Opening Day Preview: Braves vs. Cubs

BRAVES' OPENING DAY LINEUP

1. Melky Cabrera, LF (76 PA, .286/.342/.357, 0 HR, 5 RBI)
2. Martin Prado, 2B (73 PA, .383/.479/.500, 2 HR, 9 RBI)
3. Chipper Jones, 3B (55 PA, .310/.418/.452, 1 HR, 10 RBI)
4. Brian McCann, C (52 PA, .500/.577/.929, 4 HR, 16 RBI)
5. Troy Glaus, 1B (63 PA, .385/.492/.481, 0 HR, 11 RBI)
6. Yunel Escobar, SS (57 PA, .283/.333/.453, 1 HR 9 RBI)
7. Jason Heyward, RF (71 PA, .305/.423/.424, 1 HR 5 RBI)
8. Nate McLouth, CF (61 PA, .118/.217/.196, 1 HR, 4 RBI)
9. Derek Lowe, P

The spring batting stats are beside each player. I think those prove how most of the lineup was constructed. Small sample sizes, are fun, aren't they? I'd like to show you the players' number against Carlos Zambrano, Chicago's opening starter, as well.

1. Melky Cabrera, LF (None)
2. Martin Prado, 2B (3 PA, 1-2)
3. Chipper Jones, 3B (29 PA, 6-23, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, 4 BB, 1 SO)
4. Brian McCann, C (12 PA, 7-12, 2B, 4 RBI 3 SO)
5. Troy Glaus, 1B (11 PA, 3-10, 2B, 2 HR, 5 BB, 1 BB, 2 SO)
6. Yunel Escobar, SS (7 PA, 0-6, BB, 2 K)
7. Jason Heyward, RF (None)
8. Nate McLouth, CF (32 PA, 5-24, 2B, 3B, 4 RBI, 7 BB, 7 SO)
9. Derek Lowe, P

The sample sizes are, naturally, even smaller. Only Chipper Jones and Nate McLouth have really faced Zambrano. Chipper has been facing him since 2002 (and not at all last year) while McLouth has been in the same division as Carlos for most of his career. Yet, every broadcast of baseball today trots out these numbers like they mean something.

A batter's career numbers against a pitcher don't really mean anything simply because batters don't face particular pitchers all that often. If Escobar gets two hits against Zambrano tonight, does that mean that he has "figured him out" after facing him for just one game apiece in 2008 and 2009?

In any case, good luck tonight, Braves, and may you plump up your small sample size stats against Zambrano. :)

Another Season Upon Us: A Braves Prospectus

ATLANTA BRAVES
2009 Record: 86-76 (7th in NL)
Pythagorean Record: 91-71 (-5 Luck, 13th in NL)
Batting Average: .263 (T-4th in NL)
On-Base Percentage: .339 (5th in NL)
Slugging Average: .405 (10th in NL)
Earned Run Average: 3.57 (3rd in NL)
WHIP (BB + H / IP): 1.319 (4th in NL)
Runs Scored: 735 (6th in NL)
Runs Allowed: 641 (4th in NL)
Ballpark: Turner Field (14th year)

The Braves weathered a turbulent 2009 season that saw four of their Opening Day starters lose their jobs or get traded:

• 1B Casey Kotchman - traded to Red Sox with cash for 1B Adam LaRoche
• 2B Kelly Johnson - lost his starting job to backup INF Martin Prado
• CF Jordan Schafer - demoted to Class AAA Gwinnett after a 26-game stretch when he batted .151/.231/.172 with only two doubles and five RBI
• RF Jeff Francoeur - traded to Mets after Braves grew frustrated with his futile attempts to break out

Despite the offensive inconsistencies, the Braves were buoyed by their pitching staff. Perhaps the most important contributors were Javier Vazquez, Jair Jurrjens and rookie Tommy Hanson. Vazquez had a career year with the Braves, while Jurrjens showed his promise and Tommy Hanson instantly solidified the rotation when he was called up in June. Derek Lowe, despite being wildly inconsistent, had 15 victories. Tim Hudson returned to the rotation late in the year and the Braves' first Japanese player, Kenshin Kawakami, had a reasonably successful debut with Atlanta. Combined with the solid production of the bullpen (Eric O'Flaherty, Peter Moylan, Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano), the Braves clawed to within two games of the Rockies for the NL Wild Card with six games to go. However, the Braves would lose those six games to have the playoffs fall from their sight.

After some roster turnover, the Braves look to be better equipped to make a consistent run for a playoff spot.

