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Braves hold on to beat Cubs

LannignMalo — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:14:45 +0000

Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones throws out Chicago Cubs’ Starlin Castro at first during the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2011, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

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Andrew Seligman | Associated Press

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Amazin’s hold off Braves

free trial — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:04:14 +0000

Dickey outstanding, but shaky K-Rod made it close

Carlos Beltran was injured when he hit a foul ball off his leg Sunday night. He is listed as day to day.AP

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By The Associated Press

Published: 2:00 AM – 06/06/11

NEW YORK — Mets manager Terry Collins wasn’t in position to see where the foul ball hit Carlos Beltran. What he could see was another of his stars falling to his knees in pain. As Collins raced onto the field, he hoped the ball missed Beltran’s ankle. It did.

Beltran left in the second inning with a bruise to his lower leg, one at-bat after driving in the first run in the Mets’ 6-4 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Sunday night.

“Anytime you get hit in the muscle it’s going to be sore. It’s going to be bruised, it’s going to swell a little bit, but discomfort, we know it’s going to dissipate in a few days,” Collins said. “Whether it’s two or three, I don’t know.”

NOTES

• The Mets had 10 hits, only two for extra bases.

• The Mets will start a 10-game road trip on Tuesday in Milwaukee.

• The first soccer game at Citi Field will take place Tuesday, with Greece playing Ecuador.

The Mets have a day off before starting a 10-game trip in Milwaukee on Tuesday, and a decision on Beltran’s status will be made then.

One New York player thriving with an injury is R.A. Dickey (3-6). He pitched eight baffling innings to win in his second solid start since partially tearing the plantar fascia in his right foot. He allowed a solo shot to Brian McCann in the seventh and three other hits.

“Physically, it’s just an issue we’re going to have to work through for who knows how long,” Dickey said. “But it’s manageable.”

Jose Reyes hit an RBI double and scored twice and Beltran had a run-scoring double off Tim Hudson (4-5). Justin Turner added an RBI single and the banged-up Mets finished 5-5 on a homestand against Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Atlanta.

“We had some tough times,” Collins said, “but to come in here and beat the Braves two out of three, leave here on a positive note, win the series, you’ve got to look at it positively.”

McCann’s homer leading off the seventh snapped Atlanta’s scoreless streak at 15 innings. The Braves were shut out 5-0 by rookie Dillon Gee and two relievers Saturday night.

The Mets, with Ike Davis and David Wright already on the disabled list, got another injury scare when Beltran fouled a ball off the inside of his right shin in the second inning. Fans at Citi Field gasped when they saw their most productive hitter this season limp out of the batter’s box and fall to his knees.

After being attended to for several minutes, Beltran struck out to end the inning and was replaced by Willie Harris, who went to left field even though slumping slugger Jason Bay was on the bench.

“Maybe the best thing for me was to strike out because it was painful,” Beltran said.

Bay was given a night off for what Collins called a chance to “take a deep breath.” Jason Pridie switched from left to right.

When Beltran left, the Mets were already ahead 4-0.

Hudson came in 3-0 with a 1.80 ERA in three starts at Citi Field but didn’t look sharp from the start.

Reyes led off the first with a single, giving him a 10-game hitting streak. An out later, Beltran lined a double to center for the quick lead. Reyes scored a run for the ninth straight game, equaling the longest streak of his career.

Daniel Murphy singled and Angel Pagan followed with a sacrifice fly.

In the second, Turner had an RBI single and Reyes walked and scored on a wild pitch, sliding home just ahead of Hudson’s tag.

Hudson missed a start May 25 with back stiffness and gave up two runs — one earned — in his previous outing. But he gave up five runs and seven hits in four innings against the Mets.

“Physically I felt really good,” Hudson said. “I made some mistakes.”

Dickey’s knuckleball was floating and darting and fooling the Braves. He allowed just three hits through five innings and no runner got past second until McCann homered.

His knuckleball “was dancing all over the place,” McCann said. “We didn’t really string anything together.”

Manny Acosta put two on in the ninth, and closer Francisco Rodriguez came on. He gave up a three-run homer to pinch-hitter Diory Hernandez to cut the lead to 6-4. But Rodriguez struck out Eric Hinske and Joe Mather to end it with Chipper Jones on deck. Jones was given a scheduled night off.

