The Atlanta Braves made a lot of noise during the offseason as they were able to acquire a big time outfielder to complete their wish list. Now, they will begin putting a playoff run together as pitchers and catchers are set to report to training exactly a week from today, Monday.
That's right, football season is long gone meaning baseball will now become the focus of American sports.
Hundreds of thousands of Braves fans who follow Twitter received great news as the organization posted the anticipated start to spring training as pitchers and catchers are soon reporting to camp.
This presents bad news for the rest of the league as the Braves bring a young and talented pitching rotation to the 2013 season. Tim Hudson is still the ace of the staff despite having some young guys trying to take his spot. Despite injuries and surgeries, Hudson has been dominant winning 49 games in the past three seasons.
This will be the final year of his contract as a Brave, but who knows if this will be the last we hear from the 37-year-old right hander who is still pitching very well.
Kris Medlen is expected to become a part of the starting rotation. With the acquisition of Jordan Walden in a trade that sent Tommy Hanson to the Los Angeles Angels, the Braves filled a spot that was left open by Medlen in the bullpen.
Julio Teheran is expected to fill out the back end of a starting rotation featuring two lefties, Paul Maholm and Mike Minor.
The Braves will have a balanced pitching rotation and on top of all this, Brandon Beachy is expected to return from Tommy John surgery sometime in the middle of the season. He posted a 2.00 ERA in 13 starts before getting injured.
You can expect the regular trio back as closer Craig Kimbrel, setup men Jonny Venters and Eric O'Flaherty will be wrapping up games for the Braves this upcoming season.
The Braves training facility is located in Disney World and that's where their truck with all their gear is headed. Though pitching has always been the Braves' main staple, this season the Braves offense will likely get all the attention whether they thrive or struggle.
However, right now, pitchers and catchers will rule the headlines.
