Atlanta Braves News

Kelly Johnson got off to a shaky start at second base for the Atlanta Braves. Johnson, who came up to the Braves as an outfielder but is attempting to replace Marcus Giles at second, botched a defensive play in the Braves’ 5-0 victory over Georgia Tech on Wednesday. In the second inning, Johnson tried to [...]

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida (Ticker) — The Atlanta Braves agreed to terms with catcher Brian McCann and outfielder Ryan Langerhans on one-year contracts Wednesday.

Mike Hampton strolled off the mound Tuesday after another baby step in his comeback from elbow surgery. Bobby Cox was waiting eagerly near the first-base line. “Thatta boy, Mike,” the Atlanta Braves’ manager said. “Did it feel good?” “It felt pretty good,” Hampton replied, shrugging his shoulders. That’s the way it’s been for the left-hander, [...]

When Jonathan Johnson got to spring training, he found a trophy in his locker with the engraving: “2007 Braves Pitcher of the Year.” A mistake? Sure. The award was supposed to be handed out at one of those fantasy camps, where baseball wannabes pay for the chance to live out their dreams. Then again, that [...]

After passing off the opening day honors last season, John Smoltz is all set to handle the Atlanta Braves’ first start of 2007. To the surprise of no one, manager Bobby Cox aligned his spring training rotation to ensure that Smoltz would be ready to pitch the April 2 opener at Philadelphia. “We could always [...]

VERO BEACH, Fla. – Dodgers manager Grady Little faced a difficult decision atop the batting order: Rafael Furcal or Juan Pierre?

While waiting to step into the hitting cage, Scott Thorman whips his bat through the air like he’s mad at someone. Whoosh. Whoosh. Whoosh. “He’s got a vicious swing. He might just have the hardest swing in baseball,” Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox marveled Sunday. “You can actually hear his swing when you’re standing there.” [...]

The Atlanta Braves would be pleased if Mike Hampton can go five innings by the start of the season. In another sign of Hampton’s deliberate recovery from reconstructive elbow surgery, manager Bobby Cox hinted Saturday that the left-hander won’t be thrown right into the spring training rotation. In fact, it seems unlikely that Hampton will [...]

Chipper Jones removed his shoe and pointed toward the joint at the bottom of the big toe. “Originally, the pain was up in this area,” he said. Then he moved to the other side. “Every time the toes bend up — which happens every time I take a step or run — it feels like [...]

Mike Hampton and Tim Hudson are key to the Braves’ success. Carl Pavano, Mark Prior and Eric Gagne are among hurlers who will be watched closely at training camps.