Plenty of news and notes involving the Atlanta Braves highlighted by the race to replace Melvin Upton in center field.
Braves News
Pioneering G.M. is eager to mold another winner in Atlanta
The New York Times' Tyler Kepner profiles Braves' President John Hart and his quest to mold Atlanta into a championship contender. The article chronicles how Hart became Braves President and takes a look at the series of moves that the team made during the offseason.
Frustrated Upton tries to see positive in timing of foot injury
"Yeah, it's frustrating," Upton said. "But at the same time I'm going to try to take the positive out of it, and at least it's now and not in August in the middle of a pennant race. If it's something that we can get ahold of now and knock it out, it's something that we can hopefully never have to deal with again."
With Upton out, Braves can get good look at CF options
The AJC's David O'Brien runs down the options for the Atlanta Braves in center field now that Melvin Upton will be on the shelf for two months. Coming off of two sub par seasons, Upton's status was shaky at best. If there is a bright side to his injury it is that it will allow the Braves an extended look in spring training at several in-house options to replace him.
Cunningham confident in ability to compete for CF job
Todd Cunningham is somewhat of an afterthought in the race to replace Melvin Upton in the Braves' outfield but he's hoping a steady performance can get the job done. MLB.com's Mark Bowman takes a closer look at one of the most fundamentally sound options the Braves have.
"You can call me the safe bet," Cunningham said. "You can say I'm not the sexy pick or whatever you want. But I still feel I can personally bring a lot of value to a team. So, if I get a chance to compete out there, I plan to bring everything that I've got."
Rodriguez to make start in Braves spring opener
Veteran Wandy Rodriguez will get the starting assignment in the team's spring opener. Rodriguez is among several pitchers that are in competition to be the team's fifth starter.
Rodriguez and Chien-Ming Wang are both scheduled to complete two innings against the Mets. Projected Opening Day starter Julio Teheran and Eric Stults, who is also vying for the rotation's fifth spot, are both scheduled to complete a pair of innings against the Tigers on Thursday.
MLB News
Yoenis Cespedes open to future in Detroit
Tigers slugger Yoenis Cespedes will be a free agent at the end of the 2015 season but is interested in staying in Detroit.
"I would like to be in a Tigers uniform for many years," Cespedes said Sunday through an interpreter in his first interview with English-speaking media since he reported to camp. "It's a good team now and it will be for many years to come. Every major league player wants a ring, and with this team, you have a really good chance."
White Sox ace Chris Sale out 3 weeks with foot injury
White Sox pitcher Chris Sale will miss the next three weeks with an avulsion fracture in his foot. It is unclear whether the injury puts his status for opening day in jeopardy just yet. Sale is expected to return to action just over two weeks before opening day.