LOSSES:
RP Manny Acosta (waivers, Mets)
LF Garret Anderson (FA, Dodgers)
RP Jorge Campillo (FA, Royals)
RP Buddy Carlyle (FA, Nippon Ham Fighters)
RF Ryan Church (FA, Pirates)
SU Mike Gonzalez (FA, Orioles)
2B Kelly Johnson (FA, Diamondbacks)
1B Adam LaRoche (FA, Diamondbacks)
PH-1B Greg Norton (FA, retired)
CL Rafael Soriano (trade, Rays)
SP Javier Vazquez (trade, Yankees)
RP Boone Logan (trade, Yankees)

ADDITIONS:
OF Melky Cabrera (trade, Yankees)
RP Michael Dunn (trade, Yankees)
SP Arodys Vizcaino (trade, Yankees)
RP Jesse Chavez (trade, Rays)
1B Troy Glaus (FA, Cardinals)
RF Jason Heyward (promotion)
UT Eric Hinske (FA, Yankees)
SU Takashi Saito (FA, Red Sox)
CL Billy Wagner (FA, Red Sox)

The Braves go into Opening Day with just one question mark lineup-wise: will Nate McLouth be able to play? If he isn't, it's likely he'll go on the disabled list and Melky Cabrera will take his slot in center field while Matt Diaz holds down left field. Every other position has been settled.

PLAYER CAPSULES

OF MELKY CABRERA
First year with Braves
2009 Stats w/NYY: 154 G, 540 PA, .274/.336/.416, 13 HR, 68 RBI, 99 OPS+
Career Stats: 569 G, 2148 PA, .269/.311/.385, 36 HR, 228 RBI, 88 OPS+

RP JESSE CHAVEZ
First year with Braves
2009 Stats: 73 G, 1-4 W-L, 0 SV, 4.01 ERA (103 ERA+), 67 1/3 IP, 69 H, 33 R, 30 ER, 22 BB, 47 SO, 1.351 WHIP
Career Stats: 88 G, 1-5 W-L, 0 SV, 4.48 ERA (93 ERA+), 82 1/3 IP, 89 H, 44 R, 41 ER, 31 BB, 63 SO, 1.457 WHIP

INF BROOKS CONRAD
Second year with Braves
2009 Stats: 30 G, 58 PA, .204/.259/.407, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 74 OPS+
Career Stats: 36 G, 77 PA, .192/.234/.356, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 55 OPS+

LF MATT DIAZ
Fifth year with Braves
2009 Stats: 125 G, 425 PA, .313/.390/.488, 13 HR, 58 RBI, 133 OPS+
Career Stats: 475 G, 1402 PA, .310/.358/.459, 36 HR, 161 RBI, 113 OPS+

SS YUNEL ESCOBAR
Fourth year with Braves
2009 Stats: 141 G, 604 PA, .299/.377/.436, 14 HR, 76 RBI, 116 OPS+
Career Stats: 371 G, 1546 PA, .301/.375/.426, 29 HR, 164 RBI, 112 OPS+

1B TROY GLAUS
First year with Braves
2009 Stats w/STL: 14 G, 32 PA, .172/.250/.241, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 32 OPS+
Career Stats: 1409 G, 5872 PA, .255/.359/.497, 304 HR, 879 RBI, 121 OPS+

UT ERIC HINSKE
First year with Braves
2009 Stats w/2 Teams: 93 G, 224 PA, .242/.348/.432, 8 HR, 25 RBI, 107 OPS+
Career Stats: 996 G, 3521 PA, .254/.336/.438, 113 HR, 424 RBI, 100 OPS+

SP TOMMY HANSON
Second year with Braves
Career Stats: 21 G, 21 GS, 11-4 W-L, 2.89 ERA (143 ERA+), 127 2/3 IP, 105 H, 42 R, 41 ER, 46 BB, 116 SO, 1.183 WHIP

RF JASON HEYWARD
First year with Braves
2009 Stats w/3 Teams: 99 G, 422 PA, .323/.408/.555, 17 HR, 63 RBI
Career MiL Stats: 238 G, 1003 PA, .318/.391/.508, 29 HR, 125 RBI

SP TIM HUDSON
Sixth year with the Braves
2009 Stats: 7 G, 7 GS, 2-1 W-L, 3.61 ERA (115 ERA+), 42 1/3 IP, 49 H, 17 R, 17 ER, 13 BB, 30 SO, 1.465 WHIP
Career Stats: 311 G, 310 GS, 148-78 W-L, 3.49 ERA (127 ERA+), 2059 2/3 IP, 1958 H, 874 R, 798 ER, 632 BB, 1402 SO, 1.257 WHIP

