There are a lot of new faces in the Braves clubhouse these days. Twenty-seven guys from two spring's ago are gone...Orr, Thorman, Cormier, Paronto, Villareal, Yates, Wickman,Willie harris, Davies, Corky Miller, Devine, Bryan Pena, Tony Pena, and more are out and new faces are in.
    The big buzz today was the signing of Garrett Anderson. Most of the Braves were exited to hear the news. It's a great fit. Braves needed a LF, that's what he plays. Braves need a clean-up hitter, Anderson is experienced with that. Braves had a limited budget, Garrett was out of options and had to settle for less. We'll see how it develops, but Garrett Anderson looks like a guy that will get 120 starts in LF this season. Diaz will get his starts against the tough lefties, or when Anderson needs a day off. But I don't look at this as a platoon situation. 
    Derek Lowe is fitting in well. This guy has a little swagger about him and that confidence rubs off on the other guys. Lowe's expected to bring this staff ace stuff at the top of the rotation. And he's winning over the clubhouse quick. He's the first guy at work and isn't big-timing anyone. He's also a legit 6'5" in cleats. So far, so good.
    Witnessed Kenshin Kawakami throwing a live BP session today. Good fastball and can locate it in the 4 different quad's of the strike zone. He mixed in a big 12-6 curve ball. His slider he had trouble locating for a strike today. But his cutter looked sharp. That's a fastball with a late break to it, which makes it tough for a batter to get the fat part of the bat on it. The Japanese media was all over this guy, but very respectful. 
    The Braves have 2 new LH's competing for that spot out of the bullpen, and I'm worried already. Boone Logan came over from the White Sox, but he looks really hittable. Eric O'Flaherty pitched in the Mariners Organization last season and he looked to have the better stuff of the two. Stay Tuned.