Atlanta Braves Gear Up for 2010 Explosive Season

It's that time of year again! Spring training for baseball teams is soon on the horizon. I live in Alabama. If you ask me about football, I might answer that my team is Alabama or Auburn. But if you ask me about my baseball team, it's Atlanta Braves all the way! The Braves have fans from all over the country. This year the Braves have surprises in store and an explosive season with lots of changes. The Braves welcomes MLB top prospect Jason Heyward, but says goodbye to Bobby Cox. This will be Cox's last year to manage the Braves. With only 18 days till pitchers and catchers report and 31 days till the first game of spring training, it's time for all you Braves fans to start counting down till the 2010 Season!

According to Around the Horn: Outfielders, an article by Mark Bowman, after last season's early struggles, Atlanta has revamped its outfield. Nate McLouth and Matt Diaz are back, but Melky Cabrera and top prospect Jason Heyward have been added. Nate McLouth, number 13, was born October 28, 1981 in Muskegon, Michigan. He debuted June 29, 2005 and stands at 5' 11" weighing 180 pounds. During his 84 games with the Braves, the 28-year-old outfielder hit .257 with 11 homers, 12 stolen bases and a .773 OPS. Matt Diaz, number 23, was born March 3, 1978 in Portland Oregon. He attended Florida State and debuted July 19, 2003. He is 6' 1" and weighs 215 pounds. According to Bowman, Diaz has quietly made himself one of the most consistent outfielders the Braves have possessed over the course of the past decade. During his four seasons in Atlanta, the 31-year-old outfielder has hit .316 and compiled an .829 OPS. Melky Cabrera was born August 11, 1984 in Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic. He debuted July 7, 2005 and stands at 5' 11" weighing 200 pounds. Bowman reported, when the Braves gained Cabrera in the December trade that sent Javier Vazquez to the Yankees, they raved about the versatility of this 25-year-old outfielder, who hit .274 with 13 homers and a .752 OPS for the World Series champions last year. According to Bowman, Heyward will draw the most attention throughout this year's Spring Training. The Braves have said that they intend to give him every opportunity to begin the season as the starting right fielder, and the 20-year-old outfielder has the confidence that he is ready to accept this assignment. At 6' 4" and 220 pounds, Jason Heyward, in 238 Minor League games, has hit .318 with 29 homers, 26 stolen bases and an .899 OPS. Heyward said, "I want to play the game successfully at the Major League level, not just to be up there and soak it in. That's what I've always enjoyed doing, playing the game hard and playing it well."

Other Braves News
According to Mark Bowman, the Braves are joining MLB in its relief efforts for the earthquake victims of Haiti by setting up donation centers at designated sites during their two-week Winter Caravan. The Braves have finalized their schedule for this year's Winter Caravan, and they announced that they have partnered with the American Red Cross and MedShare to aid in their Haiti relief efforts. According to Braves to aid Haiti relief efforts on Caravan, the article by Bowman, during the two-week Caravan, which will take the players, coaches and personalities to a number of cities located in the Southeast, the Braves will set up an American Red Cross monetary donation center at each of the Academy Sports/Outdoors sites that they visit. Chipper Jones, Tim Hudson, Peter Moylan, team president John Schuerholz and general manager Frank Wren will headline a group of players and employees who will take time to visit a MedShare facility in Decatur, Georgia, where they will sort and pack supplies that will be utilized to aid in Haiti's earthquake relief efforts.

