Atlanta Braves News: The Morning Chop It’s GAME DAY!!
By Jeff Schafer
Atlanta Braves lineup for March 4 game
1. Eric Young Jr., CF
2. Jace Peterson, SS
3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
4. Jonny Gomes, DH
5. A.J. Pierzynski, C
6. Chris Johnson, 3B
7. Alberto Callaspo, 2B
8. Zoilo Almonte, RF
9. Cedric Hunter, LF
Batter up: A look at the Atlanta Braves spring training schedule
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: Atlanta Braves 2015 Spring Training begins today! If you’re a true fan, you’re excited about what is to come. Lots of different situations to watch in March – fifth starting position in rotation, second base, center field, left field, the bench spots, and even right field prior to Nick Markakis returning from neck surgery. March 4th, the Braves take on the Mets, March 6th Braves look at divisional rivals Washington Nationals and March 7th we take on the Detroit Tigers.
"The Atlanta Braves have returned to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for this year’s spring training. The Braves will take on some of Major League Baseball’s top teams, including four reigning division champions.Each game will include in-game entertainment, Disney character appearances and on-field fan interaction.This year’s schedule features 18 home games, including four night games and a Military Appreciation Day on March 21. See the full schedule below."
Banuelos eager to put surgery and prospect label behind him
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: Manny Banuelos could be one of the stars that the Braves picked up this winter. Once a top prospect for the New York Yankees, Banuelos is coming off Tommy John surgery in 2013 and a recovery season in 2014 that is not worth remembering. When he was signed, many thought he’d be given the chance to earn the Braves fifth starter spot (and he could still, just a little unlikely) but as Spring rolled to us, it was announced the Braves will be looking at three guys for this spot – Michael Foltynewicz, Wandy Rodriguez and Eric Stults. Banuelos will either start the season in the Braves pen or go to Gwinnett and try to prove he’s a starter.
"Even though Banuelos has seen as many highs and lows as many of baseball’s elder statesmen, the young Mexican is only 23 years old (he’ll turn 24 before the team breaks camp). Banuelos has age on his side.When the Braves traded Dan Carpenter and Chasen Shreve on New Year’s Day for Banuelos, he joined a group of pitchers that would eventually assemble to be at least five to six competitors strong. Banuelos will battle Mike Foltynewicz, James Russell, Wandy Rodriguez, Eric Stults and Chien-Ming Wang for the right to follow up an extremely solid front four that includes Julio Teheran, Alex Wood, Shelby Miller and Mike Minor.Banuelos is anxious, and dialed-in ready to make the leap to the majors.“This is a young team and there are a lot of starters. They’re young, just my age,” said Banuelos of 24-year-old’s Teheran, Wood and Miller, who are anchors of the staff. “A lot of people have been waiting for me to get to the show. I’ve been waiting too. I think this is the year. I’ve been working hard in the offseason. My arm feels great, healthy — that’s all I want. I just want to feel healthy again.”"