-03T07:11:43Z2006-04-03T07:11:43Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404830389808242Notes: Cox raves about Davies03/17/2006
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 onfalseDavid2006-04-03T00:07:00-07:002006-04-03T07:08:01Z2006-04-03T07:08:01Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404808191687766Naysayers don't bother Reitsma03/17/2006
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 difficultfalseDavid2006-04-03T00:06:00-07:002006-04-03T07:06:44Z2006-04-03T07:06:44Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404800408054158Braves shut out by Houston03/17/2006
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 thefalseDavid2006-04-03T00:04:00-07:002006-04-03T07:05:50Z2006-04-03T07:05:50Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404795034367094Notes: Aussie Moylan gets his shot03/18/2006
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," saidfalseDavid2006-04-03T00:03:00-07:002006-04-03T07:04:40Z2006-04-03T07:04:40Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404788085109612Cox glad to have Classic players back03/18/2006
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 finalfalseDavid2006-04-03T00:02:00-07:002006-04-03T07:03:27Z2006-04-03T07:03:27Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404780708596296Saltalamacchia homers in defeat03/18/2006
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:falseDavid2006-04-02T23:59:00-07:002006-04-03T07:02:23Z2006-04-03T07:02:23Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404774339374902Francoeur homers in Braves victory03/18/2006
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 thirdfalseDavid2006-04-02T23:58:00-07:002006-04-03T06:59:35Z2006-04-03T06:59:35Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404757500388262Notes: Cormier out to regain form03/19/2006
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 offalseDavid2006-04-02T23:57:00-07:002006-04-03T06:58:15Z2006-04-03T06:58:15Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404749563342203Holt not being overlooked03/19/2006
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 thirdfalseDavid2006-04-02T23:56:00-07:002006-04-03T06:57:12Z2006-04-03T06:57:12Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404743239515753Braves, Hudson dealt a defeat03/19/2006
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 singledfalseDavid2006-04-02T23:55:00-07:002006-04-03T06:56:03Z2006-04-03T06:56:03Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404736347139510Braves quick hits03/20/2006
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 SmoltzfalseDavid2006-04-02T23:53:00-07:002006-04-03T06:54:32Z2006-04-03T06:54:32Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404727201249094Curtain goes up on Elvis03/20/2006
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,falseDavid2006-04-02T23:52:00-07:002006-04-03T06:53:28Z2006-04-03T06:53:28Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404720850386594Smoltz pitches Braves past Cards03/20/2006
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 andfalseDavid2006-04-02T23:51:00-07:002006-04-03T06:52:33Z2006-04-03T06:52:33Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404715315899308Mailbag: Will it be Jurries or Jordan?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 alwaysfalseDavid2006-04-02T23:50:00-07:002006-04-03T06:51:12Z2006-04-03T06:51:12Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404707271731336Another new home for Renteria03/21/2006
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 optingfalseDavid2006-04-02T23:48:00-07:002006-04-03T06:49:52Z2006-04-03T06:49:52Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404699228491834Same old doubts, same old Braves03/21/2006
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 wasfalseDavid2006-04-02T23:47:00-07:002006-04-03T06:47:56Z2006-04-03T06:47:56Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404687617975927Braves announce working agreement with Hanshin Tigers03/21/2006
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 strongerfalseDavid2006-04-02T23:46:00-07:002006-04-03T06:47:01Z2006-04-03T06:47:01Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404682127636015Notes: Giles weathers turbulent month03/22/2006
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 thefalseDavid2006-04-02T23:44:00-07:002006-04-03T06:45:47Z2006-04-03T06:45:47Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404674790831276Davies likely sews up rotation spot03/22/2006
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 strengthenedfalseDavid2006-04-02T23:43:00-07:002006-04-03T06:44:41Z2006-04-03T06:44:41Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404668164082012Andruw hits first spring homer in tie03/22/2006
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 wasfalseDavid2006-04-02T23:41:00-07:002006-04-03T06:43:15Z2006-04-03T06:43:15Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404659587866553Notes: Salty among latest cuts03/23/2006
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 playersfalseDavid2006-04-02T23:40:00-07:002006-04-03T06:41:08Z2006-04-03T06:41:08Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404646829320083Braves to honor 40th year in Atlanta03/23/2006
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'sfalseDavid2006-04-02T23:38:00-07:002006-04-03T06:40:02Z2006-04-03T06:40:02Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404640207372354Thomson solid as Braves tie Tribe03/23/2006
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 ToddfalseDavid2006-04-02T23:36:00-07:002006-04-03T06:38:35Z2006-04-03T06:38:35Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404631545545020Notes: Diaz focused on breakthrough03/24/2006
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 thatfalseDavid2006-04-02T23:32:00-07:002006-04-03T06:35:47Z2006-04-03T06:35:47Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404614738104831Braves fall to Nationals03/24/2006
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 thefalseDavid2006-04-02T23:30:00-07:002006-04-03T06:32:26Z2006-04-03T06:32:26Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404594680641953Notes: Francoeur practicing patience03/25/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- While there might be better ways to develop patience, the eye infection that confined Jeff Francoeur to his living room much of November might have actually been a blessing in disguise.