Other Players to Watch this Season
Chipper Jones, number 10, was born April 24, 1972 in DeLand, Florida. He debuted September 11, 1993 and stands at 6' 4" weighing 210 pounds. Chipper hit exactly 100 points lower this past season but according to MLB, he is one of the great hitters of his era so it's reasonable to think Chipper can bounce back. Battling with an injury last season, he held in there and is back this season. He is one of the Braves longest and most faithful players. I hope we can still look forward to his surprises to come. Tim Hudson, number 15, was born July 14, 1975 in Columbus Georgia. He attended Auburn University and debuted June 8, 1999. He is 6'1" and weighs 170 pounds. Though last season, Hudson was recovering from reconstructive elbow surgery, he ended the season 2-1 with a 2.61 ERA, a 1.47 WHIP and 30 Ks in 42 1/3 innings. We will be seeing Hudson on the field plenty this year. Braves extended a three year contract extension to Hudson last November. Brian McCann, number 16, was born February 2, 1984 in Athens, Georgia. He debuted June 10, 2005 and stands at 6'3" weighing 230 pounds. McCann desires to be one of the game's greatest catchers. He has earned his third Silver Slugger Award in just his fifth season. McCann led all NL catchers with 21 homers, 94 RBIs and an .834 OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage). He ranked second with a .281 batting average, according to Mark Bowman's article Around the Horn: Catchers.

Atlanta Braves 2010 Spring Training Schedule:
All times are Eastern Time and are subject to change. Spring Training home games are played at Champion Stadium in Lake Buena Vista, Florida except where noted.
March 2- Away Game at New York Mets 1:10 p.m.
March 3- Home Game verses New York Mets 1:05 p.m.
March 4- Home versus Pittsburgh 1:05 p.m.
March 5- Home versus Washington 1:05 p.m.
March 6- Away at Houston 1:05 p.m.
March 7- Home versus Houston 1:05 p.m.
March 8- Away at Detroit 1:05 p.m.
March 9- Home versus Philadelphia 7:05 p.m.
March 10- Home versus New York Mets 1:05 p.m.
March 11- Away at New York Yankees 7:05 p.m.
March 12- Home versus Pittsburgh 1:05 p.m.
March 13- Home versus Toronto 1:05 p.m.
March 14- Away at Houston 1:05 p.m. and Away at Toronto 1:05 p.m. (Split Squad)
March 15- Away at Washington 7:05 p.m.
March 16- Home versus Florida 1:05 p.m.
March 17- Away at Florida 1:05 p.m.
March 18- Away at St. Louis 1:05 p.m.
March 19- Home versus Detroit 6:05 p.m. (Split Squad)
March 20- Away at Toronto 1:05 p.m.
March 21- Home versus St. Louis 1:05 p.m.
March 23- Away versus New York Mets 1:10 p.m.
March 24- Home versus Philadelphia 1:05 p.m.
March 25- Away at Pittsburgh 1:05 p.m.
March 26- Home versus Detroit 1:05 p.m.
March 27- Home versus Washington 1:05 p.m. ( Split Squad)
March 28- Away at Washington 1:05 p.m.
March 29- Away at Philadelphia 1:05 p.m.
March 30- Home versus New York Yankees 1:05 p.m. (Split Squad)
March 31- Home versus Houston 1:05 p.m.
April 1- Away at Detroit 1:05 p.m. (Played in Lakeland , Florida)
April 2- Home versus Chicago White Sox 7:05 p.m. (Played at Turner Field)
April 3- Home versus Chicago White Sox 1:05 p.m. (Played at Turner Field)

