Atlanta Braves Report to Spring Training
Well the cold and damp air is beginning to slowly drift away and the sunshine and warmth is making its way back into our lives. Along with it…comes baseball.
October 3, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Atlanta Braves pinch hitter Chipper Jones (left) receives congratulations in the dugout after scoring a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the sixth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Atlanta Braves have officially reported for spring training in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Justin Upton began the day by introducing himself to his new team. Upton is the newest Brave when he was acquired in a multi-player trade just a few weeks ago with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
"“It’s just kind of time to focus on some baseball, which is the fun part,” Upton said. “We’ve done all the talk about it. It becomes fun when you get here and get around the guys.”"
Upton joked around with his brother, BJ, calling him crazy for saying he will make the daily 45-minute drive from his Tampa home to the Braves facilities in Lake Buena Vista.
There is a ton of excitement and hype for this Atlanta Braves team with all of the new faces. Across the league there is new found excitement for the new inter-league schedules that will see National League and American League teams batting it out through out the entire season rather than just a short period of time.
For the first time without Chipper Jones, the Braves will rely on their bullpen and new speed from the Upton’s to put them into the playoffs.
Be sure to follow Bryant on Twitter @bryantdouglass!