Your one-page daily morning overview of Atlanta Braves news:

Catching prospects catch Gonzalez’s attention | Atlanta Braves
"I was joking with [roving catching instructor] Joe Breeden," said Gonzalez, also a former minor league catcher. "I said ‘Man, we’ve finally got some guys that look like catchers.’ They’re all 6-2, 240. Gattis is a monster. And Bethancourt looks like he could put some weight on him."

Former Brave Lopez in camp as instructor | braves.com: News
Eight seasons have passed since Javy Lopez ended his reign as Atlanta's starting catcher. But everything seemed normal as he strolled through the Braves' clubhouse wearing his familiar No. 8 jersey on Tuesday morning. "Every year, this is like home," Lopez said. "It is fun to be around the players, hang out with them and try to bring back the memories. It's always good to be here."

Atlanta Braves' Brian McCann much more than just 'offensive catcher' | braves.com: News
"The guy who throws everybody out, hits for power, hits for average, calls a great game, blocks every ball ... those guys aren't around," Braves backup catcher David Ross said. "Who would you rather have on your team than Brian McCann? Yadier Molina is a great catcher. Buster Posey is a great catcher. Joe Mauer is a great catcher. For me, you've got three guys out of 29 other teams that you would put in the same conversation as Mac. We've got him here. That's pretty special."

Uggla more comfortable entering Year 2 with Braves | ajc.com
"I already know where my place is on this team," said Uggla, who had a career-low .233 average, but a career-high 36 homers and an Atlanta Braves-record 33-game hitting streak. "I already know that everybody here respects me as a ballplayer, the way I go about my business. Now it’s not like trying to set the stage."

Council approves feasibility study for ballpark | StarNewsOnline.com
The Wilmington City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved spending up to $123,500 to study the feasibility of building a baseball stadium that could bring an Atlanta Braves minor league team to the Port City. The money will be used to hire an outside firm to help with the negotiating process involving the Braves and Mandalay Baseball through June. The city is in exclusive talks with both companies about the possibility of the city building a stadium in exchange for the Braves bringing a minor league team here and leasing the facility for 20 years.

GOOD READ Chasing The Dream: The Barrett Kleinknecht Story and Interview " Chasing The Dream
When Barrett Kleinknecht’s name was announced in the 12th round of the 2010 MLB draft it marked a continuation of a remarkable streak of players coming out of the Francis Marion University’s baseball program. Over the course of the last nine seasons the small division II school has produced nine MLB draft picks. Kleinknecht ranks as the highest draft pick ever selected from the University.

Your one-page daily morning overview of Atlanta Braves news:

Hanson in accident, checked for concussion | braves.com: News
The Braves had not received any updates as of early Monday afternoon. Hanson did not have any noticeable bruises or scrapes. "From what I understand, there was no police report or anything," Gonzalez said. "He just came around the corner a little bit too hot." Gonzalez said he thought Hanson could participate in Tuesday's workout if he did not suffer a concussion.

Medlen prefers starting; Prado shrugs off trade rumors | Atlanta Braves
Kris Medlen prefers to start, but he has the versatility to pitch well in relief and he knows the Braves have top prospects competing for starting jobs. And so the bullpen is where the Braves plan to use him in 2012. However, manager Fredi Gonzalez reiterated Monday that Medlen would get "stretched out" like the projected starters this spring, just in case. "He could jump in there as a starter if he needs to," Gonzalez said. "So we’ll stretch him out, get to four or five innings there at the end [of spring training] like every other starter, and then if everybody is healthy – which is a good sign – then he’ll go to the bullpen and do whatever we want as far as those middle innings."

After winter trade rumors, Prado happy he's back with Braves | Atlanta Braves
"There’s a lot of guys here," said backup catcher David Ross, who thinks there are a couple of reasons for the big turnout. "Spring training is starting a little later, that has a lot to do with it," he said. "I got the itch about a week ago. You usually start your workout stuff at a certain time; I always start hitting and throwing Jan. 1. And this year I even started a couple days earlier because I was bored. "By the time I get around this time, I’m ready to go [to spring training]. You’re over working out, you want to get here and compete. A lot of guys are anxious to get back and get started."

Prado understanding of winter trade rumors | braves.com: News
"I was shocked, but I knew it was going to happen, at least the rumors," Prado said. "This is a business and I love the Braves. They are the team that gave me an opportunity. But I knew at some point of my career this was going to happen. I'm not thinking about that. This is something I can't control. Whatever their decision was, I was going to respect that."