In the fourth inning fans chanted “Don’t trade Reyes!” before the All-Star shortstop, who can become a free agent after the season, hit an RBI double to left-center to make it 5-0.

Ruben Tejada had an RBI single in the fifth.

NOTES: Braves right-hander Kris Medlen (elbow surgery) cut short a bullpen session Tuesday. Manager Fredi Gonzalez said there was no reason to be concerned. … The Mets had 10 hits, only two for extra bases. … The first soccer game at Citi Field will take place Tuesday, with Greece playing Ecuador. … Reyes is batting .465 during his hitting streak.

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Running low on time today, i’ll be back tomorrow hopefully with some more news.

San Diego Padres Trip Atlanta Braves Tuesday, 5-4

Brooherse — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 18:31:06 +0000

San Diego Padres Trip Atlanta Braves Tuesday, 5-4
posted June 1, 2011ATLANTA — Even with Chipper Jones producing a pair of two-out RBI singles in the final three innings at Turner Field on Tuesday night, the Braves were unable to overcome the damage Cory Gearrin endured in a three-run seventh that proved decisive for the Padres in a 5-4 victory.

With Jones reminding his teammates that it is possible to produce hits with runners in scoring position, the Braves saw their offense show some life. But with Gearrin enduring the roughest outing of his young career, they were still left with another frustrating conclusion.

While scoring at least four runs for just the fifth time in their past 15 games, Atlanta was unable to overcome the sudden offensive eruption enjoyed by San Diego, which recorded four quick singles off Gearrin in the decisive seventh.

The Braves missed an opportunity to pick up some ground on the division leading Phillies who were crushed 10-2 Tuesday by the Nationals.

After Atlanta starter Mike Minor’s evening concluded with a leadoff walk to pinch-hitter Eric Patterson, former Lookout Chris Denorfia welcomed Gearrin with a go-ahead RBI single. One out later, the rookie reliever allowed three consecutive singles by Chase Headley, Ryan Ludwick and Jorge Cantu to give the Padres a three-run advantage.

Gearrin had been perfect in four previous innings against the Padres and he had surrendered a total of six hits in his 12 1/3 Major League innings. But within a span of five batters, the Padres battered him for four hits and created the cushion necessary to overcome Jones’ late-inning contributions.

Jones extended the seventh with an RBI single off Luke Gregerson and then cut the deficit to one run with a two-out RBI single in the ninth off Padres closer Heath Bell. The 39-year-old third baseman is hitting .429 (18-for-42) with runners in scoring position.

Unfortunately for the Braves, they have struggled to produce these clutch hits over the past two weeks. Even while going 3-for-8 in this loss, they have batted just .192 (20-for-104) with runners in scoring position over their past 14 games.

Once again looking more relaxed than he did during his spot start in Milwaukee during the season’s first week, Minor limited San Diego to two runs through the first five innings. Atlanta optioned him back to Triple-A Gwinnett after the game and recalled outfielder Matt Young. Minor will likely return on June 11, when the Braves need a fifth starter again.

After the Braves gained a brief lead courtesy of Freddie Freeman’s opposite-field two-run double in the fourth, Minor allowed the Padres to tie the game the next half-inning.

Matt Latos limited the Braves to two earned runs and five hits over six innings. His roughest inning came after he issued Brian McCann a leadoff walk in the fourth. Eric Hinske followed with a single, and two batters later, Freeman began his three-hit performance with his go-ahead two-run double.

The Braves might have drawn first blood had Jones not tweaked his left groin while going from first to third on McCann’s two-out first-inning double. This combined with his sore right knee prevented Jones from even being in position to attempt to score on the play.

Jones proved healthy enough to allow Atlanta to score more than two runs for just the fourth time in its past 11 games. But his production didn’t alter the mood in the sullen clubhouse.

Box score

Chipper Jones, who tweaked his left groin in the first inning, is in doubt for Wednesday’s series finale.

Braves pitcher Kris Medlen, who has been out since having Tommy John surgery last August, could return to Atlanta as soon as late July, manager Fredi Gonzalez said. After throwing approximately 90 pitches in Tuesday’s bullpen session, Medlen will now head to Orlando, Fla., for extended spring camp, where he’ll throw live batting practice.

