Brian Snitker, Braves manager, sat in the front row of a banner stating “2021 World Champions”, peaking occasionally at the bullpen where Charlie Morton hosted a side session. Ronald Acuna Jr., and Cristian Pache arrived in matching, glittery-gold SUVs. took a photo.
Tyler Matzek, October star, said that it was like the first day at school.
One notable exception: All-Star agent Freddie Freeman.
After a 99-day lockout, big leaguers flocked to camps in Arizona and Florida on Sunday for the official start of spring training. Fans celebrated sightings both familiar and new: Justin Verlander, Astros’ ace, returning from injury; Marcus Semien, All-Star in Rangers red and white.
Although it’s been more than a decade since Freeman was not in Atlanta’s camp for the 2020 NL MVP, he remains a free agent and is being reportedly pursued by the big-money Yankees or Dodgers.
Shortly after Thursday’s lockout ended, the firewall that prevented management from speaking to players was removed, Snitker sent Freeman a text message. He isn’t sure what his former first baseman will do and didn’t want to ask. He simply wanted to talk to an old friend.
Snitker stated that he hadn’t spoken to Snitker since the parade. “I just said, “Man, I can speak to you now.
“I was simply asking my family how they were doing. It was not professional, business, or any other type of thing. He was just checking in. Let’s face the truth, he will be a good friend for the rest of my life regardless of what happens professionally.
With more uncertainty than others, the Braves are emerging from their work stoppage. Acuna is currently in rehab after suffering a torn ACL. Morton has returned to the mound following a leg injury. Mike Soroka continues his recovery after having re-torn his right Achilles tendon last year.
Acuna stated, “I’m ready,” as he entered the clubhouse.
The Braves are happy with his progress, though it is not quite. The 2018 NL Rookie-of-the Year sustained a right knee injury that ended his season and prevented him from participating in Atlanta’s October campaign.
Acuna stated that he is looking forward to returning to action in May. Although the Braves have not yet announced a timeframe, Snitker is optimistic based on what he has heard. He’s excited to see Acuna during workouts that begin Monday.
Snitker stated, “I know that the reports are really great.” “I mean really great. He must have worked his rear.”
After being struck by a 102 mph ball in Game 1 of World Series, Morton had several screws and a plate placed in his leg. He threw 16 pitches more afterward.
The 38-year old has started throwing again and is on track to his usual spring routine. However, he wanted to measure his progress before committing to opening day April 7.
After tearing his Achilles tendon, Soroka was an All-Star in 2019. He hasn’t pitched since the beginning of 2020. During the rehabilitation process, he re-tore the Achilles tendon. Snitker stated that he is making good progress and that his doctors are encouraging him to recover.
Snitker stated that he knows he is excited to get back down there and start this thing up again. “But I also know that he was probably a year ago.”
VERLANDER’S RESCUE
Verlander said he felt great after his first bullpen session during spring training.
Houston, who is 39 years old, threw 40 pitches in two simulated innings during the first day. This was a good sign for Houston, who won the Cy Young Award in his second season after Tommy John surgery.
Verlander stated, “I’m on cloud nine.”
Manager Dusty Baker, Verlander and James Click all stated that they haven’t set a regular-season or spring workload for the right-hander.
DEEP POCKS
Steve Cohen, New York Mets owner, is not affected by a new spending limit in baseball’s labor agreement that seems to be aimed directly at hits deep pockets.
Owners and players agreed last week to a fourth threshold for luxury tax for teams with payrolls exceeding $290 million. On Saturday, Brandon Nimmo, Mets outfielder, referred to it the “Cohen Tax”.
Cohen answered Cohen’s question about whether the Mets would spend beyond the new threshold.
He said, “The way that I describe it is that this is better than a bridge named after you or anything like that.” It’s still a lot to spend on a salary. It’s not so overwhelming that it makes me feel like I can’t live without it.
TWINS ARE IN
In a deal with the Cincinnati Reds, the Minnesota Twins made their first major step towards restocking their starting pitchers by acquiring right-hander Sonny Gray.
In the deal to acquire Twins pitching prospect Chase Petty, the Reds also included Francis Peguero from the minor league right. Petty, 18, was Minnesota’s first round draft pick last year.
Gray will be the Twins’ top pitcher. Gray, 32 years old, is a two time All-Star. He went 7-9 last season with a 4.19 ERA in 26 games. This was his third season with the Reds. This will be Gray’s 10th season in the major leagues.