UT OMAR INFANTE
Third year with Braves
2009 Stats: 70 G, 229 PA, .305/.361/.389, 2 HR, 27 RBI, 100 OPS+
Career Stats: 660 G, 2309 PA, .264/.310/.391, 37 HR, 221 RBI, 86 OPS+

3B CHIPPER JONES
Seventeenth year with Braves
2009 Stats: 143 G, 596 PA, .264/.388/.430, 18 HR, 71 RBI, 118 OPS+
Career Stats: 2166 G, 9273 PA, .307/.406/.541, 426 HR, 1445 RBI, 143 OPS+

SP JAIR JURRJENS
Third year with the Braves
2009 Stats: 34 G, 34 GS, 14-10 W-L, 2.60 ERA (159 ERA+), 215 IP, 186 H, 71 R, 62 ER, 75 BB, 152 SO, 1.214 WHIP
Career Stats: 72 G, 72 GS, 30-21 W-L, 3.21 ERA (131 ERA+), 434 IP, 398 H, 174 R, 155 ER, 156 BB, 304 SO, 1.276 WHIP

SP KENSHIN KAWAKAMI
Second year with Braves
2009 Stats: 32 G, 25 GS, 7-12 W-L, 3.86 ERA (107 ERA+), 156 1/3 IP, 153 H, 73 R, 67 ER, 57 BB, 105 SO, 1.343 WHIP

SP DEREK LOWE
Second year with Braves
2009 Stats: 34 G, 34 GS, 15-10 W-L, 4.67 ERA (88 ERA+), 194 2/3 IP, 232 H, 109 R, 101 ER, 63 BB, 111 SO, 1.515 WHP
Career Stats: 567 G, 289 GS, 141-117 W-L, 3.84 ERA (118 ERA+), 2135 IP, 2147 H, 1034 R, 910 ER, 609 BB, 1386 SO, 1.291 WHIP

C BRIAN McCANN
Sixth season with Braves
2009 Stats: 138 G, 551 PA, .281/.349/.486, 21 HR, 94 RBI, 120 OPS+
Career Stats: 611 G, 2372 PA, .293/.356/.497, 91 HR, 389 RBI, 121 OPS+

CF NATE McLOUTH
Second year with Braves
2009 Stats w/ATL: 84 G, 396 PA, .257/.354/.419, 11 HR, 36 RBI, 105 OPS+
Career Stats: 565 G, 2075 PA, .260/.342/.454, 71 HR, 230 RBI, 109 OPS+

RP KRIS MEDLEN
Second year with Braves
2009 Stats: 37 G, 4 GS, 3-5 W-L, 0 SV, 4.26 ERA (97 ERA+), 67 2/3 IP, 65 H, 34 R, 32 ER, 30 BB, 72 SO, 1.404 WHIP

RP PETER MOYLAN
Fifth year with Braves
2009 Stats: 87 G, 6-2 W-L, 0 SV, 2.84 ERA (146 ERA+), 73 IP, 65 H, 29 R, 23 ER, 35 BB, 61 SO, 1.370 WHIP
Career Stats: 189 G, 11-6 W-L, 2 SV, 2.45 ERA (175 ERA+), 183 2/3 IP, 153 H, 65 R, 50 ER, 72 BB, 143 SO, 1.225 WHIP

RP ERIC O'FLAHERTY
Second year with Braves
2009 Stats: 78 G, 2-1 W-L, 0 SV, 3.04 ERA (136 ERA+), 56 1/3 IP, 52 H, 23 R, 19 ER, 18 BB, 39 SO, 1.243 WHIP
Career Stats: 156 G, 9-3 W-L, 0 SV, 4.63 ERA (93 ERA+), 126 1/3 IP, 131 H, 73 R, 65 ER, 48 BB, 85 SO, 1.417 WHIP

2B MARTIN PRADO
Fifth year with Braves
2009 Stats: 128 G, 503 PA, .307/.358/.464, 11 HR, 49 RBI, 117 OPS+
Career Stats: 258 G, 868 PA, .307/.360/.451, 14 HR, 93 RBI, 114 OPS+

