Braves

Jose Constanza (Braves)

2/22/12 11:21 am

Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said Wednesday that Jose Constanza “fits” as a potential fifth outfielder.

Under this scenario, the Braves would go with a bench of Constanza, Eric Hinske, Matt Diaz, Jack Wilson and David Ross. Constanza, 28, predictably cooled down following a hot start last year, but batted .303/.339/.385 with two homers, 10 RBI, seven stolen bases and a .724 OPS over 119 plate appearances.

Source: twitter.com

Tommy Hanson (Braves)

2/22/12 9:43 am

Tommy Hanson (concussion) will miss at least two more days of full workouts.

Hanson was diagnosed with a mild (Grade 1) concussion after blowing a tire and banging his head in a one-car accident on Monday. There’s a chance he could do some light work Tuesday, but the Braves are obviously taking every precaution with the 25-year-old right-hander.

Source: twitter.com

Tommy Hanson (Braves)

2/21/12 9:58 am

Tommy Hanson has been diagnosed with a mild concussion.

Hanson suffered the head injury on Monday morning after blowing a tire and banging his head in a one-car accident. He was checked out Tuesday by a concussion specialist in Orlando and cleared of anything major. The Braves are expecting the 25-year-old right-hander to resume workouts after a 48-hour rest period.

Source: twitter.com

Tommy Hanson (Braves)

2/21/12 9:33 am

Tommy Hanson (head) will miss Tuesday’s workouts.

Hanson banged his head after blowing a tire Monday on his way to Braves camp. The Atlanta trainers are worried that he might have a concussion, and will use all the precaution they can with the 25-year-old right-hander. He’ll be examined Tuesday by a brain specialist in the Orlando area.

Source: twitter.com

Tommy Hanson (Braves)

2/20/12 6:34 pm

The Braves will not have an update on Tommy Hanson (head) Monday night.

Hanson bumped his head after his car blew a tire on the way to Braves’ camp Monday and was being tested for a possible concussion. Hanson made it to the ballpark just fine following the minor one-car accident, but the Braves are obviously taking every precaution.

Source: twitter.com

Tommy Hanson (Braves)

2/20/12 12:39 pm

Tommy Hanson was involved in an auto accident Monday morning while traveling to Braves camp.

Hanson eventually made it to the Braves’ facility in Lake Buena Vista, Florida but opted to head to the hospital for a precautionary evaluation. The results of his exams aren’t available yet, but the Braves don’t seem all that concerned. Hanson, 25, posted a 3.60 ERA and 142/46 K/BB ratio in 130 innings last year.

Source: twitter.com

Peter Moylan (Braves)

2/19/12 3:57 pm

Though no firm timetable has been set, Peter Moylan (shoulder) indicated to David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Sunday that a return sometime after mid-May would be reasonable.

Moylan, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right rotator cuff in early October but recently ramped up his throwing to three sets of 25 throws from a distance of 90 feet. The side-arming reliever re-upped with the Braves last month on a minor league deal full of incentives and could be a factor in their pen if he shows he’s healthy.

Source: twitter.com

Tim Hudson (Braves)

2/19/12 11:58 am

Tim Hudson (back surgery) said he feels great but knows there is a “long way to go.”

David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution isn’t expecting the veteran right-hander to be ready before late April or early May. Hudson underwent surgery in November to repair a herniated disc in his back, and the Braves will smartly take it slow with him. The 36-year-old held a 3.22 ERA and 158/56 K/BB ratio across 215 innings in 2011.

Source: twitter.com

Brian McCann (Braves)

2/17/12 9:43 pm

David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the Braves haven’t begun extension talks with Brian McCann.

McCann is owed $11.5 million this season while his contract includes a $12 million option for 2013 or a $500,000 buyout. The Braves would almost certainly exercise the option, but O’Brien believes extension talks could begin next offseason.

Source: ajc.com

Craig Kimbrel (Braves)

2/17/12 8:55 am

Both Craig Kimbrel and Jonny Venters did less throwing than normal over the offseason, instead focusing more on strength and conditioning.

Venters appeared in a league-leading 85 games last year, while Kimbrel finished tied for second with 79 appearances. After appearing to wear down late in the year, both pitchers limited their winter throwing and their focus in spring training will be to prepare for the season, rather than, as Venters put it, come out “guns blazing.” Venters also gained “about seven pounds” of muscle over the winter, calling it “probably the best offseason I?ve ever had really.”

Source: ajc.com