Archives for Braves category
--SS Jack Wilson, 34, isn't waiting for spring training to mentor SS prospect Tyler Pastornicky. He had already invited the kid to work out with him before the Braves signed the free agent to a one year, $1 million deal. They'll be working together the week before reporting to spring training.
--RHP Tommy Hanson should not have any restrictions because of his right shoulder when spring training begins. He's been conditioning his shoulder and back since the soreness in both cost him starts last September.
--RHP Craig Kimbrel has been pacing himself during his offseason workouts. He threw hard, hard and harder a year ago, gearing up for what everyone expected would be his new role as closer. After making 75 appearances in 2011, he's learned he has to tone it down to maintain his stamina for the season.
--RHP Brandon Beachy knocked himself out training last offseason because he wanted to win a job on the pitching staff in spring training. This offseason, confident of a spot in the rotation, he allowed himself to rest this offseason, and has started tossing and throwing slowly.
--RF Jason Heyward has been working in the Turner Field cages on some mechanical changes in his swing. Those, combined with a finally healthy shoulder, might restore his power bat. Heyward felt numbness and pain in right (non-throwing) shoulder from last spring training on, although nothing but inflammation showed up in tests.
BY THE NUMBERS: 232 -- Combined appearances in 2011 by seventh, eighth and ninth inning relievers LHP Eric O'Flaherty (75), LHP Jonny Venters (82) and RHP Craig Kimbrel (75).
QUOTE TO NOTE: "They're excited when they talk to you about the kind of stuff you've got." -- LHP Eric O'Flaherty, on working with catchers Brian McCann and David Ross.
