Atlanta Braves News: The Morning Chop, John Gant’s Path To Make The OD Roster

Atlanta Business Chronicle

Braves plan Zip Line at SunTrust Park

Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: Something kind of cool, if you’re the adventurous type, was added to the Atlanta Braves new ball park facility…a zip line.  Though many details haven’t been released yet, it’s been reported by the ABC’s Douglas Sams that it’s most likely to be behind the ballpark’s video board and take people from one side of the concourse to the other.

"The Atlanta Braves are working on the latest new attraction for SunTrust Park — a Zip Line.During Atlanta Business Chronicle and Atlanta Sports Council’s annual Business of Sports Summit on Friday, Derek Schiller, Braves’ executive vice president of sales and marketing, said the Zip Line is part of an attempt to enhance the fan experience at the new ballpark.This amenity is part of many geared toward parents and their children.“We are very family friendly, and that is a significant portion of our audience,” Schiller said."

Bleacher Report

Fans Liken Storm That Ends Astros-Braves Game Early to the Apocalypse

Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: An insane storm rolled through the Wild World of Sports complex on Friday and Bleacher Reports’ Barrett Sallee was there to capture an awesome photo of it.  The game ended in the bottom of the 7th inning when this storm came over the right field side of the field.  Final score of the game was 1-1 with Julio Teheran pitching great again going six innings, allowing four hits, zero walks, zero runs and had five strikeouts.  Jason Grilli did pitch in the 7th inning and allowed one hit, one walk and one run.  In the box score, he had the blown save.

"It’s a bird…it’s a plane…it’s Independence Day?The Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros had to call their spring training game early on Friday when some pretty daunting storm clouds rolled in during their 1-1 tie.Bleacher Report’s Barrett Sallee likened the scene to one straight out of the 1996 thriller:"

The Telegraph

Keep an eye on Atlanta Braves pitcher John Gant

Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: I think everyone is catching onto the bandwagon of pitcher John Gant…and rightfully should.  He’s pitched fantastically this Spring Training in every position he’s been put in.  He started a game last week, he’s came out of the bullpen in multiple different innings and just continues to get batters out.  His 1.08 ERA and only allowing six hits this spring, has given him a great chance to make the Opening Day roster.  Take a look at this 6’5″ 205 pound right-handed pitcher’s delivery, it’s pretty funky and effective at throwing hitters off.

"Coaches are saying the biggest surprise of the spring has been right-handed pitcher John Gant. There’s always someone who comes out of the blue in camp to open eyes, and this year Gant gets the trophy. He was acquired last summer when the Braves shipped Kelly Johnson and Juan Uribe to the New York Mets. Gant did very well when he got to Double-A Mississippi (4-0, 1.99 ERA in seven starts, with 43 strikeouts in 41 innings pitched).Friday against Detroit’s main starting lineup, Gant pitched four hitless innings. Gant has a “vulcan” pitch that acts as a splitter, and no other pitcher in camp has a pitch that effective. Will the Braves be tempted to use him in the starting rotation in Atlanta, put him in the bullpen or give him more time in the minor leagues at Triple-A Gwinnett? It will be an interesting decision."