Atlanta Braves 2010 Regular Schedule:
All times are Eastern Time are are subject to change. Most all games are presented in Live Webcast.
April 5- Home versus Chicago Cubs 4:10 p.m.
April 7- Home versus Chicago Cubs 7:10 p.m.
April 8- Home versus Chicago Cubs 7:10 p.m.
April 9- Away San Francisco 4:35 p.m.
April 10- Away San Francisco 10:05 p.m.
April 11- Away San Francisco 4:35 p.m.
April 12- Away at San Diego 6:35 p.m.
April 14- Away at San Diego 10:05 p.m.
April 15- Away at San Diego 6:35 p.m.
April 16- Home versus Colorado Rockies 7:35 p.m.
April 17- Home versus Colorado Rockies 7:10 p.m.
April 18- Home versus Colorado Rockies 1:35 p.m.
April 20- Home versus Philadelphia Phillies 7:10 p.m.
April 21- Home versus Philadelphia Phillies 7:10 p.m.
April 22- Home versus Philadelphia Phillies 7:10 p.m.
April 23- Away at New York Mets 7:10 p.m.
April 24- Away at New York Mets 1:10 p.m.
April 25- Away at New York Mets 8:05 p.m.
April 26- Away at St. Louis 8:15 p.m.
April 27- Away at St. Louis 8:15 p.m.
April 28- Away at St. Louis 8:15 p.m.
April 29- Away at St. Louis 1:40 p.m.
April 30- Home versus Houston Astros 7:35 p.m.
May 1- Home versus Houston Astros 3:10 p.m.
May 2- Home versus Houston Astros 1:35 p.m.
May 4- Away at Washington 7:05 p.m.
May 5- Away at Washington 7:05 p.m.
May 6- Away at Washington 7:05 p.m.
May 7- Away at Philadelphia 7:05 p.m.
May 8- Away at Philadelphia 3:10 p.m.
May 9- Away at Philadelphia 1:35 p.m.
May 10- Away at Milwaukee 8:10 p.m.
May 11- Away at Milwaukee 8:10 p.m.
May 12- Away at Milwaukee 1:10 p.m.
May 14- Home versus Arizona Diamondbacks 7:35 p.m.
May 15- Home versus Arizona Diamondbacks 7:10 p.m.
May 16- Home versus Arizona Diamondbacks 1:35 p.m.
May 17- Home versus New York Mets 7:10 p.m.
May 18- Home versus New York Mets 7:10 p.m.
May 19- Home versus Cincinnati Reds 7:10 p.m.
May 20- Home versus Cincinnati Reds 1:05 p.m.
May 21- Away at Pittsburgh 7:05 p.m.
May 22- Away at Pittsburgh 7:05 p.m.
May 23- Away at Pittsburgh 1 :35 p.m.
May 25- Away at Florida 7:10 p.m.
May 26- Away at Florida 7:10 p.m.
May 27- Away at Florida 7:10 p.m.
May 28- Home versus Pittsburgh Pirates 7:35 p.m.
May 29- Home versus Pittsburgh Pirates 7:10 p.m.
May 30- Home versus Pittsburgh Pirates 1:35 p.m.
May 31- Home versus Philadelphia Phillies 1:05 p.m.
June 1- Home versus Philadelphia Phillies 7:10 p.m.
June 2- Home versus Philadelphia Phillies 1:05 p.m.
June 3- Away at Los Angeles Dodgers 10:10 p.m.
June 4- Away at Los Angeles Dodgers 10:10 p.m.
June 5- Away at Los Angeles Dodgers 10:10 p.m.
June 6- Away at Los Angeles Dodgers TBA
June 7- Away at Arizona 9:40 p.m.
June 8- Away at Arizona 9:40 p.m.
June 9- Away at Arizona 9:40 p.m.
June 10- Away at Arizona 3:40 p.m.
June 11- Away at Minnesota 8:10 p.m.
June 12- Away at Minnesota 7:10 p.m.
June 13- Away at Minnesota 2:10 p.m.
June 15- Home versus Tampa Bay Rays 7:10 p.m.
June 16- Home versus Tampa Bay Rays 7:10 p.m.
June 17- Home versus Tampa Bay Rays 7:10 p.m.
June 18- Home versus Kansas City Royals 7:35 p.m.
June 19- Home versus Kansas City Royals 7:10 p.m.
June 20- Home versus Kansas City Royals 1:35 p.m.
June 22- Away at Chicago White Sox 8:10 p.m.
June 23- Away at Chicago White Sox 8:10 p.m.
June 24- Away at Chicago White Sox 2:05 p.m.
June 25- Home versus Detroit Tigers 7:35 p.m.
June 26- Home versus Detroit Tigers 4:00 p.m.
June 27- Home versus Detroit Tigers 1:35 p.m.
June 28- Home versus Washington Nationals 7:10 p.m.
June 29- Home versus Washington Nationals 7:10 p.m.
June 30- Home versus Washington Nationals 7:10 p.m.
July 2- Home versus Florida Marlins 7:35 p.m.
July 3- Home versus Florida Marlins TBA
July 4- Home versus Florida Marlins 1:35 p.m.
July 5- Away at Philadelphia 7:05 p.m.
