Braves News World

Anthony Lerew will start the season with Triple-A Richmond as the Braves optioned him to their top farm club on March 23rd. At the same time the club reassigned right-handed pitchers Chad Paronto & Wes Obermueller & Travis Smith, infielder Cesar Crespo, and outfielders David Kelton & Michael Ryan to Richmond’s minor league camp. Right-handed pitcher Sean White and catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia were assigned to the minor league camp of Double-A Mississippi. Catcher Steve Pyzik was reassigned to the minor league camp of Class A Myrtle Beach.

In mid-March the Braves signed right-handed Australian pitcher Peter Moylan to a minor league contract for $30,000. The 27-year old sidearmer hasn’t pitched in the minor leagues since a 1997 stint with the Twins’ rookie-level team. He endured major back surgeries in 2001 and 2003 but appears to have fully recovered. He turned a lot of heads with a 96 mph fastball while pitching for Team Australia in the World Baseball Classic.

At the same time, left-handed pitcher Damian Moss returned to the Braves organization when he signed a minor league contract. After an impressive 2002 season, during which he went 12-6 with a 3.42 ERA in 179 innings pitched, Moss struggled during stints with the Giants, Orioles, and Devil Rays the following 2 seasons. Last season, he enjoyed a solid season for the Mariners’ Triple-A club.

On March 15th, the Braves trimmed their spring training roster by 9. Right-handed pitcher Brad Baker, a free agent pick-up during the offseason, and infielder Scott Thorman were optioned to Triple-A Richmond. Infielders Luis Hernandez & Martin Prado and outfielder Josh Burrus were optioned to Double-A Mississippi. Right-handed pitcher Jose Ascanio was optioned to the Class-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Meanwhile, right-handed pitcher Kevin Barry, catcher Clint Sammons, and infielder Jonathan Schuerholz, son of Braves GM John Schuerholz, were reassigned to the Braves’ minor league camp.

In March it was announced Bobby Cox and John Schuerholz had each signed one-year contract extensions to serve as the Braves’ manager and general manager, respectively, through the 2007 season. Since teaming up at the start of the 1991 season the duo has overseen a string of 14 consecutive Braves division titles. Cox, who earns a salary of approximately $2 million a year, ranks 7th on the all-time wins list for managers. He is on pace to finish the year 5th on the all-time managerial victories list and is 102 wins behind Sparky Anderson for 4th all-time.