Atlanta Braves Notes (3/10-3/16)
A look at some of the stories you may have missed coming from Braves camp this week:
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- Top prospect Julio Teheran (pictured) put together another great start on Tuesday as the Braves walloped the St. Louis Cardinals 12-3. Teheran went five no-hit innings in the contest, striking out a springtime high of six batters. After struggling to establish any consistency in the upper minors last year, the former number one prospect entered this spring in a battle for the Braves number five spot in the rotation. With four starts under his belt now, Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez has raved about the rookie’s performance. “Julio has some weapons,” Gonzalez said. “The more he goes out there, the more he is impressing me with his change-up and two-seamer that comes back on the lefties.” Teheran is expected to start the season in the Braves rotation.
- Jonny Venters struggles this spring continued on Wednesday as the Braves reliever walked four consecutive Marlins in his one and a third innings of work. The left-hander has allowed an eye-opening eleven hits this spring in just over six innings of work as issues with his mechanics proceed to haunt him. The former All-Star enters this season once again as the set-up man to closer Craig Kimbrel along with the newly acquired Jordan Walden. As Walden recovers from a bulging disk in his back, Venters struggles do not help to reassure the manager Gonzalez about the back-end of his bullpen. Venters has yet to throw one clean inning in six appearances this spring.
- On the other side of the ball, first baseman Freddie Freeman has put on a power display so far this spring. After going 5 for 14 this week with two home runs, Freeman has brought his spring total up to a team-high four now. Not known as a power hitter, Freeman’s two homers this week both traveled well out of their respective ballparks. After battling vision issues last season that saw his average drop over twenty points, the twenty-three year old is looking to fill a bigger role on the Braves offense in the absence of fellow left-handed hitter Brian McCann. Projected to start the season as the Braves clean up hitter, Freeman’s unexpected power this spring has been a welcome sign for his team. Look for Freeman to continue his hot hitting as the Braves take the field against the rival Philadelphia Phillies on opening day in just over two weeks.
Associated Press
- Taking a look outside of Braves camp, phenom shortstop Andrelton Simmons (#9) continues to carry the Dutch national team in the World Baseball Classic. In a week that saw Simmons slug a leadoff and game-tying home run in consecutive days, the shortstop, along with his team, have impressed in the exhibition tournament so far. Moving onto the semifinals for the first time in the team’s tournament history, the Netherlands will look to ride Simmons clutch hitting to a spot in the championship game. Leading tournament play with nine runs scored, Simmons has been one of the WBC’s best hitters so far. The twenty-three year old shortstop made his Major League debut last season, impressing the Braves with his offense and strong defensive play. Simmons is expected to bat leadoff for the Braves as well this season.
- In other World Baseball Classic news, Team USA was eliminated last night with a loss to Puerto Rico. Craig Kimbrel made four appearances for the U.S. team, allowing two runs. Utility infielder Ramiro Pena also played in the tournament, collecting three doubles for Team Mexico.
- Finally, in this week’s amusing story, New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman tried to lure Braves legend Chipper Jones out of retirement to play first base for his team, according to the New York Post’s Joel Sherman. After a Hall of Fame career with the Braves, Jones retired at the end of last season, his nineteenth season in the Majors. Jones’ agent told Sherman, “[Chipper] has told me he is retired and not planning to come back at all.” In addition, Jones tweeted, “Enough with the rumors! While I am flattered about the speculation of being enticed out of retirement, I’m happy with life as a bad golfer!” No matter how bad his golfing is, Braves fans can all agree that seeing Jones play for another team would be more painful to watch.
Teammates? (David Goldman / Associated Press)
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