RP JO-JO REYES
Fourth year with Braves
2009 Stats: 6 G, 5 GS, 0-2 W-L, 7.00 ERA (60 ERA+), 27 IP, 27 H, 25 R, 21 ER, 13 BB, 21 SO, 1.481 WHIP
Career Stats: 40 G, 37 GS, 5-15 W-L, 6.09 ERA (70 ERA+), 190 2/3 IP, 216 H, 141 R, 129 ER, 95 BB, 126 SO, 1.631 WHIP

C DAVID ROSS
Second year with Braves
2009 Stats: 54 G, 151 PA, .273/.380/.508, 7 HR, 20 RBI, 134 OPS+
Career Stats: 485 G, 1458 PA, .228/.317/.442, 67 HR, 174 RBI, 95 OPS+

RP TAKASHI SAITO
First year with the Braves
2009 Stats: 56 G, 3-3 W-L, 2 SV, 2.43 ERA (194 ERA+), 55 2/3 IP, 50 H, 16 R, 15 ER, 25 BB, 52 SO, 1.347 WHIP
Career Stats: 236 G, 15-10 W-L, 83 SV, 2.05 ERA (218 ERA+), 245 1/3 IP, 171 H, 59 R, 56 ER, 77 BB, 297 SO, 1.011 WHIP

CL BILLY WAGNER
First year with the Braves
2009 Stats w/2 Teams: 17 G, 1-1 W-L, 0 SV, 1.72 ERA (279 ERA+), 15 2/3 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 8 BB, 26 SO, 1.021 WHIP
Career Stats: 782 G, 40-38 W-L, 385 SV, 2.39 ERA (183 ERA+), 833 2/3 IP, 563 H, 248 R, 211 ER, 278 BB, 1092 SO, 1.009 WHIP

Miscues Doom Braves In Spring Finale

WHITE SOX 12, BRAVES 4

W - John Danks (2-1)
L - Tim Hudson (3-2)
HR - Brent Clevlen (1)

THE GOOD: The Braves had four scoreless innings out of the pen and Brooks Conrad had two hits, including an RBI triple in the sixth. J. C. Boscan also had two hits. Brent Clevlen had a solo shot in the ninth.

THE BAD: Just about everything else. Tim Hudson was victimized for five runs in four innings, but only one was earned. The next inning, Jo-Jo Reyes gave up seven runs; five of those runs were earned. The Braves committed five errors in the game.

That's it for spring training! The Braves open the 2010 season at 4:00 on Monday as they take on the Chicago Cubs.

Offense Flat Again, White Sox Win

WHITE SOX 7, BRAVES 2

W - Gavin Floyd (1-0)
L - Tommy Hanson (1-1)

THE GOOD: Tommy Hanson had a great outing, only giving up a first inning run. He allowed just three hits and struck out four batters in four innings. Troy Glaus drove in the Braves' first run and Eric Hinske had two hits.

THE BAD: Nate McLouth was scratched with a hamstring strain; it could be questionable whether he's ready for Opening Day. Kris Medlen coughed up three runs in his two innings of work and Billy Wagner allowed two runs in the ninth. Juan Pierre torched the Braves for three singles and two stolen bases.

UP NEXT: The Braves have another game against the White Sox tomorrow. Tim Hudson will start the game for the Braves.

Jurrjens Sharp, But Braves Offense Flat Against Tigers

TIGERS 4, BRAVES 1

W - Joel Zumaya (2-0)
L - Jair Jurrjens (2-1)
S - Robbie Weinhardt (4)
HR - Don Kelly (3)

THE GOOD: Jair Jurrjens was in good form, allowing two runs in six innings. He allowed six hits, walked one and struck out four batters. Eric O'Flaherty had a scoreless inning after his last unsuccessful stint.

THE BAD: The Braves only mustered five singles on offense. Jo-Jo Reyes gave up two runs, one earned, in the seventh inning.

UP NEXT: The Braves head home to Turner Field to take on the White Sox in a two-game exhibition series. Tommy Hanson will pitch in the first game.

Braves Pound The Stars Out Of Astros

BRAVES 10, ASTROS 5

W - Derek Lowe (3-0)
L - Wandy Rodriguez (1-4)
HR - Chris Johnson (6)

THE GOOD: Troy Glaus went 3-3 with two doubles and drove in three runs. Jason Heyward returned to action by getting a single and a walk and scoring two runs. Martin Prado had two hits and scored two runs. Brian McCann drove in three runs and Eric Hinske had a bases-clearing double.

Craig Kimbrel and Peter Moylan had scoreless innings, extending their scoreless springs. Josh Venters and Jesse Chavez had scoreless innings as well.

