Atlanta Braves @ Bare Baseball - Baseball MLB Blog

Braves fall to Cards in finale

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 17:41:00 +0000

07/20/2006
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 pitching staff a double-digit run total. Of course, this was one of those games in which they needed plenty of support from their potent offense.
Carpenter silenced the Braves' offense and his offense took advantage of the opportunity to reintroduce Jason Shiell to the Majors. Consequently, St. Louis claimed an 8-3 win that snapped Atlanta's season-best seven-game winning streak.
"Let's face it, the odds weren't in our favor," said Chipper Jones, who had two hits to extend his hitting streak to 19 games -- matching a career high.
With their first loss since July 7, the Braves dropped to five games out of the lead in the National League Wild Card chase. But this setback wasn't exactly a surprise. Carpenter was opposing Shiell, who just a month ago was pitching for the Somerset Patriots of the independent Atlantic League.
"We were going against Mr. Cy Young tonight and he looked like Cy Young to me," Braves manager Bobby Cox said. "He had great stuff to me. Our guy [Shiell] had six punchouts in four innings, but a ton of pitches. He got a little tired."
Shiell, who was making his first career Major League start, calmed his nerves during a two-hour, 12-minute delay that was caused by a storm that produced heavy rains and monstrous winds. He impressed his first time through the Cardinals lineup. But with their second look at him, the Redbirds produced a four-run third inning, highlighted by Jim Edmonds' three-run homer.
"I made some good pitches and some bad pitches," Shiell said. "I had a few days off, so my mechanics weren't quite right. I wasn't satisfied, but I felt good about the way I pitched."
Shiell, who was signed by the Braves on June 22, had posted a 2.14 ERA in his three starts at Triple-A Richmond. But that competition and the batters he faced in the Atlantic League weren't exactly the caliber of the potent Cardinals lineup.
Still while making his first Major League appearance since 2003, when he made 20 relief appearances for the Red Sox, the right-hander at least made a good impression on Cox. While registering six strikeouts and issuing three walks in four innings, he was only scored upon during that four-run third inning.
"He looked fine to me," said Cox of Shiell, who missed all of the 2004 and 2005 seasons with arm problems.
Shiell was promoted to John Thomson's spot in the starting rotation. With Thomson's right shoulder feeling stronger, he'll likely be healthy enough to return for his next scheduled start on Tuesday against the Marlins.
The Braves, who had tallied 65 runs in their previous five games, saw Carpenter limit them to two earned runs and five hits. The Cardinals' offense provided him plenty of support by scoring eight runs in the first five innings against Shiell and Kevin Barry.
After Shiell exited, Barry entered and retired just one of the eight batters he faced in the Cardinals' four-run fifth inning. Since not allowing a run and just two hits in his first three career Major League appearances (nine innings), the 27-year-old right-handed reliever has struggled. He's surrendered seven earned runs in his past 1 2/3 innings.
After the long delay postponed the start of the game, Wilson Betemit hit the first pitch delivered by Carpenter for a single. He scored on an Andruw Jones single. But the only other Braves run off Carpenter came courtesy of a seventh-inning solo shot by Brian McCann, who has homered in five consecutive games.
"He's tough," Adam LaRoche said of Carpenter, who has handed the Braves two of their four losses this month. "There's a reason he won a Cy Young Award. You have to be patient with him. But if you let one pitch go, it might be the only good one you see the entire at-bat."
When Carpenter exited, the Braves made a late rally, loading the bases in the ninth inning against Braden Looper. But two more Cardinals relievers entered and limited the damage to just one run, courtesy of LaRoche's groundout.
"Chris pitched a great game," Chipper Jones said. "We had our chances late to have a big inning. But all in all, six games into the second half, I'm extremely happy. You're going to run into guys that are going to stick it to you from time to time."