__________

Source: MLB.com

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Atlanta Braves to retire Bobby Cox’s number

Musaresia — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 05:54:44 +0000

Published: Tuesday, March 22, 2011, 11:49 PM Â Â Â Updated: Tuesday, March 22, 2011, 11:54 PM

ATLANTA, Georgia — The Atlanta Braves on Tuesday announced plans to retire former manager Bobby Cox’s number. The Braves will honor Cox’s No. 6 on Aug. 12 before a home game against the Chicago Cubs.

Cox is the first to have his number retired by the Braves only for his accomplishments as a manager.

Cox retired after last season. He is fourth all-time with 2,504 wins, including 2,149 wins in 25 years with the Braves.

The Braves won 14 straight division titles and the 1995 World Series under Cox.

“Bobby Cox exemplifies the Braves organization,” team president John Schuerholz said. “Inducting him into our Hall of Fame and retiring his legendary No. 6 is fitting recognition for a man who has done so much for our organization, our great game and the city of Atlanta.”

Cox’s number will become the third the team has retired in three years, following Tom Glavine (47) last year and Greg Maddux (31) in 2009.

The other Braves players to have their number retired are Hank Aaron (44), Eddie Mathews (41), Dale Murphy (3), Phil Niekro (35) and Warren Spahn (21).

Mathews, the third baseman who hit 512 home runs, was 149-161 as the Braves’ manager from 1972-74.

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Atlanta Braves : From puppy to big dog, Brian McCann becomes a team leader

restaurantlancaster — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 05:25:22 +0000

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press Atlanta catcher Brian McCann is a five-time All-Star and a four-time winner of the Silver Slugger award.

In this photo taken Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann listens to a teammate during a spring training baseball workout in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

FILE – In this April 5, 2010 file photo, Atlanta Braves executive and Hall of Famer Hank Aaron tosses a baseball prior to the start of the team’s opening day baseball game against the Chicago Cubs at Turner Field in Atlanta. Aaron predicts that hitters will bounce back this season following the year of the pitcher. The Hall of Famer also tells the AP he thinks that barring injuries, there’s a good chance of a Red Sox-Giants World Series. (AP Photo/Rich Addicks, File)

In this photo taken Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann, left, tosses the ball during a rundown drill during a spring training baseball workout in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Members of the Atlanta Braves baseball team stretch during a spring training baseball workout, Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

In this photo taken Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, Atlanta Braves second baseman Dan Uggla tosses the ball to shortstop Alex Gonzalez (2) during a spring training baseball workout in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Atlanta Braves catcher David Ross stretches during a spring training baseball workout, Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

In this photo taken Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011, Atlanta Braves pitcher Craig Kimbrel throws during spring training baseball, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez, right, watches as players prepare to stretch during a spring training baseball workout, Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Atlanta Braves’ Martin Prado, left, and Chipper Jones, right, wait to bat during training baseball baseball, Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez, center, leads a team meeting in the outfield before a workout at spring training baseball in Kissimmee, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Jonathan Schuerholz, center, reacts after being tagged by infielder Brooks Conrad, left, as he runs to Martin Prado, right, during a spring training baseball workout, Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Atlanta Braves pitcher Jonny Venters, left, throws to first base while doing pickoff drills as Arodys Vizcaino watches during a workout at spring training baseball in Kissimmee, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Tommy Hanson goes through a drill during a spring training baseball workout Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

In this photo taken Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011, Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Jonny Venters goes through a drill during spring training baseball, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones (10) makes his way to the next photographer during picture day before a spring training baseball workout Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez, right, watches as players prepare to stretch during a spring training baseball workout, Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones fields a ground ball during training baseball, Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones prepares to hit during a spring training baseball workout, Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Atlanta Braves’ Kris Medlen (54) takes a video of teammate Peter Moylan, right, during picture day before a spring training baseball workout Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Atlanta Braves’ Martin Prado, right, signs an autograph for Tripp Church, 11, second from left, of Ringgold, Ga., after arriving for a workout at spring training baseball in Kissimmee, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez watches batting practice during spring training baseball, Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011, in Kissimmee, Fla. Gonzalez is the the Braves new manager, replacing Bobby Cox who retired last year. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Atlanta Braves pitcher Peter Moylan, right, arrives for a workout at spring training baseball in Kissimmee, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez arrives for a workout at spring training baseball in Kissimmee, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Atlanta Braves players, including Jason Heyward (22), make their way onto the field for a spring training baseball workout, Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Atlanta Braves right fielder Jason Heyward takes batting practice during a spring training baseball workout, Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones, right, leads teammates as catcher David Ross, left, points, loosening up during a spring training baseball workout Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Atlanta Braves infielder Brooks Conrad, left, reaches to tag Jonathan Schureholz, right, during a spring training baseball workout, Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones has a laugh during a workout at spring training baseball in Kissimmee, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones points toward home plate during a spring training baseball workout, Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Atlanta Braves’ Chipper Jones, front, David Ross, center, and Jason Heyward jog during a workout at spring training baseball in Kissimmee, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Atlanta Braves’ Chipper Jones arrives for a workout at spring training baseball in Kissimmee, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez walks onto the field during spring training baseball, Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011, in Kissimmee, Fla. Gonzalez is the Braves new manager, replacing Bobby Cox who retired last year. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)wbb