THE BAD: Derek Lowe had a somewhat sloppy outing, allowing three runs on six hits and two walks. Eric O'Flaherty had has first poor outing of the spring, allowing two runs on four hits. Matt Diaz was the only Brave with three at-bats to not get a hit.

UP NEXT: The Braves play the Tigers in their Florida finale. Jair Jurrjens is scheduled to pitch.

Braves Take Two from Phllies, Yankees

BRAVES 5, PHILLIES 4

W - Craig Kimbrel (2-0)
L - Ryan Madson (1-1)
S - Vladimir Nunez (1)
HR - Brooks Conrad (2)
Eric Hinske (2)

BRAVES 9, YANKEES 6

W - Takashi Saito (2-0)
L - Zack Segovia (1-1)
S - Billy Wagner (2)
HR - NYY - Nick Swisher (1)
Jorge Posada (1)
ATL - Clint Sammons (1)

THE GOOD: Brooks Conrad hit a game-tying home run against the Phillies and scored two runs in the two games. Eric Hinske hit the game-winner against the Philles. Omar Infante had two doubles.

Kenshin Kawakami allowed five hits and no walks in his inning of work. The lone run came on a solo shot by Nick Swisher. Troy Glaus had two doubles against the Yankees. Matt Diaz had three hits over the two games. Braves relievers pitched 8 1/3 scoreless innings total.

THE BAD: Yunel Escobar pulled in an 0-3 day against the Yankees. Scott Proctor continued to struggle in the spring, allowing two runs against the Yankees. Darkhorse bullpen candidate Jonny Venters hurt his chances by allowing three runs in 2/3 inning against the Phillies.

Nationals Pound Braves Relievers

NATIONALS 9, BRAVES 3

W - Scott Olsen (1-2)
L - Scott Proctor (0-1)
HR - Ryan Zimmerman (6)

THE GOOD: Erik Cordier pitched four innings of two-hit ball. Chipper Jones drove in two runs with a single. Nate McLouth had a single, scored two runs and stole a base. Martin Prado, Matt Diaz and Brent Clevlen had two hits each.

THE BAD: Most of the pitching. Scott Proctor and Jesse Chavez both allowed three runs in their innings of work. Mariano Gomez allowed three runs in two innings. Clint Sammons and Joe Thurston went 0-4 and Eric Hinske went 0-3.

UP NEXT: The Braves play the Phillies in Clearwater. Kris Medlen will start for the Braves

Heyward To Start Season In Right; Braves Celebrate By Beating Tigers and Nationals

Okay, maybe they didn't celebrate by beating the Nationals this afternoon, but it was still a great performance by the pitching.

BRAVES 5, TIGERS 3

W - Derek Lowe (2-0)
L - Justin Verlander (1-3)
S - Billy Wagner (1)

BRAVES 4, NATIONALS 0

W - Jair Jurrjens (2-0)
L - Jason Marquis (1-2)

THE GOOD: McCann had four hits in the two games and scored two runs. Nate McLouth had two hits against the Tigers, driving in two runs. Omar Infante had three hits, including a double, run and RBI. Matt Diaz had two hits against the Tigers. Derek Lowe pitched six good innings, allowing just one unearned run. Jair Jurrjens followed that with five innings of one-hit ball in the next game. Takashi Saito didn't allow a run in back-to-back days.

THE BAD: Melky Cabrera went 0-8 in the leadoff spot, but drove in a run. Chipper Jones went 0-5 with a walk. Jason Heyward went 0-4 against the Nationals (gasp!). Billy Wagner allowed a run against the Tigers for the only score rung up on the Braves pen in the two games.

UP NEXT: The Braves travel to Lake Vera, Florida to play the Nationals again. Tommy Hanson will start for Atlanta and Scott Proctor is scheduled to pitch.

More Scores and Links

BRAVES 8, PHILLIES 0

W - Tim Hudson (3-1)
L - J.A. Happ (0-1)
HR - Brian McCann 2 (4)
Martin PRado (2)

PIRATES 7, BRAVES 6, 10 INN.

W - Steven Jackson (1-0)
L - Manny Acosta (0-2)
HR - ATL - Nate McLouth (1)
Eric Hinske (1)
PIT - Steve Pearce (3)

Tim Hudson and Kenshin Kawakami had six shutout innings each in their respective games. The Braves bullpen was stalwart for the first game, but Jesse Chavez doomed the Braves' lead against the Pirates, giving up five runs.