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

Campbell learning on fly in Minors

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 17:40:00 +0000

07/20/2006
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, but one that he is determined to master.
Having handled the shortstop position for his entire playing career, Campbell was drafted with third base as a possibility when Atlanta selected him with the 71st overall pick in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft. Campbell played shortstop last year in his first full Minor League season before he started his transition to third at the beginning of this year.
"I think it's a harder job, harder demand," said Campbell, who was ranked as the ninth-best prospect in the Braves organization at the end of last season. "Being in the middle of the field, you can see the ball a lot better. [Third base] is more of a reaction. I don't think I've found a spot yet where I'm comfortable at all times."
Campbell is still searching for consistency at his new position, and it has not come as naturally as he had expected. Through the first 89 games this season, Campbell had 14 errors, partly due to a slower reaction time that plagued Campbell at his new position.
"If I can be consistent in the field, mentally, I think I'm going to be ready hitting-wise because that's always been my strong point," Campbell said. "So if I can get my fielding down consistent enough to be like a Chipper Jones without the experience he has, then yeah, that'll be the big thing."
The 20-year-old third baseman is right about his offensive productivity -- it has been a bragging point for Campbell and for the Braves. Campbell is following up his stellar Appalachian League season with a solid year for Rome, where he is batting .286 with 14 home runs and 56 RBIs.
Last year, it was a modification of his open batting stance -- one that resembled that of Atlanta Braves first baseman Adam LaRoche -- with the help of Danville hitting coach Mel Roberts that landed him Player of the Year honors in both the Appalachian League and the Rookie Level.
"I would lie if I said it wasn't a surprise," Campbell said of his success last season. "But it's about adjustments. I knew I had the ability, I just didn't know how soon it was going to come."
After leading the Appalachian League in almost every offensive category last season, Campbell hasn't dominated the South Atlantic League in the same fashion. Campbell said he believes that his decrease in offensive power numbers is a result of tougher competition at an advanced level. But it's tougher competition that he is certain he will overcome.
"It's a different league, pitching's better," Campbell said. "Here it's more fastball-oriented. Every league has something different to offer. By the time you get to the big leagues, you've been through every league that is different, and hopefully you have an idea."
Despite the new league, Campbell's numbers are impressive and have him well on his way to breaking some team offensive records. He is three home runs and 16 RBIs away from setting new Rome Braves batting marks.
Perhaps the only obstacle in Campbell's way toward these season records is his health. His season has been interrupted with a trip to the disabled list on July 14 with a back sprain. He is expected to fully recover in time to come off the DL by the end of the month.
With a few more years to sharpen his defensive skills and to perfect his offensive approach, Campbell could be headed toward the Majors. Although Campbell hasn't been approached about it, a move to second base could also be a possibility for the 6-foot, 195-pound Campbell who has a smaller stature than the average Major-League third baseman.
Campbell's size and Atlanta's depth on the left side of the infield make the move a possibility. But for now, the move is nothing more than a thought.
Although Campbell said he would welcome a chance to get back to a middle infield position, right now he is concentrating on developing the skills and reflexes to further his journey through Atlanta's Minor League system as a third baseman.
"After seeing Frenchy [Jeff Francoeur] and [Brian] McCann come up [last year], it gives everybody in the Minor Leagues a little more hope or incentive just to play a little bit better knowing that 21-, 22-year-olds can be up there," Campbell said. "And I'll play at whatever position can get me there and keep me there."