In this photo taken Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011, Atlanta Braves’ Brian McCann watches a fly ball during a spring training baseball workout in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Atlanta Braves center fielder Jordan Schafer tries to catch a fly ball at the wall during a spring training baseball workout, Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones throws during training baseball baseball, Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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Braves in full-squad workouts at Disney

SuireeDisse — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 02:28:37 +0000

Updated: Tuesday, 22 Feb 2011, 9:24 PM EST
Published : Tuesday, 22 Feb 2011, 9:22 PM EST

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) – The Atlanta Braves, who are in their 14th spring training season at Champion Stadium at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney, began their first week of full-squad workouts.

The team is under new management for the first time since 1990. The Braves added first-year manager Fredi Gonzalez and all-star second baseman Dan Uggla this season. Long-time manager Bobby Cox retired last season, but some regular faces remain, including last years rookie sensation Jason Heyward and 18-year veteran Chipper Jones.

The Braves are holding full-squad workouts each day leading up to the opening of Grapefruit League play this weekend. The Braves first home game at Disney is Sunday, February 27, against the Mets at 1:05 p.m. at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Running low on time today, i’ll be back tomorrow hopefully with some more news.

Braves in full-squad workouts at Disney

JanelleCantu24 — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 02:28:37 +0000

Updated: Tuesday, 22 Feb 2011, 9:24 PM EST
Published : Tuesday, 22 Feb 2011, 9:22 PM EST

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Rookies get taste of big-league life

pariamott — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 05:08:59 +0000

by Charles Odum
Associated Press Sports Writer
Cherokee Tribune

Braves minor leaguer Tyler Pastornicky tries to tap from the knowledge of hitting coach Larry Parrish on Tuesday during the teamâ€™s rookie development camp.

slideshow

ATLANTA – The start of the Atlanta Braves’ first rookie development camp was a hit with the team’s top draft pick from 2010.

Matt Lipka, only 18, sounded like a school kid as he gushed about the week’s schedule that includes trips to Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Thrashers and Georgia Tech games and a visit to the King Center.

“It’s like a field trip,” Lipka said. “It’s awesome.”

Each of the 26 minor league players who gathered at Turner Field on Tuesday also found their names on lockers in the clubhouse and Braves’ backpacks stuffed with gifts hanging in each locker.

Lipka, an infielder from Frisco, Texas, said seeing his nameplate on a locker between All-Star catcher Brian McCann and veteran reliever Peter Moylan “just adds to the hunger” to play for the Braves.

Infielder Tyler Pastornicky, from Bradenton, Fla., said he was speechless when he turned to see Hall of Famer Hank Aaron walk through the clubhouse.

“That was pretty crazy,” said Pastornicky, who came to the Braves in the 2010 trade that sent shortstop Yunel Escobar to Toronto. “It was awesome. A Hall of Fame legend.”

The Braves are going to a lot of trouble to make their top prospects feel comfortable, and they hope the return on their investment comes when the players are called up to Atlanta.

“Our hope for them, and somewhat our expectation is that this is the Braves team of the future,” said general manager Frank Wren. “This is the team we hope will carry us to championships in the future. That’s why we’re spending this time and effort to make them feel as comfortable as possible.”

Wren said he hopes the players receive “a total acclimation” to the stadium, coaching staff and the city.

“We always hear stories about rookies not knowing which hotel to go to, not knowing how far it is, not knowing about the traffic in downtown Atlanta, not knowing really which area to live in and how to get to places,” Wren said. “This is all to ease those kind of problems that pop up.”