Battling the infection, which was caused by a displaced piece of cartilage from his nose, required Francoeur to receive antibiotics intravenously for up to six hours a day fromfalseDavid2006-04-02T23:27:00-07:002006-04-03T06:30:02Z2006-04-03T06:30:02Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404580272400631Take me out with the crowd03/25/2006
ATLANTA -- For real fans, any day is a good day for baseball.
There were plenty of real fans at Turner Field on Saturday afternoon as the Braves held their 2006 Open House.
While sunny skies disguised temperatures that barely got above 50 degrees, conditions made worse by a stiff wind, and forced those coming to the field to don winter apparel, spring fever was contagious and spiritsfalseDavid2006-04-02T23:26:00-07:002006-04-03T06:27:06Z2006-04-03T06:27:06Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404562631117093Smoltz strong in Braves loss03/25/2006
Braves at the plate: James Jurries had a single and double. A Brian Jordan groundout allowed the Braves to score their second run in the third innning.
Indians at the plate: Jhonny Peralta and Victor Martinez had consecutive one-out singles to help the Indians score their first run in the fourth inning. Ronnie Belliard had an RBI single in the sixth inning, then knocked in the winningfalseDavid2006-04-02T23:23:00-07:002006-04-03T06:25:38Z2006-04-03T06:25:38Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404553804563157Notes: Boyer may be ready for opener03/26/2006
VERO BEACH, Fla. -- Just a week ago, it was far too unclear for Braves manager Bobby Cox to determine when he might get Blaine Boyer back in his bullpen.
Things have since progressed so well that there's now a chance Boyer could be on Atlanta's Opening Day roster.
"For me, he could pitch right now," Cox said after watching Boyer need just 10 pitches to complete a perfect eighth inningfalseDavid2006-04-02T23:22:00-07:002006-04-03T06:22:59Z2006-04-03T06:22:59Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404537951089856LaRoche homers in loss to Dodgers03/26/2006
Braves at the plate: Adam LaRoche hit a solo home run in the fourth inning. Matt Diaz, who had three hits, singled off Eric Gagne to knock in Ryan Langerhans, who'd doubled, for the Braves' second run.
Dodgers at the plate: Rafael Furcal had two singles and drove in all three runs. Jose Cruz Jr. singled, walked twice and scored twice.
Braves on the mound: Starter Horacio Ramirez allowedfalseDavid2006-04-02T23:19:00-07:002006-04-03T06:21:32Z2006-04-03T06:21:32Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404529218059414Notes: Schuerholz not tipping his hand03/27/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Braves general manager John Schuerholz admits he's had some really intense trade discussions with other teams. But he warns that this doesn't necessarily mean he'll be wheeling and dealing this week.
Of course, this is the stance he annually takes during the final week of the exhibition season. Yet during the final week of Spring Training the past two years,falseDavid2006-04-02T23:15:00-07:002006-04-03T06:18:04Z2006-04-03T06:18:04Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404508479702931Reitsma injured in win over Yankees03/28/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Chris Reitsma was forced to leave Monday night's game against the Yankees with what appears to be a slight strain of his left hamstring.
Both Reitsma and the Braves are hopeful the injury is a minor one and that he'll be able ready to assume his role as closer when the regular season begins next week.
"It's just a little strain," Reitsma said. "I think I gotfalseDavid2006-04-02T23:14:00-07:002006-04-03T06:15:42Z2006-04-03T06:15:42Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404494218531459Notes: Thomson nursing sore elbow03/28/2006
KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- There's no longer a need to wonder if John Thomson will be traded this week. The only question surrounding the Braves right-hander now is whether he'll be healthy enough to be a part of the rotation or bullpen when the regular season begins.
Thomson was scratched from his scheduled Tuesday afternoon start against the Astros at Osceola County Stadium. But immediatefalseDavid2006-04-02T23:13:00-07:002006-04-03T06:14:35Z2006-04-03T06:14:35Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404487511033573McCann enjoys big day in win03/28/2006
Braves at the plate: Atlanta took a 4-0 lead in the first frame, thanks to doubles by leadoff man Marcus Giles, Chipper Jones and Brian Jordan. No. 8 hitter Brian McCann was 2-for-3 with a double and a solo homer. Giles was 2-for-2 with a walk.
Astros at the plate: Brad Ausmus was 2-for-3 with three RBIs. His fifth-inning triple drove in two runs. Lance Berkman was 2-for-3 and scored afalseDavid2006-04-02T23:12:00-07:002006-04-03T06:13:29Z2006-04-03T06:13:29Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404480901901178Hudson sharp in win over Mets03/29/2006
Braves at the plate: Tim Hudson helped his own cause with a second-inning two-run single that scored Adam LaRoche and Matt Diaz, who had reached with an opposite-field double. Diory Hernandez and Todd Pratt added sacrifice flies in the eighth inning.
