Who’s Ready For Baseball?

Written by Jonathan on March 2, 2010 – 10:13 am

It seems hardly fitting that today is the first Spring Training game for the Braves.  I’m sitting here staring out the window in Atlanta to a very gray day outside and watching my car slowly get covered in snow.  I’ve lived in Atlanta for 9 years and it has snowed maybe 3 times since I’ve been here, but I’m pretty sure this is the 5th significant snow this winter.  That’s all irrelevant for the most part however.

In a couple of hours, the Braves are scheduled to take the field for their opening Grapefruit League game against the Mets.  It’s mid-60s there, slight chance of rain, but nevertheless, it’s time for baseball.

So here’s where we are and what we’ve learned thus far in Spring Training:

Jason Heyward hits bombs. We’ve heard it plenty from every news source covering the Braves (and a number that really aren’t).  Parking lots.  New nets to protect cars.  We get it.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m pumped to see this kid play, but I’m just ready to see how he handles live pitching.  Batting practice is one thing, but I have no doubts that he can bring it at a big league level.

Jair Jurrjens is okay. It’ll be a few days before his pitch counts start to increase again, but all indications are that Jurrjens will be okay in the long run.  I’d much rather the training staff takes their time with him and keeps him healthy down the stretch this season.

Derek Lowe is the opening day starter.  I’m not terribly sure I agree with this, but it’s a showing of confidence from Bobby Cox so I can accept it.  Any situation where Tim Hudson is your number four starter…..I’m okay with it.  I’ve heard a little distaste about that fact, but seriously, step back and look at it.  If this rotation is healthy, it’s stacked.

The games don’t matter. So maybe we haven’t really learned this one in Spring Training, but it’s just a reminder to everyone that the outcome of Spring Training games isn’t the real thing we should be looking at during this time of year.  Keep your eye on individual performances, watch the young guys get the chance to show off a little, and get pumped up for baseball to get started back up at the Ted.

So that’s that, Braves vs. Mets at 1pm today.  Tommy Hanson will throw a couple of innings and I’m looking for another big season out of him.  What are you looking at in Spring Training?  Young guys?  Old guys trying to regain form?  Either way, it’s time for baseball.


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3 Responses to “Who’s Ready For Baseball?”

  1. By josh on Mar 4, 2010 | Reply

    I cant wait for the season to start. It's good to be back after a wonderful off-season. Georgia Tech won the ACC but baseball is always in the back of mind. I have my opening day tickets and also have my last regular season game tickets. I hope that wont be Cox's last game but have to be there if it is. This Heyward kid is making me smile more and more and I really like some of these walks he is taking. 2 games into spring training and I'm ready for the season to start. Good to be back people!!!!!

  2. By afrobutterfly on Mar 17, 2010 | Reply

    Here's what we've learned about Smirfly flamethrower Craig Kimbrel. Hope he can harness that fastball…http://bit.ly/bvR6Xt

  3. By afrobutterfly on Mar 17, 2010 | Reply

    Here's what we've learned about Smirfly flamethrower Craig Kimbrel. Hope he can harness that fastball…http://bit.ly/bvR6Xt

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