The week’s schedule began Tuesday with a workout at Turner Field and a speech from Wren.

“Our hope for every single one of you is one day you’re a member of the Atlanta Braves and your home is this clubhouse,” Wren said.

The players played catch on the field, away from last week’s snow still standing in front of the Braves dugout.

The players also hit in the indoor batting cage, but the emphasis of the week is not hitting and pitching.

As a safeguard against such top pitching prospects as Julio Teheran, Arodys Vizcaino and Randall Delgado trying too hard to impress Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez and pitching coach Roger McDowell, the team canceled plans for bullpen sessions.

The offseason schedule is for pitchers to throw at 50- to 60-percent velocity in January.

“I think we all know you put them on the mound with the big league manager and pitching coach watching them, they’re going to throw 90 percent or 100 percent because they’re going to try to impress and that’s really not what this program is all about,” Wren said.

Teheran, who made the climb from Rome to Myrtle Beach to Double-A Mississippi last season, could reach Atlanta in 2011.

“I’m sure we’ll see some of these kids,” Gonzalez said.

Vizcaino, another top prospect, was a big name in the trade that sent Javier Vazquez to the Yankees before the 2010 season.

Shortstop Edward Salcedo, 19, received a $1.6 million signing bonus last year.

“It’s incredible,” said Salcedo, a native of the Dominican Republic, of his first day in the camp. “When I learned I was coming here I was so excited. This is where every player wants to be.”

Running low on time today, i’ll be back tomorrow hopefully with some more news.

Braves’ top prospects getting taste of bigs

Weillampaib — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 21:24:26 +0000

ATLANTA — With ice still glazed across the surface of the home dugout and a layer of snow sitting along the first-base line in foul territory, the Braves welcomed 26 of their top prospects to Turner Field on Tuesday morning, introducing them to some of the sights they will experience if they fulfill their dreams to become Major Leaguers.

“If you need any more incentive, this is it — seeing this kind of stuff,” Braves Minor League shortstop Tyler Pastornicky said.

Having grown up the son of Cliff Pastornicky, a longtime coach and scout for multiple Major League organizations, Pastornicky has at least had some small tastes of what it might be like at the big league level.

But those previous experiences certainly didn’t prepare him for what he witnessed early Tuesday morning, when Hank Aaron casually walked through the Braves’ clubhouse as many of these already wide-eyed prospects were donning their uniforms and simply enjoying the thrill of dressing in the same room that Chipper Jones and John Smoltz called home for many years.

“That was unbelievable,” Pastornicky said of seeing Aaron. “But it was cool.”

Sightings of Aaron have been infrequent enough that even those players who have spent an extended period in Atlanta view such opportunities as something special.

For Braves general manager Frank Wren, Aaron’s appearance simply gave these young prospects to experience one of those “eye-opening firsts” that they could be introduced to once they make their first trip to the big leagues.

“We’re trying to replicate as much as we can,” Wren said. “We can’t put 50,000 people in the stands. We can’t make it 90 degrees out there. But we can do as much as we can to ease the process.

“We’re doing this in lieu of an early Spring Training program for some of these prospects. We felt this would have more long-reaching value to them, because it will put them in position to feel better about their first trip to the big leagues as a player.

When Pastornicky, Julio Teheran, Arodys Vizcaino, Christian Bethancourt, Matt Lipka and the other prospects arrived in Atlanta on Monday, they were shuttled to the same hotel they would inhabit if they were promoted to the Major League roster and needed lodging.

When they arrived at Turner Field on Tuesday, the prospects found themselves granted many of the comforts of a big league clubhouse and the opportunity to interact with the big league coaching staff.

It marked the first time many of these players were introduced to manager Fredi Gonzalez, hitting coach Larry Parrish, bench coach Carlos Tosca, first-base coach Terry Pendleton, pitching coach Roger McDowell, third-base coach Brian Snitker and bullpen coach Eddie Perez.

“I’m hoping when they leave this program, they’ll be on a first-name basis with [the coaches] and go up and say hello when they run into each other in the parking lot at [Spring Training], and that they’ll feel comfortable engaging,” Wren said.

Allowing the players to gain a sense of comfort about what could await them is Wren’s primary objective. Thus before sending the players to stretch and play catch in left field Tuesday morning, Braves director of player development Kurt Kemp stressed that this shouldn’t be viewed as a “tryout camp.”