Mets at the plate: Chris Woodward had two singles, including one that scored Jose Valentin with two outs in the fourth inning.
Braves onfalseDavid2006-04-02T23:11:00-07:002006-04-03T06:12:36Z2006-04-03T06:12:36Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404475645703947Notes: Reitsma expects to be ready03/29/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Chris Reitsma walked through the Braves' clubhouse early Wednesday morning without a limp and fully confident that he'll be available to handle his closing duties when the regular season begins.
Reitsma's optimistic revelation simply began what seemed to be a pretty good day for the Atlanta's pitching staff.
After Reitsma delivered the positive update, OpeningfalseDavid2006-04-02T23:10:00-07:002006-04-03T06:11:20Z2006-04-03T06:11:20Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404468008902442Schuerholz yet to meet with Glavine03/29/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- As Tom Glavine was taking batting practice before Wednesday afternoon's game against his former Braves teammates at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex, the public-address announcer informed fans that Atlanta general manager John Schuerholz would be signing his new book in the stadium's concourse.
Glavine, who made the trip with his Mets teammates, was ablefalseDavid2006-04-02T23:09:00-07:002006-04-03T06:09:58Z2006-04-03T06:09:58Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404459856473315Smoltz solid in final spring start03/30/2006
Braves at the plate: Jeff Francoeur knocked in the first run of the game with a sacrifice fly to center field, while Marcus Giles came through with an RBI double an inning later. Diory Hernandez, Ryan Langerhans and Wilson Betemit also drove in runs.
Nationals at the plate: Jose Vidro had an RBI groundout in the third inning, while Nick Johnson scored the second run of the game anfalseDavid2006-04-02T23:08:00-07:002006-04-03T06:08:42Z2006-04-03T06:08:42Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404452206330018Batter Up: Brian McCann03/30/2006
Spring Training definitely felt different this year. Last year, I came in and felt uncomfortable. I didn't really know how to go about walking around the clubhouse.
After getting a taste of what to expect last year, I've definitely been more comfortable. Last year, I'd only been around some of the veteran players at Spring Training, and you don't talk much. You just listen. So when IfalseDavid2006-04-02T23:06:00-07:002006-04-03T06:07:44Z2006-04-03T06:07:44Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404446474968463Notes: Braves face decisions03/30/2006
VIERA, Fla. -- As Braves manager Bobby Cox reminisces about his long career, he can think of only one instance in which he took pride in cutting a player. It happened back in the early 1970s, and the kid was somebody who liked to start clubhouse fights more than he liked to pitch.
Every year he's been a manager since then, he's had to regrettably tell some players that there isn't afalseDavid2006-04-02T23:05:00-07:002006-04-03T06:05:58Z2006-04-03T06:05:58Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404435826763438Braves Opening Day outlook03/31/2006
Because of injury, illness and participation in the World Baseball Classic, Spring Training had a different feel than any of the others manager Bobby Cox has ever experienced. But with yet another solid rotation and hopes that Andruw Jones will build upon last year's success, he and his Braves confidently begin their quest for a 15th consecutive division title.
Cox came to camp wantingfalseDavid2006-04-02T23:03:00-07:002006-04-03T06:04:46Z2006-04-03T06:04:46Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404428609650821New ace set to lead Braves03/31/2006
With their new ace on the mound and their former shortstop in the other dugout, the Braves will begin their quest toward a 15th consecutive division title.
The Braves will send Tim Hudson to the mound to face Rafael Furcal and the Dodgers on Monday afternoon at Dodger Stadium. This will be the first game of the season for both teams.
Entering his second season with the Braves, HudsonfalseDavid2006-04-02T23:00:00-07:002006-04-03T06:03:33Z2006-04-03T06:03:33Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404421343691188Clubhouse bond a major factor03/31/2006
Since they began their current run of 14 consecutive division titles, the Braves have appropriately seen their stellar pitching staffs receive most of the credit.
But the one consistent element that shouldn't be overlooked is the harmonious clubhouse that is annually created by manager Bobby Cox and upstanding veterans like John Smoltz.
As the Braves begin their quest for a 15thfalseDavid2006-04-02T22:59:00-07:002006-04-03T05:59:59Z2006-04-03T05:59:59Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404399996388149Chipper gets pair of hits in loss03/31/2006
Braves at the plate: Atlanta scored twice in the first inning, when left fielder Pablo Ozuna dropped Adam LaRoche's fly ball on the left-field line. Chipper Jones, who had two singles, scored the Braves' third run on a Jeff Francoeur ground out.
White Sox at the plate: Paul Konerko began the eighth inning with his third homer of the spring. Juan Uribe had a double and two singles. ThefalseDavid2006-04-02T22:56:00-07:002006-04-03T05:58:41Z2006-04-03T05:58:41Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404392132388064Braves make final cuts, roster set04/01/2006
ATLANTA -- With James Jurries sitting next to him, Matt Diaz had to keep his emotions in check.