Brian McCann drove in four runs with his two home runs and added a single against the Phillies. Starting against the Pirates, Eric Hinske homered and drew two walks. Martin Prado had two hits, including a homer, against the Phillies. Jason Heyward had three hits in the two games.

The Braves play the Tigers next with Derek Lowe going to the mound. The setup-closer duo of Saito and Wagner are scheduled to pitch, as well as veteran hopeful Scott Proctor.

Just Scores and Links

BRAVES 4, TIGERS 4

HR - Jeff Larish (1)
Johnny Damon (2)

BLUE JAYS 7, BRAVES 6 (10 INN.)

W - Merkin Valdez (1-0)
L - John Huber (0-1)
HR - Aaron Hill (2)

The Braves-Cardinals spring training game on Sunday was rained out

Braves PItch and Bat Well Against Cards

BRAVES 5, CARDINALS 3

W - Tim Hudson (2-1)
L - Rich Hill (1-1)
S - Jeff Lyman (1)
HR - ATL - Chipper Jones (1)
STL - Rick Stavinoha (1)

THE GOOD: Chipper Jones hit his first home run of the spring. Melky Cabrera had two hits in the leadoff spot. Omar Infante also had two hits. Tim Hudson pitched five innings, allowing just four hits and one run. He walked none and struck out four.

THE BAD: Nate McLouth is still in his long 0-fer slump. Jo-Jo Reyes and Kris Medlen each allowed a run in their stints.

UP NEXT: The Braves go back to Orlando to play the Tigers. Kenshin Kawakami will attempt to go five innings in that game. Scott Proctor will make his debut and projected bullpen rocks Billy Wagner, Takashi Saito, and Peter Moylan are also scheduled to pitch.

Braves Leave Marlins Out In The Rain

BRAVES 4, MARLINS 2

W - Tommy Hanson (1-0)
L - Andrew Miller (1-1)
S - Michael Dunn (1)

On a rainy day in Jupiter, the Braves used some good pitching and three Florida errors to help push their way past the Fish by a score of 4-2.

THE GOOD: Tommy Hanson allowed one run on six hits in five innings of work. He walked no one and striking out four batters. Yunel Escobar had two hits.

THE BAD: The Braves only managed five singles and two walks on offense. Nate McLouth continued to struggle with his batting (and possibly his vision), going 0-3 again.

UP NEXT: The Braves play the Cardinals on Thursday. Tim Hudson and Jo-Jo Reyes are scheduled to pitch.

Lotsa, Lotsa Games

BRAVES (SS) 8, BLUE JAYS 5

W - James Parr (1-0)
L - Jason Frasor (0-1)
S - Stephen Marek (1)
HR - ATL - Joe Thurston (1)
TOR - Randy Ruiz (2)

ASTROS 8, BRAVES (SS) 5

W - Brett Myers (2-0)
L - Kenshin Kawakami (1-1)
S - Wilton Lopez (1)
HR - ATL - Brian McCann 2 (2)
HOU - Hunter Pence (3)
Carlos Lee (1)

BRAVES 5, NATIONALS 2

W - Derek Lowe (1-0)
L - Garret Mock (0-2)
S - Mariano Gomez (1)
HR - Martin Prado (1)
Joe Thurston (2)

BRAVES 6, MARLINS 3

W - Jair Jurrjens (1-0)
L - Josh Johnson (0-1)
S - Craig Kimbrel (1)

THE GOOD: Jason Heyward went 4-8 with two doubles, four runs, three walks and a run batted in. Brian McCann homered twice against the Astros and drove in three runs. Omar Infante went 5-10 with a double. Freddie Freeman had a three-hit, two-RBI game against the Blue Jays. Martin Prado homered and drove in five runs. Joe Thurston hit two home runs.

Derek Lowe pitched four hitless innings against the Nationals, striking out six batters. The Braves relievers pitched a total of twenty scoreless innings over the four games.

THE BAD: Nate McLouth continued his severe spring slump, going 0-6 in two games to lower his batting average to .040. Kenshin Kawakami got pounded by the Astros, allowing six runs (three earned) on eight hits in 3 2/3 innings. Jair Jurrjens was roughed up in his first inning of work, allowing three runs on five hits; He kept the Marlins off the board in the other two innings.

UP NEXT: The Braves travel to Jupiter to have a rematch with the Marlins.

