Braves News World

The Braves are inviting 16 non-roster players to spring training, including über prospects Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann. Seven pitchers, all right-handers (now we know why the Braves signed lefty Gabe White), made the cut: Kevin Barry, Adam Bernero, Matt Childers, Dan Curtis, Buddy Hernandez, Gonzalo Lopez and Zach Miner. Five catchers will make the trip to Lake Buena Vista: Miguel Bernard, Jean Boscan, McCann, Carlos Mendez and Brayan Pena. The outfielders invited were Francoeur and former major leaguers Roosevelt Brown, John Barnes, and Esix Snead (now there are three names that strike fear in the heart of pitchers! )

The Texas Rangers signed former Braves infielder Mark DeRosa to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training with the major league club

At the start of 2004, he really seemed like he was on his way to becoming a Braves standout for years to come. The Braves handed him the third base job at the start of 2004. After 2 1/2 months of meager production, the Braves moved Chipper Jones back to third on June 15th and began platooning Charles Thomas and Eli Marrero in left field. Up to that point, the Braves sported a 30-32 record. After the change, the Braves went 66-34. Coincidence? I think not. However, it must be noted that Marcus Giles returned from a two-month stint on the disabled list on July 15th to play an important role in the Braves’ resurgence.

The bottom line is he hit .239 in 309 at-bats – not to mention the question mark that now surrounds his right knee (where he tore his anterior cruciate ligament to end his 2004 season). The development of Nick Green (and Wilson Betemit) rendered him expendable. Hopefully he can find success as a utility player in the American League because he’s a good guy.

Marcus Giles avoided going to arbitration with the Braves by signing a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Braves Thursday. He made just $430,000 last season. The Braves apparently didn’t have the financial mobility to sign him to a multi-year contract meaning he’ll likely look for greener (pardon the pun) pastures after the 2005 season. Kevin Gryboski is now the only Braves player eligible for salary arbitration.