For the first time in his life, he'd been told he was on an Opening Day roster. But seated to his left was one of his closest friends, a man whose spectacular spring was tarnished by the fact that he won't begin this season with Atlanta.
When Braves manager Bobby Cox made his final cuts andfalseDavid2006-04-02T22:54:00-07:002006-04-03T05:56:02Z2006-04-03T05:56:02Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404376280942778Notes: Thomson moving to bullpen04/01/2006
ATLANTA -- John Thomson exited the Braves' bullpen feeling pretty good about his elbow on Friday afternoon.
Somewhat surprisingly, he's also not upset with the fact he'll be spending a lot more time down there in the 'pen.
Before the Braves left Florida on Thursday, Thomson was informed by pitching coach Roger McDowell that he'll begin the season as a reliever. In comparison to thefalseDavid2006-04-02T22:52:00-07:002006-04-03T05:54:06Z2006-04-03T05:54:06Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404364628726946Braves fall to White Sox04/01/2006
Braves at the plate: Chipper Jones and Adam LaRoche both provided two-hit performances that included a double. LaRoche scored on Brandon Jones' fifth-inning RBI single and again on James Jurries' groundout in the two-run seventh inning.
White Sox at the plate: Jermaine Dye's RBI double highlighted a three-run third inning that included RBI singles from Paul Konerko and Ross Gload. JimfalseDavid2006-04-02T22:50:00-07:002006-04-03T05:51:42Z2006-04-03T05:51:42Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404350222771790Notes: Jurries remains positive04/01/2006
ATLANTA -- When James Jurries left Turner Field on Friday night, there wasn't a single teammate, coach, administrator or media member who wasn't feeling sorry for him.
Nobody could fully understand the pain he had felt when he was told he wouldn't be on the Opening Day roster.
But after having the opportunity to evaluate the decision and be consoled by his parents, Jurries returned tofalseDavid2006-04-02T22:44:00-07:002006-04-03T05:50:06Z2006-04-03T05:50:06Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114404340608846712Notes: Andruw confident in club04/02/2006
LOS ANGELES -- Tom Glavine played a large role in its creation and elongation. Now he finds himself as a member of a Mets team many believe has the best shot of ending the Braves' run on consecutive division titles.
When the Braves begin their quest for a 15th consecutive division title against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Monday afternoon, they'll do so with the confidence thatfalseDavid2006-03-04T09:31:00-08:002006-03-04T17:32:07Z2006-03-04T17:32:07Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114149352742639065Pena producing big numbers this winter01/06/2006
There doesn't appear to be any room on the 2006 Atlanta roster for Brayan Pena. But the 24-year-old catcher appears ready to come to Spring Training with intentions of proving he's got the offensive skills necessary to be a productive big leaguer.
Coming off a season in which he hit .326 for Triple-A Richmond, Pena has continued his hot hitting in the Dominican Winter League. PlayingfalseDavid2006-03-04T09:30:00-08:002006-03-04T17:31:15Z2006-03-04T17:31:15Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114149347501361440Mailbag: Will Braves' closer be Devine?01/09/2006
Will Joey Devine be given a chance at the closer's role? I know he's young and had a shaky year, but he's the club's only true closer at this time.-- Todd D., Simpsonville, S.C.
The most important thing to know about Joey Devine is that the organization still has the utmost confidence that he'll be a successful big leaguer. But let's not forget that last year at this time, he was infalseDavid2006-03-04T09:29:00-08:002006-03-04T17:30:07Z2006-03-04T17:30:07Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114149340777257858Schuerholz among non-roster invitees01/10/2006
ATLANTA -- Lists of non-roster invitees don't always include many recognizable names. That isn't the case this year for the Braves, who have invited a couple of their long-time veterans and Jonathan Schuerholz to join their roster players at Spring Training.
Schuerholz, the son of Braves general manager John Schuerholz, will join Brian Jordan and Eddie Perez as part of the cast offalseDavid2006-03-04T09:28:00-08:002006-03-04T17:29:17Z2006-03-04T17:29:17Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114149335720240151Smoltz opts to pull out of WBC01/10/2006
ATLANTA -- John Smoltz was intrigued and excited about the opportunity to represent the United States in the World Baseball Classic. But after giving it much thought, he's decided it's in his best interest to decline the invitation.
Smoltz said he was planning to call U.S. manager Buck Martinez on Tuesday to tell him of his decision, which is based solely on his desire to intelligentlyfalseDavid2006-03-04T09:27:00-08:002006-03-04T17:28:29Z2006-03-04T17:28:29Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114149330921044078Hall of Fame calls on Sutter01/10/2006
NEW YORK -- Bruce Sutter made history on Tuesday. Not only did he become the latest member of baseball's most exclusive club by the slimmest of margins, the right-handed split-fingered fastball artist became the first pure reliever ever elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
In a year in which there were no runaway candidates, a select group of 520 members of the BaseballfalseDavid2006-03-04T09:26:00-08:002006-03-04T17:27:30Z2006-03-04T17:27:30Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114149325031916299Sutter to wear Cards cap on Hall plaque01/11/2006
NEW YORK -- Bruce Sutter will enter the National Baseball Hall of Fame on July 30 with the interlocking S, T and L of the St. Louis Cardinals on his cap, an official of the shrine in Cooperstown, N.Y., said on Wednesday.
