Stockman Cut; WBC Update

The Braves cut injury prone RP Phil Stockman on Sunday. The English RP only appeared in six games last year for the Braves at the Major league level. Stockman had a 2.10 ERA in 19 appearances in AAA-ball for the Richmond Braves. 

As for the World Baseball Classic, USA lost their first game to Puerto Rico in a stunning fashion going down 11-1. The Puerto Rican's were anchored by a great pitching performance from Bravos SP Javier Vazquez. Vazquez tossed four strong innings of ball, striking out two batters while only sacrificing four hits and one run. The PR batting lineup filled with New York Mets players went on a tear against Jake Peavy. Peavy now has a 14.40 ERA in the Classic, and appears to have some control issues. 

Chipper Jones sat out tonight's game versus the Netherlands with an oblique injury. His return will be evaluated by team doctors. As for Garret Anderson, he will be sidelined for at least two-three weeks with a right calf injury. The AJC reports that the Braves are hopeful that Anderson will be starting in LF for Opening Day versus the Phillies April 5th. 

Braves add Veteran OF....Chipper Talks about Tommy Hanson

The Braves and 14-year veteran Garrett Anderson reached a one-year agreement today. The deal is believed to be worth $2.5 million. The signing comes only a fews days after the Bravos missed out of Ken Griffey Jr. (in case you missed out on the drama of that saga, the episode will be re-aired on Oxygen Network sometime this week) An official announcement of the Anderson signing could come as early as Monday morning. Anderson is expected to join the Braves in beautiful Lake Buena Vista, Florida for Spring Training this week. Bobby Cox raved about Garret Anderson in an interview earlier this week. Cox said, "He's got one of the sweetest swings baseball. He's a guy you want up with the game on the line, and he uses all field. I hope we get him." As Hank Hill always says "Dangit Bobby!", we'll guess what, you got your man! 

Anderson is a career .296 hitter and has drove in 80+ RBI's eight of the past nine seasons. Anderson may not be the home run threat he once was but is still capable of hitting 15-20 HR's with under 500 AB's. Anderson will platoon at LF with Matt Diaz.  Oh by-the-way, did I mention Anderson is three-time All Star, winner of the 2003 Home Run Derby, two-time Silver Slugger and is a member of the "Top 500 Home-Run hitters of All Time." 

As for 6-6 Tommy Hanson, Chipper Jones absolutely raved about this kid in a interview with AJC.com Braves beat-writer David O'Brien. Chipper said this about Tommy's control, "Very impressive. He's probably got the best stuff of anybody in this clubhouse, he throws 93-94 with good movement. Great slider. You're talking about a kid that young who can command four pitches. To do what he did in the Arizona Fall League, which has never been done... pretty impressive kid." In the A.F.L. league Hanson made five starts. He posted a 5-0 record, 0.63 E.R.A., and struck out  49 hitters in 28.2, yes 28.2 innings. There's no typo there folks this kid is the real-deal. Oh and don't forget about the no-hitter Tommy threw in Class AA for the Mississippi Braves, while striking out 13 batters. 

Folks, Chipper has been around the league for 14-years and has been teammates with future H.O.F. pitchers such as Greg Maddux, John Smoltz and Tom Glavine. Those are some pretty strong words coming from a guy of Chipper notoriety. 

Hanson is currently aBn's #2 prospect in the Braves organization and a strong showing in Spring Training could definitely benefit Hanson for an attempt to make the Braves roster mid-season this year. 

What type of numbers do ya'll expect from Anderson this year? What do ya'll think about Tommy Hason? Is a stud is he going to be a bust?