Spring Training is Off

The Atlanta Braves pitchers and catchers reported to Kissimmee Florida earlier this week bringing along most others.  It seems as though the Braves players are greatly anticipating getting back on the field with their teammates.   Even though the positional players are not required to report to camp until Friday, the entire projected starting lineup has already signed into camp.

March 18, 2012; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; A detailed view of Atlanta Braves batting helmets on the field for batting practice before a spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles at Disney Wide World of Sports complex. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Now don’t get me wrong, this isn’t uncommon for players to report early and actually usually happens usually every year.  Most positional players around the league have already reported to camp this season as well.  But after the offseason the Braves had, it is exciting to see the guys actually together.

Early pictures show Jason Heyward looking like he spent his offseason in the weight room and seems to have gained some Uggla arms.  I’m actually glad I haven’t completed my Heyward projections because I may add a few extra homeruns after seeing this.

Fans have been teased with the idea of having Justin Upton in a Braves uniform for a while now and finally pictures have surfaced of Heyward hanging out on the field with B.J. and his younger brother Justin.  To see the number eight jersey with Upton on the back is exhilarating to all Braves fans.

So far Jordan Schafer and Tyler Pastornicky have not reported to camp.  Coach Fredi Gonzalez said a few sarcastic words on Wednesday proclaiming they both should be in camp.  Thanks to David O’Brien, here are his words “We’re waiting for (Pastornicky) again this year, Schafer probably has a tough time getting travel arrangements.  He’s another one I’m going to grad.  He only lives two exits up the road here; I haven’t seen him yet” said Gonzalez.  Jokingly, he went on to say “I didn’t know he signed a deal with (general manager) Frank (Wren) – he’s got a five-year deal, guarantee to play one of the tree outfield spots.

Both of these guys live close to the facility in Florida but probably just didn’t get the memo that everyone else was going to show up early (HA!).  Obviously with these words from the coach, Schafer and Pastornicky should report to camp tomorrow.

Now with a few short days of practices, games will begin on Feburary 22^nd.  If your not extremely excited for the boys to be back on the field, you probably got lost on the web and somehow got on this site.  I’m ready to get out of this cold weather – bring in the sunshine, hot dogs and beer please!