Sutter made history on Tuesday when he became the first pure reliever elected among the 196 players in the Hall, 103 by members of the Baseball Writers Association offalseDavid2006-03-04T09:25:00-08:002006-03-04T17:26:26Z2006-03-04T17:26:26Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114149318694630411Around the Horn: Bullpen01/11/2006
ATLANTA -- If there is one negative John Smoltz has provided throughout his highly successful career, it might be that he gave Braves fans the impression that saving games was as easy as sinking a two-foot putt.
After watching Smoltz prove so dominant as their closer from 2001-04, Braves fans were reminded last year just how nice it was to have somebody they confidently believed couldfalseDavid2006-03-04T09:24:00-08:002006-03-04T17:25:23Z2006-03-04T17:25:23Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114149312300322592A moment to remember for Sutter family01/11/2006
ATLANTA -- With the call that confirmed that his father had finally gotten the call to the Hall, Ben Sutter burst out of Roswell High School and raced home to enjoy a celebration that he and his entire family had waited 13 years to enjoy.
Racing down the rural Georgia roads to his father's home in Kennesaw, Sutter eluded detection from the police with the same type of success that hisfalseDavid2006-03-04T09:23:00-08:002006-03-04T17:24:19Z2006-03-04T17:24:19Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114149305903722759Braves sign righty reliever Bennett01/13/2006
ATLANTA -- Further adding potential depth to their bullpen, the Braves signed Jeff Bennett to a Minor League contract on Friday and invited him to Spring Training.
Bennett, a 25-year-old right-handed reliever, will come to camp hoping to earn a spot in the Atlanta bullpen. He spent all of last year with Milwaukee's Triple-A affiliate in Nashville.
While recording 13 saves and making 49falseDavid2006-03-04T09:22:00-08:002006-03-04T17:23:20Z2006-03-04T17:23:20Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114149300020109040Braves agree to terms with Bennett01/13/2006
ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Braves announced today they have agreed to terms with free agent right-handed pitcher Jeff Bennett on a one-year Minor League contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training camp. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Bennett, 25, spent the 2005 season with the Milwaukee Brewers' Triple-A affiliate Nashville Sounds where he went 2-3 with a 3.03 ERA andfalseDavid2006-03-04T09:21:00-08:002006-03-04T17:22:17Z2006-03-04T17:22:17Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114149293750255930Villarreal progressing in winter ball01/13/2006
With each of his recent outings in the Mexican Winter League, Oscar Villarreal is giving the Braves even more confidence that he's healthy and some reason to believe he might indeed be somebody capable of being their closer.
Villarreal is one of a small handful of players from the Braves organization still playing in the Winter League playoffs. His recent success has helped HermosillofalseDavid2006-03-04T09:20:00-08:002006-03-04T17:21:18Z2006-03-04T17:21:18Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114149287897274372Mailbag: Can Andruw do it again?01/16/2006
Do you think Andruw Jones will be as explosive at the plate this season as last? We all know the glove will be there.-- Todd O., Sumter, S.C.
"Explosive", "electric", "sensational", "marvelous" and "wonderful" are all adjectives one could use to describe the season that Jones had last year. Unfortunately, and almost surprisingly, "inconsistent" could also be used by some to describe hisfalseDavid2006-03-04T09:19:00-08:002006-03-04T17:20:17Z2006-03-04T17:20:17Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114149281786395212Braves sign Giles, Ramirez, Villarreal01/17/2006
ATLANTA -- Continuing their successful attempts to avoid having to go through arbitration hearings with any of their players, the Braves signed both Horacio Ramirez and Oscar Villarreal to one-year contracts on Tuesday.
Their signings, combined with the one-year, $3.85 million deal that was reached with Marcus Giles late Monday night, leave Jorge Sosa as the Braves' only remainingfalseDavid2006-03-04T09:18:00-08:002006-03-04T17:19:18Z2006-03-04T17:19:18Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114149275835940296Francoeur honored with U.S. roster spot01/18/2006
ATLANTA -- Jeff Francoeur hasn't yet played a full season in the Majors, but it's obvious he caught everyone's attention during his short rookie campaign.
Francoeur's latest honor came Tuesday night, when Team USA officials named him as one of the 10 players added to their roster for the World Baseball Classic. He joins Atlanta teammates Chipper Jones and Tim Hudson as members of thefalseDavid2006-03-04T09:17:00-08:002006-03-04T17:18:26Z2006-03-04T17:18:26Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114149270622384684Pride pushing Jones toward WBC01/20/2006
ATLANTA -- As plans were being made for the World Baseball Classic last summer, Chipper Jones and his Braves teammates traded clubhouse banter that was filled with national pride.
