THE BRAVES:
Braves begin workouts in Florida
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) - The Atlanta Braves have added new depth
but still have many questions about their pitching staff entering
spring training. Can Mike Hampton make a comeback? Is Chuck James
healthy? Is Jair Jurrjens ready? Can Rafael Soriano be a full-time
closer?
Those questions should keep things interesting as pitchers and
catchers hold their first workouts tomorrow. They were due to
report today.
The Braves have been out of the playoffs the past two seasons
after winning 14 straight division titles.
Team officials feel that the Braves have has strengthened the
pitching staff with the return of left-hander Tom Glavine, a
two-time Cy Young award winner and the victor in the deciding game
of Atlanta's only World Series championship.
Perhaps the biggest question mark is Hampton. He hasn't pitched
in a major league game since 2005 due to two elbow operations.
Hampton suffered a right hamstring injury in the first inning of
his first start in a winter league game in Mexico in November. This
came after his 2007 season ended when he suffered a torn flexor
tendon in his left elbow last spring.
The hamstring injury renewed doubts that the 35-year-old Hampton
can remain healthy and join John Smoltz, Tim Hudson and Glavine to
give the team four former 20-game winners, each with more than 130
career wins.
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