Loading ...Camp Roger Underway
Written by Colin on February 2, 2009 – 2:44 amTommy Hanson, Tim Hudson, and Mike Gonzalez headlined the first day of Camp Roger, the early pitching camp at Turner Field. The program got underway on Friday and is overseen by pitching coach Roger McDowell. If you’re a Braves fan, I won’t need to tell you that Camp Roger is a continuation of Camp Leo, a program begun under Leo Mazzone.
Hanson pitched Friday for the first time as Cox and crew looked on, and Cox was impressed. He sounded like he expects Hanson to join the team either out of spring training or midseason – and he’s anticipating success when it happens. “Good looking kid,” Cox mused. Hanson is ready for it; he knows that in the end, all he has to go out there and throw the ball and prove his value to the Braves.
Mike Gonzalez is rip roaring and ready to go – enjoying what he called his first “normal” offseason. He pointed out that he hasn’t had an opportunity to pitch at 100% in Atlanta and is looking forward to showing off an improved changeup this season.
Tim Hudson is hoping to make his first throws off a mound later this week. He’s 5 months into what will be 12 month of rehab after Tommy John surgery that cut short his 2008 season. He will hopefully be back in time for the end of the season this year. He also cleared up any talk about not wanting the Braves to pick up his 2010 option. He’s hopeful that his pitching is impressive enough that the Braves will want to pick up the option and he looks forward to helping get the Braves back into the playoffs.
Also joining camp were Blaine Boyer, Stephen Marek, Anthony Lerew, and Eric O’Flaherty. Kenshin Kawakami is working out his visa and hopes to join before Friday, but the remaining three starting pitchers had not joined the voluntary camp yet. More updates as we hear them!
Tags: Camp, Camp Roger, Mike Gonzalez, Tim Hudson, Tommy Hanson
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