Now, as the WBC approaches and Jones finds himself all but assured a spot on Team USA's final roster, the Atlanta third baseman is beginning to fully understand the personal significance of the event.
UnlikefalseDavid2006-03-04T09:16:00-08:002006-03-04T17:17:18Z2006-03-04T17:17:18Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114149263848622749Braves, Sosa avoid arbitration01/22/2006
ATLANTA -- Jorge Sosa's career-best season has netted him his first big payday.
Sosa agreed to a one-year, $2.2 million contract with the Braves on Saturday. The right-hander notched a career-high 13 wins and proved to be a great midseason addition to the Atlanta starting rotation last year.
"I feel very happy with the deal because we spent a long time negotiating and we avoidedfalseDavid2006-03-04T09:15:00-08:002006-03-04T17:16:31Z2006-03-04T17:16:31Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114149259121974739Remlinger signs Minor League deal01/23/2006
ATLANTA -- Mike Remlinger had hoped he'd get the chance to come back to Atlanta. Now the Braves are simply hoping their former reliever has something left in his once very effective left arm.
The Braves signed Remlinger to a Minor League contract on Monday and offered him a Spring Training invite. They're cautiously optimistic that the veteran left-handed reliever has had enough time tofalseDavid2006-03-04T09:14:00-08:002006-03-04T17:15:31Z2006-03-04T17:15:31Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114149253134377621Mailbag: Why just one year for Giles?01/23/2006
Is there any particular reason the Braves only gave Marcus Giles a one-year deal? Is this a payroll issue? -- Robert B., Rockledge, Fla.
Not at all. This didn't have anything more to do with payroll than any other contract the Braves have signed with any of their players. In fact, I would have been surprised had the two parties agreed to anything more than a one-year deal.
Giles, whofalseDavid2006-03-04T09:13:00-08:002006-03-04T17:14:28Z2006-03-04T17:14:28Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114149246824244779Around the Horn: Corner infielders01/25/2006
ATLANTA -- As the early weeks of the 2005 season unfolded, Chipper Jones was looking like his former dominant self. In fact, it appeared that the Braves would indeed see one of their Joneses enjoy an MVP-caliber season.
Of course, at the time, nobody knew it would be Andruw Jones. Nor could anyone have known that the once ever-durable Chipper would once again be subjected to anfalseDavid2006-03-04T09:12:00-08:002006-03-04T17:13:18Z2006-03-04T17:13:18Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114149239829853721Braves announce Winter FanFest date01/25/2006
ATLANTA -- While the day that pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training might be a landmark day signaling the start of every baseball season, there are some fans who will admit they become much more excited when they learn when they'll be able to enjoy a Winter FanFest.
The Braves announced on Tuesday afternoon that they'll once again give their fans an opportunity to enjoy WinterfalseDavid2006-03-04T09:11:00-08:002006-03-04T17:12:28Z2006-03-04T17:12:28Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114149234843109618McDowell excited about new position01/27/2006
ATLANTA -- In essence, it will be the same preseason opportunity for Braves pitchers to voluntarily participate in a throwing program. But it obviously will no longer be called Camp Leo.
Nor will it be called Camp Roger or Camp McDowell or Camp Where You Learn to Pitch and Set Your Teammate's Shoe on Fire.
When new pitching coach Roger McDowell meets with Braves pitchers and catchers atfalseDavid2006-03-04T09:10:00-08:002006-03-04T17:11:36Z2006-03-04T17:11:36Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114149229635682781Fan Guide: Atlanta Braves01/30/2006
In preparation for their attempt to claim an amazing 15th consecutive division title, the Braves will once again utilize Disney's Wide World of Sports complex as their Spring Training headquarters. This will be the ninth year that they've done all their training on Disney's immaculate grounds.
Top players returning for the Braves are Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones, Marcus Giles, JefffalseDavid2006-03-04T09:08:00-08:002006-03-04T17:10:07Z2006-03-04T17:10:07Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114149220708263692Mailbag: Braves feeling 'Chipper' in '06?01/30/2006
What do you think is in store for Chipper Jones this season? Do you think that his career is winding down because of all of his recent injuries? Or do you think he will put up a few more good years and make a run at the Hall of Fame?-- Kurt G., Santa Cruz, Calif.
Jones' recent injuries have concerned him enough that he's committed himself to a much more stringent offseason conditioningfalseDavid2006-03-04T09:07:00-08:002006-03-04T17:08:43Z2006-03-04T17:08:43Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114149212365772736Braves coaches contribute for RBI03/03/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Since its inception in 1995, the RBI Institute has given disadvantaged youths a chance to hone their baseball skills and possibly prove they have what it takes to be a big leaguer.
After their game at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex on Friday afternoon, four members of the Braves' coaching staff provided a clinic for the coaches who have come to OrlandofalseDavid2006-03-04T09:06:00-08:002006-03-04T17:07:27Z2006-03-04T17:07:27Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114149204766139778Schuerholz continues to silence critics03/03/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- As Jonathan Schuerholz made his way out of the Braves' clubhouse at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex on Friday afternoon, he jokingly said, "Way to go, Salty, way to steal my thunder."