July 6- Away at Philadelphia 7:05 p.m.
July 7- Away at Philadelphia 7:05 p.m.
July 9- Away at New York Mets 7:10 p.m.
July 10- Away at New York Mets 4:10 p.m.
July 11- Away at New York Mets 1:10 p.m.
July 13- American League versus National League TBA 81st Annual All-Star Game (Played in Anaheim)
July 15- Home versus Milwaukee Brewers 7:10 p.m.
July 16- Home versus Milwaukee Brewers 7:35 p.m.
July 17- Home versus Milwaukee Brewers 7:10 p.m.
July 18- Home versus Milwaukee Brewers 1:35 p.m.
July 20- Home versus San Diego Padres 7:10 p.m.
July 21- Home versus San Diego Padres 7:10 p.m.
July 22- Home versus San Diego Padres 1:05 p.m.
July 23- Away at Florida 7:10 p.m.
July 24- Away at Florida 7:10 p.m.
July 25- Away at Florida 1:10 p.m.
July 27- Away at Washington 7:05 p.m.
July 28- Away at Washington 7:05 p.m.
July 29- Away at Washington 12:35 p.m.
July 30- Away at Cincinnati 7:10 p.m.
July 31- Away at Cincinnati 7:10 p.m.
August 1- Away at Cincinnati 1:10 p.m.
August 2- Home versus New York Mets 7:10 p.m.
August 3- Home versus New York Mets 7:10 p.m.
August 4- Home versus New York Mets 7:10 p.m.
August 5- Home versus San Francisco Giants 7:10 p.m.
August 6- Home versus San Francisco Giants 7:35 p.m.
August 7- Home versus San Francisco Giants 4:10 p.m.
August 8- Home versus San Francisco Giants 1:35 p.m.
August 9- Away at Houston 8:05 p.m.
August 10- Away at Houston 8:05 p.m.
August 11- Away at Houston 2:05 p.m.
August 13- Home versus Los Angeles Dodgers 7:35 p.m.
August 14- Home versus Los Angeles Dodgers 7:10 p.m.
August 15- Home versus Los Angeles Dodgers 1:35 p.m.
August 16- Home versus Los Angeles Dodgers 7:10 p.m.
August 17- Home versus Washington Nationals 7:10 p.m.
August 18- Home versus Washington Nationals 7:10 p.m.
August 19- Home versus Washington Nationals 1:05 p.m.
August 20- Away at Chicago Cubs 2:20 p.m.
August 21- Away at Chicago Cubs 4:10 p.m.
August 22- Away at Chicago Cubs TBA
August 23- Away at Colorado 8:40 p.m.
August 24- Away at Colorado 8:40 p.m.
August 25- Away at Colorado 3:10 p.m.
August 27- Home versus Florida Marlins 7:35 p.m.
August 28- Home versus Florida Marlins 4:10 p.m.
August 29- Home versus Florida Marlins 1:35 p.m.
August 30- Home versus New York Mets 7:10 p.m.
August 31- Home versus New York Mets 7:10 p.m.
September 1- Home versus New York Mets 7:10 p.m.
September 2- Home versus New York Mets 7:10 p.m.
September 3- Away at Florida 7:10 p.m.
September 4- Away at Florida 7:10 p.m.
September 5- Away at Florida 1:10 p.m.
September 6- Away at Pittsburgh 1:35 p.m.
September 7- Away at Pittsburgh 1:35 p.m.
September 8- Away at Pittsburgh 7:05 p.m.
September 9- Home versus St. Louis Cardinals 7:10 p.m.
September 10- Home versus St. Louis Cardinals 7:35 p.m.
September 11- Home versus St. Louis Cardinals 4:10 p.m.
September 12- Home versus St. Louis Cardinals 1:35 p.m.
September 13- Home versus Washington Nationals 7:10 p.m.
September 14- Home versus Washington Nationals 7:10 p.m.
September 15- Home versus Washington Nationals 12:10 p.m.
September 17- Away at New York Mets 7:10 p.m.
September 18- Away at New York Mets 4:10 p.m.
September 19- Away at New York Mets 1:10 p.m.
September 20- Away at Philadelphia 7:05 p.m.
September 21- Away at Philadelphia 7:05 p.m.
September 22- Away at Philadelphia 7:05 p.m.
September 24- Away at Washington 7:05 p.m.
September 25- Away at Washington 1:05 p.m.
September 26- Away at Washington 1:35 p.m.
September 27- Home versus Florida Marlins 7:10 p.m.
September 28- Home versus Florida Marlins 7:10 p.m.
September 29- Home versus Florida Marlins 7:10 p.m.
October 1- Home versus Philadelphia Phillies 7:35 p.m.
October 2- Home versus Philadelphia Phillies 7:10 p.m.
October 3- Home versus Philadelphia Phillies 1:35 p.m.