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

Chipper's July reviving Braves

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 17:39:00 +0000

07/20/2006
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 that has some believing he could be in line for his second MVP award.
"In 1999, he had an incredible month and single-handedly beat the Mets like six times," Jones' longtime teammate John Smoltz said. "This is ridiculous. This is a streak that could ultimately put him in the same category again this year."
Smoltz references Jones' September that season, when the third baseman hit .298 with 11 homers -- including four in three days against the Met -- a .430 on-base percentage and a .690 slugging percentage. Because a lot of that production ended the Mets' NL East title hopes -- they won the Wild Card, instead -- many simply remember that month when thinking about his MVP campaign.
But although impressive, that September is far from being the greatest month of Jones' career. In July of that season, he'd hit .412 with 11 homers, 28 RBIs, a .558 on-base percentage and a .913 slugging percentage.
But if Jones is able to maintain his current pace, this July could be remembered as one of the most dominant months ever produced by a Major Leaguer. In the 13 games he's played so far this month, Jones has batted .547 with seven homers, 20 RBIs, a .613 on-base percentage and 1.094 slugging percentage.
"What he's doing right now, is something I haven't seen from any baseball player," Braves All-Star catcher Brian McCann said. "He's carrying us on his back, and everybody else is picking their games up because of him."
Jones leads all Major Leaguers in batting average, slugging percentage and on-base percentage this month. He ranks third in RBIs behind Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and teammate Andruw Jones, who has compiled 23 of his National League-leading 88 RBIs in the 15 games he's played in July. Not surprisingly, Andruw Jones' best run-producing month this season has come while batting behind the game's hottest hitter.
"When you get Chipper swinging the bat the way he's been swinging it lately, it's tough to beat us," said Andruw Jones, who has seen his team rebound from its June struggles to win 11 of its first 15 games this month.
It has already been a record-filled month for Chipper Jones, who matched a career high by extending his hitting streak to 19 games Wednesday. Last weekend, he surpassed Dale Murphy to become the all-time hits leader in Atlanta Braves history.
But his most impressive accomplishment came when he recorded an extra-base hit in 14 consecutive games, matching a Major League record set by Hall of Famer Paul Waner in 1927. Since Chipper Jones' streak was snapped on Monday, he's come back with an extra-base hit in both of the past two games.
"I think the only other guy who could do something like that would be [St. Louis first baseman Albert Pujols]," Braves first baseman Adam LaRoche said. "It's a lot of hitting and it's a lot damage."
When Murphy visited the Braves clubhouse in St. Louis on Wednesday, he congratulated Chipper Jones for grabbing a piece of the Major League record that hadn't been touched for 79 years.
"That's just amazing when you think guys like Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio and Hank Aaron never did that," Murphy said. "I forgot to even congratulate on him on the Atlanta record. But that's just something I always expected that he'd do."
From the time Chipper Jones burst on the scene as a rookie for the 1995 Braves world championship team, he's proven to be something special. But while battling foot and leg ailments the previous two seasons, he was incapable of providing the production he has over the past three weeks.
"It's nice to be able to step into the box and know you have everything that you need to be successful," said Chipper Jones, who battled a bad hamstring in 2004 and a left foot injury that sidelined him for six weeks and plagued him throughout much of last year.
At the beginning of this month, Chipper Jones' right foot began bothering him in the same manner as the left foot did last year. An MRI revealed the same injury, but on a lesser scale. Since missing three starts, he's come back to hit .553.
With most of his at-bats coming from the left side of the plate, the veteran switch-hitter is fortunate that the latest ailment is in his right foot. Last year, his left foot was affected, and he wasn't able to push off, causing him to lose power and often swing off-balance.
With the baseball gods smiling upon him, Chipper Jones has had just five at-bats from the right side of the plate this month. Being as hot as he is, he's still managed to record three hits in those appearances against left-handed pitchers. But since getting a cortisone shot just before the All-Star break, he's had no discomfort in the foot.
"Now I feel good and my swing just happens to be right there," said Chipper Jones, who has raised his batting average from .270 to .337 during his current 19-game hitting streak.
Since struggling through April, when he was plagued by right leg injuries (sprained ankle and sprained knee) suffered seven games into the season, Chipper Jones has been producing some impressive numbers. Since May 1, he's batted .347 and continued to work his way toward the top of many statistical categories.
Jones ranks third in the NL with a .337 batting average and fifth with a .423 on-base percentage. His .993 OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage) ranks fourth and could steadily improve if he continues to display the power that he lacked in the early portions of this season.
Battling some mechanical problems with his swing, Chipper Jones didn't find his power stroke until June 24, when he began his record-matching streak of consecutive games with an extra-base hit. He's hit eight of his 15 homers since then and seen his slugging percentage rise from .428 to .570. That's in the short span of just 20 games.
"I wasn't hitting terrible," Chipper Jones said. "I just wasn't hitting the long ball. I've always been streaky as far as that goes. I might go a month without hitting one and hit 10 or 12 the next month. That's just the way I've always been."
There have been many solid months in Chipper Jones' career. But never has there been a better three-month stretch than in 1999, which was sparked with that dominant July. He went on to hit 10 homers in both August and September. Along with August of 2004, the final three months of that season are the only ones in which he's ever registered a double-digit home run total.
Now to complete the comparisons to that memorable second half that he staged seven years ago, Chipper Jones only has to continue this current amazing surge that he admits has at times seemed surreal.
Of course, the 34-year-old has already accomplished one thing this year. No longer is he hearing much from the doubters who thought the injuries of the past two years had signaled the end of his career.
"I think everybody realizes I still got some good baseball left in me," Chipper Jones said.
If all goes according to the same script first written seven years ago, baseball writers across this country will be trumpeting this realization with their MVP votes.