Before Jarrod Saltalamacchia drilled a three-run walk-off home run in the Braves' 8-7 win over the Dodgers, the spotlight was on Schuerholz, whose father is also his boss infalseDavid2006-03-04T09:04:00-08:002006-03-04T17:05:24Z2006-03-04T17:05:24Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114149192441416559Saltalamacchia's homer lifts Braves03/03/2006
Braves at the plate: Top catching prospect Jarrod Saltalamacchia drilled a three-run walk-off homer with nobody out in the bottom of the ninth to give Atlanta the victory. Second baseman Jonathan Schuerholz, son of Braves general manager John Schuerholz, belted a fifth-inning solo homer off Franquelis Osorio. Left fielder Matt Diaz celebrated his birthday by drilling a two-runfalseDavid2006-03-04T09:03:00-08:002006-03-04T17:04:21Z2006-03-04T17:04:21Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114149186124321556Notes: Giles tending to family03/03/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Marcus Giles has been away from Braves camp for eight days tending to his wife and their newborn daughter, who was born five weeks premature.
Braves general manager John Schuerholz has spoken with Giles and learned that the baby's health has improved. But Schuerholz told the veteran second baseman to take as much time as necessary to take care of hisfalseDavid2006-03-04T09:01:00-08:002006-03-04T17:03:12Z2006-03-04T17:03:12Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114149179207847126Saltalamacchia relishes role as hero03/03/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- It took everybody in the Braves' clubhouse less time to claim they had predicted the walk-off homer than it did for them to actually complete the pronunciation of catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia's name.
As a still-enthralled Saltalamacchia stood by his locker, just minutes after hitting a walk-off three-run homer in the Braves' 8-7 win over the Dodgers atfalseDavid2006-03-03T11:28:00-08:002006-03-03T19:31:57Z2006-03-03T19:31:57Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114141431789564411Mailbag: Could Andruw pass Aaron?02/27/2006
With all the talk about Hank Aaron's home run record being threatened by Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez, I think Andruw Jones could challenge it if he continues to have years like 2005. Do you believe this could happen?-- Terry B., LaGrange, Ga.
Realizing that Jones will celebrate just his 29th birthday in April, it's certainly not out of the question. Last year, he became thefalseDavid2006-03-03T11:26:00-08:002006-03-03T19:27:09Z2006-03-03T19:27:09Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114141402986062708Fox hires Torborg for Braves games02/28/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Former Major League player and manager Jeff Torborg will serve as the analyst for Braves games broadcast by Fox Sports Net this year, an industry source said Tuesday.
Torborg will team with veteran play-by-play announcer Bob Rathbun on the 25 games scheduled to air on Fox Sports Net. An official announcement is expected in the next few days.
With Fox's recentfalseDavid2006-03-03T11:23:00-08:002006-03-03T19:25:30Z2006-03-03T19:25:30Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114141393046980280Renteria eager to regain top form02/28/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- When Edgar Renteria arrived in Braves camp last week, he immediately commented on the beautiful surroundings at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex.
While Disney officials have created some picturesque landscapes, any new surroundings might have been deemed beautiful by Renteria, who hasn't shed a tear since learning he'll no longer have to call Fenway ParkfalseDavid2006-03-03T11:22:00-08:002006-03-03T19:23:26Z2006-03-03T19:23:26Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114141380620225873Hudson probably Opening Day starter02/28/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Braves manager Bobby Cox hasn't officially announced that Tim Hudson will be his Opening Day starter. But that is his plan.
"If everything works right, Huddy will open," Cox said Tuesday morning. "It's Huddy's turn this year."
When Cox announced his starting rotation for the Grapefruit League season on Monday, he provided a schedule that set things up perfectlyfalseDavid2006-03-03T11:22:00-08:002006-03-03T19:22:39Z2006-03-03T19:22:39Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114141375915126786Braves cruise past University of Georgia03/01/2006
Braves at the plate: Kelly Johnson had an RBI single in a two-run fourth inning that gave the Braves the lead for good. Jarrod Saltalamacchia had two extra-base hits, including an RBI triple in the five-run sixth inning that broke the game wide open.
Georgia at the plate: Left fielder Kyle Keen opened the game with an opposite-field double and scored on a Joey Side sacrifice fly. Keen'sfalseDavid2006-03-03T11:20:00-08:002006-03-03T19:21:43Z2006-03-03T19:21:43Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114141370399109266Notes: Hurlers leave impression03/01/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Oscar Villarreal had already impressed Braves manager Bobby Cox during the first few weeks of camp. But it didn't hurt the right-handed reliever to leave another lasting impression before heading off to play in the World Baseball Classic.
While pitching the fourth and fifth innings of the Braves' 10-1 exhibition victory over the University of Georgia atfalseDavid2006-03-03T11:19:00-08:002006-03-03T19:20:34Z2006-03-03T19:20:34Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114141363401160761Jones, Francoeur excited for Classic03/01/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- When Chipper Jones and Jeff Francoeur begin their journey to join their Team USA teammates in Arizona on Thursday, they'll do so without knowing exactly when they'll be back in Braves camp.