While some of the hitters took batting practice in the indoor cage, the Braves opted to have most of their pitchers simply discuss the art of pitching with McDowell and other members of the player development staff.

Former Major League managers Dave Trembley and Lee Elia are among those present to lend a hand this week. Trembley was recently hired to serve as the club’s Minor League field coordinator and Elia is preparing for his first season with the club as an instructor for both the Major and Minor League levels.

“This is a select group,” Wren said. “It’s not about trying to impress. We just want them to get to know us and for us to get to know them. That’s really the focus of this.”

Once they completed baseball-related exercises, which included meeting with strength coach Phil Falco, the prospects were introduced Tuesday afternoon to a media specialist, who was slated to advise them about how to handle print, broadcast and social media elements.

To aid in the process of getting used to the media aspect, Wren has invited members of the Atlanta media to interact with the players during the morning hours this week. Later this week, the players will be introduced to an instructor who specializes in the mental part of athletics. They will also have the opportunity to hear speeches delivered by Brian McCann, Tim Hudson, Jason Heyward and Jones, who will address the group Saturday, during the final day of this program.

“I’m going to take advantage of this and learn a lot,” said Salcedo, the 19-year-old Dominican shortstop who received a $1.6 million signing bonus from the Braves in March.

The Braves will take the prospects to a Georgia Tech basketball game and introduce them to the NBA scene during a Hawks game. This will allow Salcedo a chance to catch up with his friend Al Horford, the Hawks’ All-Star forward who was born in the Dominican Republic.

But Salcedo said he is most looking forward to the opportunity to watch the Thrashers later this week. While visiting agent Scott Boras in 2007, he was introduced to hockey and immediately fell in love with the speed of the game.

Wren is hoping that providing the prospects these off-the-field activities will be both educational and enjoyable. But most of all, he simply wants this week to set the stage for these talented young players to feel comfortable if they indeed find their way to Atlanta to fulfill a Major League dream.

“We all know this game is very mental,” Wren said. “That’s a big part of it. There’s a lot of physically talented players in the Minor Leagues who have a tough time of it when they get to this level.”

Mark Bowman is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

There is the quick update of the day.

Report: Braves Give Uggla Record Deal

Avtomoto-insemsblism — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 01:51:52 +0000

Updated: Tuesday, 04 Jan 2011, 8:41 PM EST
Published : Tuesday, 04 Jan 2011, 8:40 PM EST

ATLANTA, Ga. – FOX Sportsâ€™ Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Atlanta Braves have signed Dan Uggla to a five-year deal worth $62 million. The Braves have not commented on the report.

If itâ€™s true, Rosenthal reports the deal would make Uggla the highest-paid second baseman in the history of Major League Baseball. The report was published on the networkâ€™s website on Tuesday night.

Rosenthal reports that while Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley has a higher guarantee in his seven year, $85 million deal, he has a lower annual average.

FOX Sports reports the deal extends from 2011 to 2015.

In November, Uggla rejected a four-year, $48 million offer from the Florida Marlins. That prompted his trade to the Braves.

Read the full report from FOX Sports by clicking here.
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That’s all the news for today.

Braves ecstatic to have Uggla join them

bemnoryerroth — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 17:18:00 +0000

Braves players and management remain ecstatic after the acquisition of Dan Uggla on Tuesday, citing his powerful right-handed bat and desire to win as strong assets for next year's team.

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Atlanta Braves acquire Dan Uggla

JatBarmaBeani — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 09:03:25 +0000

Dan Uggla was added to the Atlanta Braves’ infield on Tuesday in a trade with the Florida Marlins.

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Power surge in Atlanta as Braves land Uggla

Selppeany — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 02:01:00 +0000

One of the Mets’ principal NL East rivals perhaps got stronger Tuesday when the Braves acquired slugging second baseman Dan Uggla from the Marlins.

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Marlins ship Uggla to Braves

itesiaSlilt — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:58:54 +0000

Power-hitting second baseman Dan Uggla was dealt from the Florida Marlins to the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday for infielder Omar Infante and left-hander Mike Dunn in the first trade of the general managers’ meetings.

There is the quick update of the day.

Braves acquire 2B Uggla from Marlins for 2 players

rooferguyxxunow — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 23:14:15 +0000

That’s all the news for today.