Atlanta Braves

The roster of the Atlanta Braves has changed drastically from the start of the 2009 season. Key changes at numerous positions will likely decide whether the Braves make their first playoff appearance since 2005. 

2009 Players to 2010 Players (Changes in Bold): 

The shortstop position has been ever changing since Cal Ripken Jr. first stepped on a major league field.

The position that used to have only the smallest players and lightest hitters is now filled with tall and powerful baseball players who use their size to extend their defensive range rather than pure speed.

The trend of big, filled-out shortstops has developed so much that it now has branches of styles stemming from it.

The Braves got the best news possible on Jair Jurrjens’ ailing right shoulder.

An MRI that was conducted on Wednesday showed no signs of structural damage in Jurrjens’ throwing shoulder and the Braves right-hander was instead diagnosed with a mild case of inflammation.

The Braves' team orthopedist, Dr. Xavier Duralde, has recommended a week of rest for Jurrjens before he can start throwing again.

Pitchers and catchers reporting tomorrow down in Orlando (or "Dark Star" as Dave O'Brien of the AJC has so cleverly coined it)  has a welcoming ring to it.

Every trade, every signing, every prospect, and every rumor has been dissected and bantered about throughout this hot stove season to the point where the only thing really left to do is the most important of all: play ball.

1. Introduction

I am very tired of hearing about the snap judgment about Derek Lowe; an ace pitcher that Atlanta Braves signed him for a four-year, $60 million deal.

The Braves are reporting to Spring Camp on Friday, and after an off-season full of moves, hopes are high heading into the 2010 season.

With a strong starting rotation, and a revamped offense and bullpen, the Braves think that 2010 will be the year that they return to the post-season.

Here are 5 Bold Predictions for the Braves in 2010, 5 things that might have a slim chance of occurring, but would be fantastic for the Braves organization.

Begin Slideshow

Full Name
Darrell Wayne Evans

DOB
5/26/47

College
None (John Muir High School, Pasadena, CA)

Drafted
1967, 7th Round, Kansas City Athletics

MLB Seasons
1969-1989

Tiger Seasons
1984-1988

Career Stats
.248 Avg, 414 HR, 1354 RBI, .792 OPS, 119 OPS+, 1605 BB

Career Leaderboard
2 time All-Star (1973, 1983)
12th all time in walks (1605)
42nd all time in HR (414)

Update

Good news for Atlanta Braves fans.

Jari Jurrjens went for an MRI on Tuesday, and the results showed no structural damage in his shoulder. Everything checked out with his labrum and rotator cuff.

Jurrjens was just suffering from shoulder inflammation and will rest for the remainder of this week before beginning a throwing program next week.

All signs point to Jurrjens being ready for Opening Day.

Original Post

So much for being a good employee. Sometimes it pays to be like George Costanza.

Jair Jurrjens and the Braves had the biggest scare of the offseason earlier this week Jurrjens had to leave the Orlando training complex to receive an MRI on his shoulder.

Thankfully for them both, Jurrjens and his shoulder are fine.

Jurrjens' shoulder only had some inflammation and there was no damage to the labrum or rotator cuff. 

Jurrjens, 24, is only seven months older than phenom Tommy Hanson.

If the Braves were to miss any time from Jurrjens, who posted a superb 2.60 ERA last season, the Braves would have been in serious trouble.

The Atlanta Braves will be holding their collective breaths as they await word on the health of one of their best pitchers.

Braves starter Jair Jurrjens will travel to Atlanta later this week to have an MRI on his sore right shoulder.

Jurrjens reported to camp a week before pitchers and catchers were scheduled to arrive on Friday, expressing lingering soreness in his throwing shoulder.