KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) Most of the faces are different from the glory days when the Braves were winning 14 straight division titles.
But the clubhouse still has some of the feel.
In one corner, John Smoltz has a locker next to 300-game winner Tom Glavine, who spent the last five seasons with the New York Mets. Across from them is the locker of catcher Javy Lopez, who rejoined the Braves with a minor-league contract in hopes of winning a backup job.
Glavine also will be flanked by longtime third baseman Chipper Jones. The first full-squad workout will be Wednesday.
While the return of old favorites is sure to create a feel-good atmosphere this spring, the Braves have to resolve several key issues, mostly on the pitching staff.
Among them are whether Mike Hampton is going to contribute after missing most of the last three seasons with injuries. Or, is Rafael Soriano ready to take over as the full-time closer while Mike Gonzalez continues his comeback from elbow surgery?
Smoltz, Glavine and Tim Hudson are more than likely to hold down the first three spots in the rotation.
Thursday
May 1st, 2025
2:13AM
