Basically, there was a whole lot of nothing going on regarding the Braves today. It seems though that Frank Wren and company are still talking to people and "working the phones" pursing players of interest or opportunity.

There was a lot of chatter about securing our backup catcher spot, with Damian Miller and Sal Fasano being mentioned as free agent options. In yet another comment on DOB's blog, he mentions that the Braves would prefer to trade for a backup catcher and that several options have been discussed. Much like center field, the team also seems completely happy to go into spring training with Clint Sammons, Brayan Pena, and Corky Miller competing for the backup spot. Basically, if we can find a bargain that fits our needs then we'll make the deal, otherwise we're not going to let any talent out of our system.

(Side note:  Salvatore Frank Fasano would be an awesome addition to the Braves, not because he's a good or even decent hitter, but because he's one of the great characters of the game. He comes with an amazing assortment of facial hair and mullet stylings - probably the best since Charlie O'Brien was a Brave. In one of my trips to the Braves clubhouse I heard Brian McCann (on the record) speaking highly of Fasano as a player, and as a character. Good addition if for no other reason than as a sideshow attraction.)

As for centerfield, it seems all the rumors have run dry. Reggie Willits is no longer being discussed (if he ever was), interest in Chris Duffy is tepid at best, and Josh Hamilton is not worth what the Reds are apparently asking for in return. Again, the same refrain is that it will be a spring training competition between Josh Anderson, Gregor Blanco, and Jordan Schafer - which is fine with me.

For more info David O'Brien has a new blog up in which he rambles on for exactly 2650 words - waaaay too long, even for him - and that's before he ever gets to the obligatory posting of the lyrics to an entire song. (Hint to DOB:  Take a page out of the Peter Gammons book and just post the three or four lines of lyrics that are germane to the topic you're writing about.) I know; I've been tough on old DOB this week. I wish we had someone else on the scene that regularly posted updates, but he's the fastest horse in this one horse town. (Right, we have Bowman, whom I prefer, but he has to toe the company line.) Okay, now I'm rambling, but damn man, how many different ways do you have to say the same thing about the Brent Lillibridge situation. I mean, I read that whole thing to find out what exactly?

I've officially digressed. First I call for Sal Fasano, and now I'm attacking our beat writer about his blogging style. This is what happens when there's no trade news.

If you like drafts, the Rule Fiver is tomorrow. Probably won't be much excitement from the Braves standpoint, we'll just find out who we lose - Diory, Dan, Carl, Van, Brad?