Hudson Pecked By Blue Jays, Braves Shut Out

BLUE JAYS 3, BRAVES 0

W - Ricky Romero (1-1)
L - Tim Hudson (1-1)
S - Reidier Gonzalez (1)

In Friday's rained out game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Jair Jurrjens debuted with two innings of shutout ball. The game was called after three innings.

In today's game, Tim Hudson endured a two-run third inning and the Blue Jays rode those three runs to a 3-0 victory. The Braves were held to just five singles.

THE GOOD: The Braves bullpen held the Blue Jays scoreless after Hudson left. Billy Wagner, Peter Moylan, Eric O'Flaherty, Jesse Chavez and Michael Dunn each had an inning of work. Melky Cabrera went 2-2 with a walk.

THE BAD: Hudson was tagged for three runs, two earned in four innings. Hudson committed two errors with a pickoff and throw. Yunel Escobar went 0-3 and Nate McLouth pulled another 0-3 day, striking out twice. His spring average is now .053.

UP NEXT: The Braves play their only split squad games in the spring on Sunday. One squad plays the Jays again while the other faces the Astros.

The Next Big Thing In The A-Town

JASON HEYWARD
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 240 lbs.
2010 Age: 20

I said the sky is the limit for Brian McCann in the first profile post. The universe is the limit for Jason Heyward.

Okay, I may have exaggerated that a little bit. Still, Jason Heyward is the most talked-about outfield prospect the Braves have had in a while. Unlike Jeff Francoeur, who struggled with plate discipline, or Mike Kelly, the Braves' #2 pick in the 1991 draft who couldn't hit for average in the pros, Heyward appears to be the complete package.

Taken with the 14th pick of the 2007 Draft, Heyward went straight out of Henry County High Schoool in McDonough, Georgia to the pros. As a 17-year old, Heyward batted .302/.354/.488 in 17 games with the GCL Braves and Danville.. The outfielder spent most of the 2008 season with the Low Class A Rome Braves. His .316/.381/.473 season with 27 doubles and 11 homers earned him an early promotion to the High Class A Myrtle Beach Pelicans.

The 2009 season proved to be where Heyward slugged his way onto the organization's fast track. Despite dealing with nagging injuries, Jason batted around in 49 games in Myrtle Beach; he put up a .296/.369/.519 line in 49 games. He did even better in Class AA Mississippi, hitting .352/.446/.611 in 47 games. The Braves organization promoted him to Gwinnett to help the International League club with their playoff push. With a successful seven-game stint, Heyward finished the year with a .323/.408/.555 line with 25 doubles, four triples and 17 home runs (422 PAs).

Last season, all Braves right fielders put up a line of:

.276/.335/.408, 28 2B, 4 3B, 15 HR, 80 RBI, 43/120 BB/K

The three main contributors to those stats were:

Jeff Francoeur: 322 PA, .248/.280/.351, 12 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 35 RBI, 12/46 BB/K
Matt Diaz: 269 PA, .322/.398/.507, 11 2B, 2 3B, 9 HR, 36 RBI, 19/60 BB/K
Ryan Church: 77 PA, .231/.351/.308, 2 2B, 0 3B, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 12/12 BB/K

Heyward is extremely capable of putting up a Rookie of the Year-type season for the Braves.

STAT PROJECTIONS:

Bill James - 601 PA, .303/.371/.465, 27 2B, 5 3B, 17 HR, 86 R, 78 RBI, 59 BB, 64 K

CHONE - 340 PA, .258/.324/.416, 16 2B, 3 3B, 9 HR, 39 R, 36 RBI, 28 BB, 59 K

PECOTA - 471 PA, .277/.350/.473, 25 2B, 4 3B, 16 HR, 67 R, 54 RBI, 45 BB, 79 K

Rotowire - 142 AB, .275/.356/.451, 5 HR, 23 R, 21 RBI, 18 BB, 23 K

Yahoo! - 446 AB, .278/.339/.439, 15 HR, 67 R, 65 RBI, 42 BB, 80 K

SAM'S PICK - PECOTA - I think that Heyward would get more than 471 PA this season. It's the slash stats that I agree with the most. Although I love what Bill James came up with, I don't think Heyward is going to do that well his first year in the league. Heyward's actual production, if he remains healthy, would be somewhere between PECOTA and Bill James.

EDIT: Updated timestamp

Braves Defeat Mets Despite Two Shaky Innings

BRAVES 7, METS 6, 10 INN.

W - Craig Kimbrel (1-0)
L - Eric Niesen (0-1)
HR - Chris Carter (3)

After some early offense and trading goose eggs, the Braves prevailed 7-6 in ten innings over the Mets.