Gilmartin excited for first Spring Training | braves.com: News
As Sean Gilmartin drove toward the Braves' Spring Training complex Sunday, he thought about the fact that he had been preparing to face Virginia Military Institute around this same time last year. Now he found himself preparing to rub elbows with Chipper Jones and soak in the thrill of his first big league Spring Training. "I don't know what to expect, but I guess it will all work itself out," Gilmartin said. "It will be fun."

Your one-page daily morning overview of Atlanta Braves news returns!

If I could also direct your attention to the right sidebar, below the FanShots is a fully updated list of all the Braves players on Twitter. Follow your favorites, and check back as this list will be updated regularly.

Hudson has sights set on May return to Braves | braves.com: News
"I definitely feel like I'm getting around a lot better," Hudson said. "I felt like Fred Sanford for two or three years walking around the locker room."

Heyward working hard to change bad habits | braves.com: News
After his teammates took swings and played catch at ESPN's Wide World of Sports complex Sunday morning, Jason Heyward stayed on the main field alone to run sprints and complete his conditioning drills. "I'm feeling great," Heyward said. "I'm working pretty hard. My confidence is there and I'm healthy. This is probably the best I've felt in a long time."

Braves' Chipper Jones, Brian McCann, Jason Heyward among early arrivals to Spring Training | braves.com: News
"This is the first time since I've been coming here that there have been this many position players here this early," said Braves third-base coach Brian Snitker, who has been with the club since 1977. "They're here before some of the pitchers. But to a man, I'll bet you they all would have come down here the day after we got beat [to end the 2011 season] to get back and start it up again."

Moylan won't rush back from shoulder surgery | braves.com: News
Moylan was cleared to throw from a distance of 90 feet Saturday and returned to ESPN's Wide World of Sports complex on Sunday without any concerning discomfort. The 33-year-old sidearm hurler is anxious to pitch as soon as possible. But he knows there is not a reason to place a timetable on his return. "You don't know how it's going to respond at all of these levels [of throwing]," Moylan said. "If it feels good all the way through, who knows when I'm going to be ready. But there is no real 'this is the day we want you back.' That's good. There's no pressure. I'm not going to want to rush it."

Braves All-Stars vs. Future Stars Combo Pack On Sale Saturday | Gwinnett Braves News
Starting this Saturday, February 18, fans can purchase tickets to the "Atlanta Braves All-Stars vs. Future Stars Game" combo pack via the Coolray Field box office. Combo Ticket Packages include tickets to the April 3 game along with either Gwinnett Braves' Opening Day tickets for Thursday, April 12 vs. Durham or Atlanta Braves' Opening Weekend tickets for Saturday, April 14 vs. Milwaukee.

Q and A With Billy Bullock " The Unbiased MLB Fan
Billy Bullock–relief pitcher in the Atlanta Braves organization–took the time recently to answer some of my questions:

Dueling ideas about baseball stadium | StarNewsOnline.com
If any of the people gathered on the lawn of the Wilmington Convention Center on Saturday were against baseball, they weren't saying so. Dozens gathered there to protest the idea of the city paying as much as $40 million to build a baseball stadium that could one day host a minor league Atlanta Braves team.

Pro and Con - Play ball, Wilmington ... but not with taxpayer money | StarNewsOnline.com
A minor league baseball team and stadium will provide a boost to our city’s economy and business environment. On summer nights, people coming to the stadium will shop in our stores and eat in our restaurants. After the game, many will stay in our hotels. This will do wonders for local business owners.

Your one-page daily morning overview of Atlanta Braves news:

Plenty of questions after Braves' epic collapse  | ajc.com
"Our slump combined with the Cardinals playing really good baseball in September — you’ve got a shocking situation," said veteran third baseman Chipper Jones, who ranked it among the sourest of sour season endings he has experienced. "Having such a big lead and then sitting here after [game] No. 162 and not being in the playoffs is a tremendous disappointment."

Braves bringing back manager Fredi Gonzalez, entire coaching staff in 2012 | braves.com: News
Wren confirmed Thursday afternoon that manager Fredi Gonzalez and the members of his staff will return for the 2012 season. But at the same time, Wren adamantly said there would be lots of time spent over the next few weeks evaluating how to prevent a repeat of the nightmare finish the club completed with Wednesday night's 13-inning loss to the Phillies.

