Braves' News Tidbits

[ATLien]

That extra inning game five still stings.

Going to be a while til I get that taste out of my mouth.

[General]

Braves ST schedule posted

[General]

John Smoltz, who threw 229 2/3 innings in 2005, plans to pace himself better this season and reduce his innings in order to stay healthy.
Manager Bobby Cox said the Braves will try to rest Smoltz occasionally this season, shuffling the rotation or skipping the veteran's turn if there's a day off and he feels like he could use extra rest. It figures that Smoltz has a much better chance of remaining strong into September and maybe even October if he's on 210-inning pace rather than 240-inning pace

Braves prospect Chuck James was kept out of drills yesterday due to a sore back.
The Braves don't believe the problem is serious. He could resume throwing before the end of the week.

[ATLien]

What's Chuck James' story? Is he going to start the year in AAA, or the ATL pen?

[General]

I'd rather have him start off in AAA and come up if necessary. I want him to get constant action, not just relief every now and then.

[General]

Braves agreed to terms with LHP Macay McBride, RHP Jose Ascanio, RHP Brad Baker, RHP Blaine Boyer, RHP Lance Cormier, RHP Joey Devine, RHP Anthony Lerew, LHP Chuck James, C Brayan Pena, OF Josh Burrus, OF Jeff Francoeur, SS Luis Hernandez, INF Pete Orr, SS Tony Pena, 2B Martin Prado and 1B Scott Thorman on one-year contracts.
McBride has been getting hyped up by Peter Gammons, but he's not at all a lock to make the Braves. With John Foster likely to win a spot barring an awful spring, either McBride or Mike Remlinger will be the second lefty in the pen. He's talented enough to develop into a quality setup man, but because of his control issues, he's probably not going to contend for the closer's role.

[ATLien]

In other news, FOX bought Turner South today.

Which means Turner South will probably turn into an exclusive sports station. Which is cool for me, probably won't make a difference for the rest of you all.

[General]

I want Turner South in the North, goddamnit!

[General]

Needing something to help him neutralized left-handers, Mike Remlinger is working on a curveball.
Remlinger's No. 2 pitch has been his changeup, something that's far more effective versus lefties than righties. As a result, he's never been a specialist. The Braves will probably only carry him if he shows he can handle lefties. "We always used him against righties," manager Bobby Cox said. "If the curve is going, we can do anything [with him]."

[General]

Blaine Boyer threw 30 pitches at approximately 50 percent effort today and showed no signs of discomfort.
Boyer is being brought along slowly after going down at the end of last year with a sore shoulder. His spring debut is expected on or around March 11. "He's got plenty of time [to get ready] as a relief pitcher," manager Bobby Cox said.

Edgar Renteria felt he was healthy enough to resume all activities on Saturday afternoon, but the Braves chose to limit him to fielding grounders.
Renteria strained a muscle in his left side while attempting to avoid a fouled pitch that had ricocheted off the batting cage on Thursday. He could be cleared to resume taking batting practice on Sunday.



Good to see both players getting healthy.

[General]

Brian Jordan, who is trying to make the Braves as a reserve, took grounders at first base today.
Jordan has played first base twice in the majors, making a total of one putout. Still, manager Bobby Cox thought he looked good there today. "He catches the ball real nice," Cox said. "I was pleasantly surprised." The Braves could consider carrying Jordan as a platoon partner for Adam LaRoche, but there probably won't be room for both him and Matt Diaz on the bench.


I disagree with Rotoworld. Its Bobby and his boy Brian Jordan. He'll find a way to get Jordan PT even though he does not deserve it.

[ATLien]

Please disappear Mr. Jordan.

[General]

Edgar Renteria took batting practice today without incident.
Renteria took Friday off and was limited to handing grounders yesterday because of a rib-cage strain. It doesn't sound like he's going to have any additional issues with the injury.


Good news. Then again, OF and SS are the two positions where we can afford injury, as we have the runner up of KJ/Langer and Betemit to back them up.

[Fishercat]

E-rent's A Curse! Curse!!! Lobster!!!

[General]

The Braves have picked Tim Hudson to get the start on Opening Day.
John Smoltz received the nod last year and was a more effective pitcher than Hudson in 2005, so it only makes sense that he'd be the choice. However, this appears to be a first step in reducing his workload this season. "I've been there, done that," Smoltz said. "Just get me to the playoffs healthy. My goal is to be healthy and strong at the end of the season." Hudson will be the Braves' sixth different Opening Day starter in the last six years.


I'm a huge Smoltz fan, so I guess you can tell how I'm feeling.