Friday With The Braves
Get to see Wagner and Saito throw against the Nationalsw today. This is the new order at the back of the bullpen. The two guys that will be closing the door. Saw both in liove BP sessions this week and both showed off explosive fastballs. And both have breaking balls as an "out pitch". Translation: when they have 2 strikes on a batter and he's expecting to try and catch up to the fastball, they can throw a spinner and make them look silly.
Moylan is down here working with change-up specialist and former Braves Gene Garber. Peter owns right handed hitters (they hit less than .200 last season). He needs another pitch to get the lefty out, so Garber is working with his change. Moylan has named his change-up "Dave." And Dave got some left-handers out a couple of days ago.
Funny sight: Jason Heyward talking to a Braves minor league instructor in the Braves dugout...this guy was standing on the 2nd step to be able to look at the 6'5" about to be star. Dinner with Don: we had dinner with Don Sutton and Jim Powell at Shula's steakhouse last night and they don't like the "quality start" stat (6 innings, allow 3 runs or less). That's an average start, they say. A quality start would be to pitch into the 7th inning, and allow 3 runs or less. I've joined them in that philosophy.
Another funny sight: 58 Braves players are in big league camp. Trying to arrange interviews for the Buck & Kincade Show, Jonathan Chadwick and I have to work a crowded clubhouse. Among the men are bat-boys in full uniform. It'll catch you off guard, as these teens strut around with the older guys. And it's still odd to see these older instructors in full uniform too.
Escobar is bowed up. Ball is jumping off his bat. Glaus turned a 3-6-3 double play yesterday and looked smooth doing it. Conrad appears to have taken the early lead on Joe Thurston, in the battle for the final position roster spot. Long way to go though. Conrad is a switch-hitter. Local pitcher Lee Hyde looked good in his first outing. A scout told me Hyde will pitch in the big leagues soon.
Heyward hitting 2nd again today. Should have Hudson on the show today. Later.
Moylan is down here working with change-up specialist and former Braves Gene Garber. Peter owns right handed hitters (they hit less than .200 last season). He needs another pitch to get the lefty out, so Garber is working with his change. Moylan has named his change-up "Dave." And Dave got some left-handers out a couple of days ago.
Funny sight: Jason Heyward talking to a Braves minor league instructor in the Braves dugout...this guy was standing on the 2nd step to be able to look at the 6'5" about to be star. Dinner with Don: we had dinner with Don Sutton and Jim Powell at Shula's steakhouse last night and they don't like the "quality start" stat (6 innings, allow 3 runs or less). That's an average start, they say. A quality start would be to pitch into the 7th inning, and allow 3 runs or less. I've joined them in that philosophy.
Another funny sight: 58 Braves players are in big league camp. Trying to arrange interviews for the Buck & Kincade Show, Jonathan Chadwick and I have to work a crowded clubhouse. Among the men are bat-boys in full uniform. It'll catch you off guard, as these teens strut around with the older guys. And it's still odd to see these older instructors in full uniform too.
Escobar is bowed up. Ball is jumping off his bat. Glaus turned a 3-6-3 double play yesterday and looked smooth doing it. Conrad appears to have taken the early lead on Joe Thurston, in the battle for the final position roster spot. Long way to go though. Conrad is a switch-hitter. Local pitcher Lee Hyde looked good in his first outing. A scout told me Hyde will pitch in the big leagues soon.
Heyward hitting 2nd again today. Should have Hudson on the show today. Later.
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