Braves collapse, and the shine just came off Fredi Gonzalez | Jeff Schultz
The vibe was missing this season. That’s on Gonzalez. The team fell apart when it needed to come together, blowing an 8½-game lead in 23 days. That’s on Gonzalez. The Braves seemed tight and meek and borderline frightened, as if waiting, hoping, white-knuckle-praying for a playoff spot to just fall into their lap. They didn’t just take it, and didn’t play like they felt they deserved it. That’s certainly on Gonzalez. The shine just came off the perfect replacement.

Fire Fredi? No, but the Braves did some major mismanaging | Mark Bradley
Blame should attach itself to Fredi Gonzalez, but not the sort that has been tossed around. Jose Constanza would not have saved the season. (He’s a journeyman. Come on.) Starting Derek Lowe in Game No. 161 was a justifiable choice. (You’d start the rookie Julio Teheran instead? Come on.) This wasn’t so much about managing situations — every manager, even the learned La Russa, whiffs on a nightly basis — as in managing people.

Fredi Gonzalez reflects on usage of Craig Kimbrel, Jonny Venters | braves.com: News
Still, as Gonzalez evaluates how his club carried 81 wins into September, he may continue to reach the conclusion that he may not have had that win total had he not been forced to utilize Venters and Kimbrel as frequently as he did during the early portion of the season. "If we don't use those guys I don't know if [we get] 89 wins, if we get to the situation we were in [Wednesday night]," Gonzalez said.

Chipper reiterates his intention to return in '12 | braves.com: News
Braves third baseman Chipper Jones once again confirmed he will return for the 2012 season. He made this announcement after Wednesday night's season-ending 13-inning loss to the Phillies. "I committed to play next year," Jones said. "I won't commit past that. Let's put it that way. I'm looking forward to it."

Braves can learn from failure - The GM's Office by Jim Bowden Blog - ESPN
Wren will also start on his offseason plans to upgrade at shortstop, where Jose Reyes could factor as the Braves' one big-ticket signing. With Martin Prado slated for left field and Jones conceivably returning at third base, Reyes makes sense. With Bourn and Reyes at the top of the lineup, the Braves could have the makings of a deadly lineup in 2012. But of paramount importance is to first identify the adjustments Heyward needs to make. The Braves and the rest of baseball still believe he can be a star, but the league adjusted to him. The nagging injuries were one thing, but Heyward and the Braves must spend the offseason diagnosing and correcting holes and flaws so 2012 isn't spent correcting holes during games that count.

Your one-page daily morning overview of Atlanta Braves news:

Braves quotes after Tuesday loss to Phillies | Atlanta Braves
Derek Lowe, on his struggles, his mechanical problems: "This is something that I have to hash out in the offseason. By no means am I sitting here saying this year is lost, or a wash. I’ve put myself in bad mechanical places for a long time. But I’ve never given up or quit. I’ve got to keep fighting and figure it out. I see what I’m doing, but there’s a difference in figuring it out and actually doing it when the game starts." "If you’re 9-17 with a 5 ERA, c’mon. I’m not going to sit here and say if I had a bounce here or a bounce there. I’m man enough to sit here and say I’ve had a terrible year. But again, we have a chance. We have our best pitcher going tomorrow. Who knows what’s going to happen tonight [in Cardinals-Astros game]. And again, this isn’t about me, this is about this organization. I know how much hard work these guys have put into the season."

Braves shortstop Alex Gonzalez aggravates right calf strain, exits game | braves.com: News
"I'm not a betting man, but the chances are not good for him [Wednesday]," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "Hopefully it's not one of those things that is a lingering thing. Hopefully it's just mild, you give him a couple days and he can bounce back. We'll know more [Wednesday]."

Gonzalez doubtful for Wednesday; Braves call up Pastornicky | Atlanta Braves
Braves shortstop Alex Gonzalez is doubtful for Wednesday’s final game against the Phillies after he had to leave Tuesday night’s game with a strained right calf, the same injury which had kept him out of the final four games of the Braves last road trip. The Braves have called up shortstop prospect Tyler Pastornicky from the Instructional League to give them another shortstop to back up the veteran Jack Wilson Wednesday in Gonzalez’s absence.

Chipper has bone bruise, but stays in lineup | braves.com: News
"[Head athletic trainer] Bubba [Porter] said I should start feeling better around Thanksgiving," Jones said. "I doubt a day here or a day there is going to do much good." Jones seemed to aggravate the knee as he ran from second to third base in the sixth inning of Monday's loss the Phillies. He underwent an X-ray following the game before having the MRI exam Tuesday morning.