THE GOOD: Melky Cabrera and Chipper Jones drove in two runs each while Martin Prado went 2-2 and scored two runs. Pinch-hitter Jesus Sucre provided the game-winning single in the tenth inning. He hit a home run, but he was credited with a single because he only touched first base.

Kris Medlen pitched three shutout innings after the departure of Derek Lowe. Five Braves relievers each pitched an inning of scoreless ball, including closer prospect Craig Kimbrel, who got the win.

THE BAD: Derek Lowe lasted just an inning because of a toe blister and gave up three runs on five hits, including a two-run homer to Chris Carter. Takashi Saito allowed three runs on three hits, two of them for extra bases, in just his second relief inning in the spring.

Nate McLouth walked and scored a run, but he again went 0-3. His spring average is now down to .063. Jason Heyward sat out the game to rest his back, which he tweaked running into the wall in yesterday's game.

UP NEXT: Heyward is expected to play against the Yankees in Tampa, Florida. Jair Jurrjens is expected to make his spring debut tomorrow.

One Bad Inning Dooms Braves In Spring Loss To Phils

PHILLIES 7, BRAVES 4

W - Danys Baez (1-0)
L - Jose Ortegano (0-1)
S - Drew Carpenter (1)
HR - Jayson Werth (1)

The Phillies jumped all over Class AA Mississippi reliever Jose Ortegano in the sixth inning, erasing a 4-2 deficit. Philadelphia won by a final score of 7-4.

THE GOOD: Troy Glaus continued his tear, going 3-3 with three singles and a run scored. Eric Hinske had a pinch-hit double that gave the Braves a 3-2 lead. Jason Heyward continued his on-base streak with a single and a walk. Brian McCann had a double and a walk.

Kenshin Kawakami did reasonably well; his only mistake was a two-run homer to Jayson Werth. Five Braves relievers had scoreless innings.

THE BAD: Jose Ortegano gave up the rest of the Phillies runs in the sixth inning on six hits and a walk. Nate McLouth drove in a run, but he also went 0-3, dropping his spring average down to .077. Yunel Escobar and Melky Cabrera also pulled in 0-3 days, though Escobar got an RBI and Cabrera scored a run.

UP NEXT: The Braves play the Mets on Wednesday. Derek Lowe will make his next start of the spring.

Braves Maul Tigers For Big Win

BRAVES 12, TIGERS 4

W - Tim Hudson (1-0)
L - Max Scherzer (0-1)
HR - Jason Heyward (1)
Mitch Jones (1)

Jason Heyward displayed an early spring flourish with his first home run, a towering shot to right field off Detroit starter Max Scherzer, which helped propel the Braves to an easy 12-4 victory over the Tigers.

THE GOOD: Along with his home run, Heyward also turned in a walk. Eric Hinske went 3-4 and scored two runs. David Ross went 2-2 and drove in four runs. Troy Glaus went 2-2 and scored two runs. Brooks Conrad drove in two with a double and Mitch Jones added a solo shot.

Tim Hudson allowed three hits and one run in three innings, while striking out three batters. Jo-Jo Reyes pitched two scoreless innings, striking out three batters. Stephen Marek and Erik Cordier pitched scoreless innings.

THE BAD: Omar Infante went 0-4 in the leadoff spot and Melky Cabrera only got a walk in an 0-3 day.

UP NEXT: Atlanta faces the Phillies back in Orlando. Chipper Jones is expected to return today.

Rematch Goes Braves' Way

BRAVES 9, ASTROS 4

W - Mariano Gomez (1-0)
L - Gary Majewski (0-1)

Despite Hanson being the first Braves starter to allow any runs this spring, the Braves teed off on Astros pitching, winning 9-4. Jason Heyward and Chipper Jones got the day off.

THE GOOD: The Braves had sixteen hits total. Brian McCann went 3-3 with a double, scored two runs and drove in three. Troy Glaus had a 3-3 day with a double. He scored two runs and drove in another. Brooks Conrad continued his big spring with a 2-4, one RBI day. Matt Young and Yunel Escobar drove in two runs apiece. The Braves staff only walked one batter.

THE BAD: Tommy Hanson allowed three runs (one earned), in his 2 1/3 innings of work. He allowed two doubles to Lance Berkman. Brent Clevlen had an 0-3 day at the plate.

UP NEXT: The Braves go to Lakeland to face the Tigers.