Former Braves pitcher clears air, throws two shutout innings

KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA - Former Atlanta Braves pitcher Tim Spooneybarger made his first visit back to the team&#39;s spring training complex Thursday and solved two problems in one trip. <br> <br> Spooneybarger, traded to the Florida Marlins in the offseason for Mike Hampton, struck out three hitters in two scoreless innings of relief as the Marlins defeated the Braves 4-1. <br> <br> Spooneybarger said, ``This was a very emotional day for me. I think being in a familiar place helped me focus. I finally got my curveball over and I was really hitting my spots. That was nice.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> He also mended fences with Atlanta pitching coach Leo Mazzone, who Spooneybarger said ripped him in front of his teammates before a Braves game last September. Spooneybarger said the incident contributed to his being left off the Braves post-season roster. <br> <br> The two met in the Braves bullpen before the game when Spooneybarger was visiting with former Braves bullpen catcher Alan Butts. <br> <br> Spooneybarger said, ``It was good to see Leo and clear the air. I made a few statements that I didn&#39;t think would be a big deal, but maybe I was a little angry about leaving when I said that stuff. I really appreciate the fact that Leo was a professional about it and didn&#39;t come back and lash out at me. He could have, but he was very respectful and that means a lot to me. Hopefully, that&#39;s the end of it.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> Mazzone also complimented Spooneybarger on his professionalism. <br> <br> Mazzone said, ``Tim showed a lot of class coming over and I really wish we still had him. He&#39;s a good kid. He&#39;s throwing the ball real well. I hope he has a great season against everybody but us.&#39;&#39;