The Atlanta Braves host the Detroit Tigers from Champion Stadium in Florida as both teams mark the official beginning of MLB Spring Training games. Though no live stream is available, check out MLB.com's radio stream of the game.
The Tigers are coming off a four-game World Series sweep that saw them fall to the San Francisco Giants. Justin Verlander didn't have an answer for Kung Fu Panda, Pablo Sandoval as the Giants out-slugged the Tigers in a short series many favored the Tigers in. The Tiger bats remained quiet during the series and they acquired Torii Hunter over the offseason to help resolve that issue.
Their pitching rotation will be competitive during Spring Training, but count on guys like Verlander, Doug Fister and Anibal Sanchez to be named starters. Sanchez signed a five-year, $80 million deal over the offseason after proving clutch during the postseason. Rick Porcello and Drew Smyly are expected to compete for the final spot in the rotation.
Unlike the Tigers, who made one huge move this offseason, the Braves were pretty busy making corrections in their lineup, bullpen and rotation.
They kicked the winter off by trading Tommy Hanson to the Los Angeles Angels in a surprise move. In return, the Braves received Jordan Walden, who can become a great middle relief guy out of the bullpen and possibly even give closer Craig Kimbrel some time off.
Just a few days later, the Braves struck the free agent market by signing one of the coveted players available signing B.J. Upton to a five-year, $75 million deal. After attracting tons of attention making it obvious they wanted Brother Justin Upton, the Braves finally struck again, this time with their final big move of the offseason by acquiring the Arizona Diamondback product.
The Braves had to see their product, Martin Prado take a hike, but in return they got what they wanted. The Braves completed their outfield and provided balance in their batting order. Jason Heyward, Freddie Freeman and Brian McCann will have both Uptons and Dan Uggla providing power from the right side of the plate, making it almost impossible to matchup late in games.
Click here to listen to the Braves vs. Tigers online as you sit at work or handle chorse at home. It's only Spring Training, but it means baseball's regular season is a little over a month away.
