Atlanta Braves News World

Horacio Ramirez placed on 15-day DL, Ken Ray called up from Richmond

Sun, 16 Apr 2006 22:42:16 +0000

Horacio Ramirez has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a left hamstring strain. John Thomson moved from the bullpen to take Ramirez’s spot in the rotation. To fill the bullpen vacancy, the Braves purchased the contract of Ken Ray, a non-roster invitee to Spring Training this year. The 31-year-old right-handed pitcher impressed with his fastball while giving up only 1 run and recording 7 strikeouts in 7 innings pitched during Spring Training.

Joey Devine called up from Richmond, Blaine Boyer optioned to Richmond

Sun, 16 Apr 2006 22:33:32 +0000

Blaine Boyer was optioned to Triple-A Richmond after struggling during the first series of the season for the Braves. His shoulder could not handle pitching on consecutive days. Joey Devine, who narrowly missed making the Opening Day roster, was recalled from Richmond to fill the bullpen spot. The 22-year-old right-handed reliever struck out 18 batters in 11 innings of work during Spring Training.

2006 Braves Opening Day roster released

Thu, 13 Apr 2006 05:07:00 +0000

The Braves finalized their 25-man roster on March 31st when they optioned right-handed pitcher Joey Devine and first baseman James Jurries to Triple-A Richmond. Right-handed pitcher Brad Baker was outrighted to Richmond. Left-handed pitchers John Foster (who may require Tommy John surgery), Macay McBride, and Mike Hampton were placed on the 15-day disabled list (retroactive to March 24th) along with outfielder Kelly Johnson. The team purchased the contracts of outfielder-turned-first-baseman Brian Jordan and left-handed pitcher Mike Remlinger to complete their major league roster. The move to retain the veteran Jordan for his leadership over the youngster Jurries, who had a very productive spring training, was the most surprising to followers of the club.

Brayan Pena and Tony Pena optioned to Richmond

Thu, 13 Apr 2006 04:57:43 +0000

The Braves reduced their spring training major league roster to 33 players on March 28th when they optioned catcher Brayan Pena and shortstop Tony Pena, Jr. to Triple-A Richmond.

Braves enter scouting agreement with Hanshin Tigers

Tue, 11 Apr 2006 00:19:14 +0000

The Braves reached a formal development agreement with the Hanshin Tigers of the Japanese League. Braves international scouts have worked informally with the Hanshin club for years. With the closer partnership, the Tigers will further assist the Braves in scouting and signing Japanese baseball talent.

Anthony Lerew optioned to Richmond

Sun, 09 Apr 2006 20:40:49 +0000

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.

Peter Moylan, Damian Moss sign minor league contracts

Sun, 09 Apr 2006 20:14:05 +0000

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.

Braves send 9 to minor leagues

Sun, 09 Apr 2006 19:43:21 +0000

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.

Bobby Cox, John Schuerholz sign contract extensions through 2007

Sun, 09 Apr 2006 19:34:31 +0000

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.

Braves sign 25 players to one-year contracts

Wed, 05 Apr 2006 02:50:53 +0000

On February 23rd, the Braves agreed to terms on one-year contracts with Jose Ascanio, Brad Baker, Blaine Boyer, Josh Burrus, Lance Cormier, Joey Devine, Jeff Francoeur, Luis Hernandez, Chuck James, James Jurries, Anthony Lerew, Macay McBride, Pete Orr, Brayan Pena, Tony Pena, Martin Prado and Scott Thorman. One-year deals inked with Adam LaRoche, Wilson Betemit, Ryan Langerhans, Kelly Johnson, Matt Diaz, Brian McCann, John Foster and Kyle Davies on March 4th, brought all 38 players on the 40-man roster at the time under contract.