Spring Training 2008: The Atlanta Braves Take on the Houston Astros

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida, March 8 - The 2008 Atlanta Braves are already two weeks into their Spring Training games, held at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. As part of the Grapefruit League, the Braves play other American and National League teams across the state of Florida. On Saturday, March 8, the Houston Astros sent a split squad to play against the Braves for an afternoon game. The rest of the Astros played another game in Kissimmee; which is located about twenty minutes away from Lake Buena Vista. Parking was free yet crowded due to other sporting events being performed at the complex. I arrived at 11 a.m. and was able to purchase my program in the parking area for $5.

When it was time to play, the starting pitchers for both teams were Jo-Jo Reyes for the Braves and Wandy Rodriguez for the Astros. While there were many famous Braves that were making a returning trip this season for Spring Training, there were also some Non-Roster Invitees playing. The same could be said for the Astros; especially since they were a split squad, however, some new acquisitions were also present in the dugouts. The Braves have returning pitcher Tom Glavine, who after being on the Mets last year, returned to his former Atlanta team for the 2008 season. Also new to the Braves this season is former Oakland outfielder Mark Kotsay.

Bringing a great performance to the day's game, including stealing a base during an inning, was outfielder Michael Bourn of the Houston Astros. Bourn was on the Philadelphia Phillies last year, however, he is a veteran to the Grapefruit League and was an asset in Saturday's game. Other key players which helped the Astros secure a victory that day were Miguel Tejada (shortstop, previously with the Baltimore Orioles) and Ty Wiggington (third base, previously with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays).

While the Braves put up a good fight, their most interesting player of the game was Yunel Escobar, who made his debut as the Braves; full-time starting shortstop this season. His offense was very strong in the game, as he batted both a single and a double. Chipper Jones, another Atlanta power-player, also scored a single and a double in the game. Atlanta's pitching, though was not as strong. Pitcher Jo-Jo Reyes threw more balls than strikes and allowed five walks. As bad as it may sound though, only one run was scored during Reyes' time on the mound. This may have been influenced by the strong gusts that were very present during the entire game.

In contrast, the Astros' had a very strong defense with pitcher Wandy Rodriguez striking out five players during his innings. Their offense was unstoppable thanks to Hunter Pence's (outfield) outstanding performance with a two-run triple in the fifth inning.

As the weather conditions got worse (very windy), the game continued. Non-Roster Invitee Brandon Hicks, of the Braves' Minor League affiliate team, was able to score a home run in the ninth inning, but it was too little, too late. In the end, the Astros beat the Braves, 7 to 4.