Braves Pitchers Hudson and Kimbrell Talk Game One

The Braves face the Yankees Saturday at 1:05

No matter what happens in major league baseball spring games, whether it is good or bad, the caveat is always that it is just spring training, and players are just getting ready for the regular season.  You hear players say that over and over again in different ways.

Yet, there are common threads to the regular season.  Whether the games are spring or when they count, players are always looking to build confidence and replicate their skill sets.

Braves starter Tim Hudson pitched two solid innings Friday.  He wasn’t overwhelmed by his performance, nor was he disappointed.  But everything was put into the spring perspective.

“This time of spring pitchers are usually ahead of hitters,” Hudson said.  “This is the first time they have seen live pitching.  It is one the thing facing BP (batting practice) guys, and another thing going out there when the umpires are behind the plate, and it is a real game.   I don’t think it is because we are really that good.  I think it is just because guys are still getting an idea of what things are feeling like for them at the plate.   It is great to go out there and get some zeroes, make some pitches, and get in and out of jams.  It is much better than giving up a seven spot.”

Braves closer, Craig Kimbrell, pitched one scoreless inning Friday.  After the game he spoke about the mechanical approach to getting ready.

As a pitcher, a lot of it is mechanical,” Kimbrell said.  “Making sure your arm gets to a certain position, making sure your upper body gets to a certain position.  There’s a lot of little things.  But the main thing is just making sure your arm feels good.  I went out there today and my arm felt good, I just wasn’t throwing it where I wanted to.  In my mind today was a win.”

The Braves will continue to work on their mechanics, and build confidence, at 1:05 today against the New York Yankees at Champion Stadium.  There will be no TV, but the game will be broadcast in the Atlanta area on 680 AM and 93.7 FM and on the Braves radio network.