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

Braves acquire Wickman from Indians

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 17:29:00 +0000

07/20/2006
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, Schuerholz felt the need to strengthen the club's most obvious weakness. But he says he might have still looked for a closer -- even if it hadn't closed the gap during what has been a successful July.
"We needed a closer, whether we're 10 back or 4 1/2 back," Schuerholz said. "We just felt like this was the right thing to do based on our circumstances now."
The acquisition of Wickman is expected to give the Braves the dependable veteran closer they've lacked throughout this season. In 29 appearances for the Indians this year, the 37-year-old right-hander has converted 15 of 18 save opportunities and compiled a 4.18 ERA.
A two-time All-Star (2000 and 2005), Wickman will be pitching for his fourth Major League club after stints with the New York Yankees (1992-96), the Milwaukee Brewers (1996-2000) and the Indians (2000-06). He has twice appeared in the postseason -- with the Yankees in 1995 and with the Indians in 2001.
Wickman struggled in June, posting a 9.00 ERA and converting just three of six save opportunites. But he's converted each of his four save opportunities this month. In the process, he's completed four scoreless innings, in which he's surrendered just three hits.
With his recent success, Wickman is looking more like he did last year, when he tied for an American League high with 45 saves and limited opponents to a .094 batting average when there were runners in scoring position.
Most of Wickman's struggles this year have come against left-handed batters, who are hitting .308 against him. Right-handed hitters are batting just .236.
"Bob will take on the role as our closer, a position that we think is now in very capable and confident hands," Schuerholz said. "Our bullpen will be able to set up in a fashion that's far more productive and reliable for [manager] Bobby [Cox]."
The Braves have been frustrated by the lack of dependability they've had in the closer's role all season. Chris Reitsma and Jorge Sosa have converted just 11 of 19 save opportunites. Their struggles had an effect on the rest of the bullpen, which only recently has shown some signs of stability.
When Wickman joins the team in Philadelphia on Friday, Ken Ray will move into the primary setup role. Chad Paronto will also continue to see many opportunities in clutch late-inning situations.
"We have all year long characterized our bullpen as a work in progress," Schuerholz said. "It has been, I'll say, problematic for us. Wickman has done this job so well for so long. He solidifies that very essential anchor role in the bullpen."
With an improved bullpen, the Braves can feel more optimistic about their chances to gain entry into the postseason. After a miserable June, they've battled back and moved to within five games of the National League Wild Card.
"This is a trade that's focused on getting us into the postseason in 2006," said Schuerholz, indicating there are no current intentions to keep Wickman beyond this season.
Ramirez was hitting .285 with nine homers and 37 RBIs at Class A Rome this year. The 21-year-old catcher established himself as a solid prospect while hitting .347 at Danville last season. His success at the rookie level led him to be named the Appalachian League's co-player of the year.
Although Ramirez is a solid prospect, the Braves are well stocked at the catcher's position. All-Star catcher Brian McCann is just 22, and he should be in Atlanta for many years to come. Jarrod Saltalamacchia has struggled at Double-A Mississippi this year, but he's still considered one of the game's top catching prospects.
Financial details of the transaction aren't currently known. But Wickman's salary calls for him to receive approximately $2 million for the remainder of this season. He signed a one-year $5 million deal with the Indians before the Braves even got in serious discussions with him during the offseason.
When he was unable to land a closer last offseason, Schuerholz was left with about $6 million to use for this year's payroll. Thus, he's still got some available funds and may use them to acquire more bullpen help or land a proven leadoff hitter.

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

Ramirez solid, but Braves fall to Mets

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 07:14:00 +0000

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/

Salty making solid first impression

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 07:13:00 +0000

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/

Notes: Giles avoids another crisis

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 07:12:00 +0000

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/

Notes: Cox raves about Davies

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 07:08:00 +0000

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/

Naysayers don't bother Reitsma

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 07:07:00 +0000

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/

Braves shut out by Houston

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 07:06:00 +0000

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/

Notes: Aussie Moylan gets his shot

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 07:04:00 +0000

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/

Cox glad to have Classic players back

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 07:03:00 +0000

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/

Saltalamacchia homers in defeat

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 07:02:00 +0000

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/

Francoeur homers in Braves victory

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 06:59:00 +0000

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/

Notes: Cormier out to regain form

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 06:58:00 +0000

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/