You may purchase tickets at atlanta.braves.mlb.com, the Official Atlanta Braves Website. On the website, you may also take a virtual tour of Turner Field and see a seating chart of all seats. You may also call (404) 577-9100 to speak to a Braves representative about purchasing tickets. Buy tickets per game or seasonal tickets for the entire season. New to this year, the Braves offers payment plans on seasonal tickets. Available plans for financing are full season, half season, weekend plans, and 20 game plans. Check out the mini ticket plans. With the Flex Plan, choose any 10 home games as low as $110 per seat. With the Bobby Cox six-game plan, you get seats as low as $66 per seat. This plan includes Opening day versus the Chicago Cubs, plus five Saturday games, including inter-league and division match-ups and the final Saturday home game versus the Philadelphia Phillies. With the Valentine's Day Four Game Plan, for as low as $44, you get 4 Braves games, including Opening Day versus the Chicago Cubs, two Saturday games, and a Publix Friday Night Fireworks game. The Valentine's Day Package is unique as it comes in a gift box with a Braves cap and access to the 755 Club on April 17th for you and your loved one. Go to atlanta.braves.mlb.com or call to speak with a Braves Representative to reserve your tickets now!

It is sure to be an exciting season for the Braves and Braves fans this year! Time to dig out your foam Tomahawks and head to Turner Field. Or glue yourself to a television, to watch the games in the comfort of your home. Check your local listings. Whichever you like, don't miss this year's 2010 Atlanta Braves Baseball Season!

List of Sources
atlanta.braves.mlb.com
Official Site of the Atlanta Braves
braves.com

Mark Bowman
atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100129&content_id=7994578&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl
Around the Horn: Outfielders
braves.com

atlanta.braves.mlb.com/team/roster_active.jsp?c_id=atl
Active Roster
braves.com

atlanta.braves.mlb.com/team/lpayer.jsp?player_id=434661
Nate McLouth
braves.com

atlanta.braves.mlb.com/team/lpayer.jsp?player_id=429841
Matt Diaz
braves.com

atlanta.braves.mlb.com/team/lpayer.jsp?player_id=466320
Melky Cabrera
braves.com

Mark Bowman
atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100127&content_id=7984808&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl
Heyward named MLB.com No. 1 prospect
braves.com

Mark Bowman
atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100127&content_id=7981008&vjey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl
Braves to aid Haiti relief efforts on Caravan
braves.com

atlanta.braves.mlb.com/mlb/fantasy/wsfb/news/index.jsp?action=locate&pid=116706
Fantasy Player News & Updates: Chipper Jones
braves.com

atlanta.braves.mlb.com/team/lpayer.jsp?player_id=116706
Chipper Jones
braves.com

atlanta.braves.mlb.com/mlb/fantasy/wsfb/news/index.jsp?action=locate&pid=218596
Fantasy Player News & Updates: Tim Hudson
braves.com

atlanta.braves.mlb.com/team/lpayer.jsp?player_id=218596
Tim Hudson
braves.com

Mark Bowman
atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100115&content_id=7925242&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl
Around the Horn: Catchers
braves.com

atlanta.braves.mlb.com/team/lpayer.jsp?player_id=435263
Brian McCann
braves.com

atlanta.braves.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp?c_id=atl&m=3&y=2010
2010 Braves Schedule
braves.com

atlanta.braves.mlb.com/ticketing/index.jsp?c_id=atl
Tickets
braves.com