Barring any major upsets that would keep Team USA from advancing to the championship round of the World Baseball Classic, they'll spend the next three weeks out in thefalseDavid2006-03-03T11:18:00-08:002006-03-03T19:18:58Z2006-03-03T19:18:58Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114141353867267985Jurries puts his past behind him03/02/2006
VERO BEACH, Fla. -- Before the question had been completed, it was obvious it was one James Jurries wished he'd never hear again.
Yet with irritated expressions and frustration beaming from his voice, he simply asked that the reporter and everyone else please follow his lead by kindly keeping his past in the past.
"It's behind me," Jurries said in reference to the positive steroid testfalseDavid2006-03-03T11:16:00-08:002006-03-03T19:17:24Z2006-03-03T19:17:24Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114141344489839893Notes: Devine's '05 memories gone03/02/2006
VERO BEACH, Fla. -- With pinpoint control and a couple of nasty pitches, Joey Devine began the Grapefruit League season much more auspiciously than he ended his first big-league campaign.
While facing big-league hitters for the first time since allowing the 18th-inning walk-off homer that bounced the Braves from last year's postseason, Devine looked full of confidence and capable offalseDavid2006-03-03T11:15:00-08:002006-03-03T19:15:44Z2006-03-03T19:15:44Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114141334488081332Braves drop spring opener to Dodgers03/02/2006
Braves at the plate: Atlanta outhit the Dodgers, 8-4. Todd Pratt's one-out double in the second inning cashed in a single by Wilson Betemit for Atlanta's first run. The Braves scored again in the eighth on a bases-loaded walk by James Jurries.
Dodgers at the plate: Kenny Lofton scored twice, and the Dodgers had RBI singles from Jose Cruz Jr. and Nomar Garciaparra. All three runs werefalseDavid2006-02-24T09:13:00-08:002006-02-24T17:25:25Z2006-02-24T17:25:25Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114080192568057227Mailbag: Is Hudson ready for 2006?02/06/2006
Do you think Tim Hudson will perform up to his capability this year? I was disappointed with his performance last year, except for in Game 4 of the National League Division Series.-- Jonathan C., Harrisburg, Pa.
There were a couple of other games that were just as impressive. The one that definitely comes to mind was April 18, when he tossed nine scoreless innings against Roger ClemensfalseDavid2006-02-24T09:06:00-08:002006-02-24T17:13:09Z2006-02-24T17:13:09Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114080118986487961Around the Horn: Outfielders02/08/2006
ATLANTA -- When general manager John Schuerholz began constructing the roster for the 1991 Braves team -- the one that began the club's current string of 14 consecutive division titles -- he focused on finding defensive players who would provide the necessary support for his talented cast of young hurlers.
Using that successful formula, Schuerholz has always made sure his club hasfalseDavid2006-02-24T09:04:00-08:002006-02-24T17:05:32Z2006-02-24T17:05:32Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114080073291400962Door is open for Braves' closer spot02/08/2006
ATLANTA -- It's not accurate to state the Braves are heading to Spring Training without a closer. In actuality, they'll simply arrive in camp without having announced who they will use in that role.
While many believe Chris Reitsma will ultimately be given the job that a leg injury caused him to lose last year, the Braves are keeping their options open. There's still a chance generalfalseDavid2006-02-24T09:02:00-08:002006-02-24T17:03:44Z2006-02-24T17:03:44Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114080062463259212McDowell gets closer look at arms02/10/2006
ATLANTA -- Roger McDowell has been in town for a little more than a week, and it appears the initiation into his new role as the Braves' pitching coach has gone smoothly.
After a few infuriating attempts to find the best route to Turner Field from his Buckhead hotel, McDowell introduced himself to Peachtree St. and found that with the help of a small compass he recently purchased, hefalseDavid2006-02-24T09:01:00-08:002006-02-24T17:02:32Z2006-02-24T17:02:32Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114080055270042657Mailbag: How will Francoeur fare?02/13/2006
How do you see Jeff Francoeur doing in his first full season in the Majors? Do you think he will have the offensive success he had last year or struggle now that pitchers have seen him more? -- Nick J., Richmond, Va.
There will be a couple of factors that Francoeur didn't have to deal with last year. First, there is the reality that his rookie success has created an enormousfalseDavid2006-02-24T09:00:00-08:002006-02-24T17:01:06Z2006-02-24T17:01:06Ztag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13550406.post-114080046626532030Jones, Francoeur make USA roster02/14/2006
Chipper Jones and Jeff Francoeur are two of the most recognizable members of a group many have long called America's Team. Now, the two Braves will be teammates on the United States team that will compete in the inaugural World Baseball Classic.
Jones and Francoeur are members of Team USA's 30-man roster, which was announced on Tuesday afternoon. Barring any injuries or unforeseenfalse