The Atlanta Braves opened the 2009 spring training schedule with a trip across Florida to face the Detroit Tigers. Manager Bobby Cox was without 2008 batting champ Chipper Jones as well as newcomer Garrett Anderson, who both stayed at the Braves training facility for an extended batting practice session. His lineup featured Josh Anderson leading off and Casey Kotchman batting cleanup with Jordan Schafer manning rightfield. Jair Jurrjens, who led the 2008 team in wins, pitched two innings, allowing two runs on four hits while walking one. The Braves trailed 3-0 entering the top of the 5th when Schafer and Anderson each stole a base, leading to a Brian McCann RBI sac-fly. With two outs, Freddie Freeman delivered a two-run single to knot the game at 3-3. Schafer would give the team a 4-3 lead with a home run to deep center in the 7th, but the Tigers tied the game in the bottom of the inning as new catcher Clint Sammons couldn’t block enough of the plate on a bang-bang play at home.
Jo-Jo Reyes pitched two innings, allowing one run on three hits. Manny Acosta gave up one hit in an inning’s work. Stephen Marek, acquired in the Mark Texeiria trade along with Kotchman, made his spring debut, striking out one in 1IP. Eric O’Flaherty gave up the short-lived Braves lead in the seventh inning and Juan Perez gave up the eventual game-winner in the eighth.
Schafer showed that Josh Anderson may have some serious competition this spring for the centerfielder position. Freddie Freeman also showed that his ceiling is higher than some people originally thought. Jason Heyward also had a chance to show off his arm, which no one really talks about. He fired a bullet that nearly nailed a runner at the plate. Schafer also showed his arm on a play early in the game. The Braves fall to 0-1 on the Grapefruit schedule, but these games are more about development and looking at the future. If this game was any indication, the future is bright with Schafer, Heyward and Freeman.
1 comment:
got a chance to see some of the game at lunch. Hanson is going to be good. Freeman and Heyward WILL get some PT this year, they are simply better than the players in those positions even though Bobby will give everyone the opportunity. I think Anderson makes the team in April due to his having no options and the braves having no real leadoff option better in the role, I think Kelly would put up pretty good RBI numbers if they don't force him to lead off. If Schaffer clearly beats out Anderson though it may be best long term. Heyward Schaffer Francouer is an excellent defensive outfield and hopefully they've got some pop. I'm hoping Freddie Freeman can be the corner high OBP decent power 1st baseman (who actually hits in the tough spots TEX) that we've sorley lacked. Nice Job Fletch.
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