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Braves News
Teheran expected to start on opening day
Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez was a little hesitant to name his opening day pitcher so early in spring training, but finally admitted that barring any setbacks Julio Teheran would get the nod when the Braves begin the season.
"Yeah, I think so," Gonzalez said. "But I don't even want to go there, because there's so much stuff that could happen.... But you know what? He was our best pitcher last year, made the All-Star team last year, and everything being perfect - no injuries, no setbacks, no blisters that could develop; you've still got to go out and get five starts (this spring), so a lot of things could happen - but yeah, I think he'd be the most logical choice."
Mike Minor's early work encouraging for Braves
Gonzalez and the Braves are excited at the prospect of a bounce back season from Mike Minor who looked sharp in a side session on Sunday. Minor is way ahead of last spring when he was unable to throw due to shoulder problems. He never quite recovered last season but appears to have put those behind him during the offseason.
"Man, oh man, he threw a side (session) today - mid-season form, he really was," Gonzalez said. "He's strong, he looks good, his arm is working great. So it was nice to see him throw a side today. He was a highlight for me today."
Bossman Junior no more
Braves outfielder B.J. Upton will drop the "B.J." and go by his birth name of Melvin Upton Jr. this season. Upton indicated that he would explain the switch once he arrives at spring training.
MLB News
Brandon Beachy signs with the Los Angeles Dodgers
It took a while but Brandon Beachy finally has a new home after he agreed to a one-year deal with the Dodgers that includes a club option for 2016. Beachy is expected to begin the season on the disabled list but could make his debut sometime early in the season. Beachy will earn $2.75 million this season and the option year could be worth anywhere from $3-6 million.
David Price, Tigers expect max effort to strike deal
The Detroit Tigers and David Price are both interested in working out an extension that could keep the lefty in the motor city for a long time to come.