Hudson eager to take mound for Wednesday’s finale | Atlanta Braves
"I’m ready," Hudson said after Tuesday’s loss. "I feel good about it. I feel like we’re going to go out there and win the ball game tomorrow. Hopefully with the win it’s a clinch. If not, we’ll go to St. Louis and take care of business there."

Club getting a little help from its friends | braves.com: News
After the Astros claimed a 10-inning win over the Cardinals on Monday night, Braves general manager Frank Wren sent Mills a congratulatory text message. Wren and Mills were roommates while playing for Double-A Memphis in 1980.

Moylan set for surgery Monday | Atlanta Braves
"They’ve got to clean up the labrum and the cuff, and it should be about six months," Moylan said. "As soon as you hear shoulder, the first thing I thought was every other guy who’s ever had to have a shoulder completely repaired has been out for 12 to 18 months. I was fearing the worst." As it is, Moylan said he could be playing catch in as soon as three months.

Your one-page daily morning overview of Atlanta Braves news:

Braves postgame quotes following Monday’s loss to Phillies | Atlanta Braves
Chipper Jones, on if Braves still have what it takes to make it: "Yes. no doubt. We can play tooth and nail with the best teams in the game. We’ve proven that. We proved it tonight with a guy who started the year in Double-A. He pitched great, we played good defense behind him. We swung the bats good in certain sections of the game, not so good in others. Again, when you’re running up against a Cy Young winner, he doesn’t make too many mistakes. I think we probably took advantage of the few that he did make."

Gonzalez returns to lineup; Sherrill activated | braves.com: News
Alex Gonzalez returned to the Braves' lineup on Monday for the first time in nearly a week, as the shortstop had spent the last several days dealing with a strain in his right calf. "He's going to go out there and try and move around a little bit," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "I told him if he feels uncomfortable whatsoever, we'll make a lineup switch. Hopefully he gets through [batting practice] and some ground balls and feels good about himself."

Chipper, McCann persevere, start vs. Lee | braves.com: News
Chipper Jones has battled through right knee discomfort and he has struggled against left-handed pitchers, and Brian McCann has simply struggled while trying to convince doubters that he is healthy. But with the Braves having put themselves in what feels like must-win situations down the stretch, both Jones and McCann were ready to battle Phillies left-hander Cliff Lee on Monday night.

Chipper expects to be back in lineup despite ailing knee | Atlanta Braves
Braves third baseman Chipper Jones acknowledged he’s been playing with lingering soreness in his right knee, and he tweaked it again in the game on Monday, but Jones said he doesn’t plan to let it keep him out of the lineup against the Phillies. "It’s bugging me," Jones said. "But you’ve got to go to the post."

Hanson not an option for Wednesday or Division Series | Atlanta Braves
So the Braves will ditch any plans to pitch Hanson in the final regular season game on Wednesday if they have managed to clinch a wildcard spot by then. And at this point, Hanson is doubtful to pitch in a potential Division Series game for the Braves. Jair Jurrjens, on the other hand, still has a chance. He is scheduled to make a second start in the Instructional League in Florida on Thursday, going 70 pitches or four or five innings. If all goes well, the Braves might consider him for a potential Game 3 or 4 start on Tuesday or Wednesday, if they make the Division Series.

Pressure is on for Braves in final week | braves.com: News
"I hear people talking about us and choking off a nine-game lead," Braves third baseman Chipper Jones said. "We're running three rookies in our starting rotation out there. You show up and play. Some days it's good enough, and some days it's not. If we lose 70 games this year, does that mean we've choked off the other 55 or 60 [games lost earlier this season]? No, it's just what happens. You go through injuries."

Moylan meets with doctor, will have surgery | braves.com: News
Braves right-handed reliever Peter Moylan will undergo right shoulder surgery to clean some damage around his torn labrum and torn rotator cuff. Moylan made the decision after getting a second opinion from noted surgeon Dr. James Andrews on Monday. Moylan is expected to need at least four to six months of rehab following the surgical procedure, which has not yet been scheduled. But Braves general manager Frank Wren said an exact timetable for the reliever's return will not be known until doctors view the extent of the damage during the surgical procedure.

Your one-page daily morning overview of Atlanta Braves news:

Braves quotes after Sunday loss to Nationals | Atlanta Braves
Fredi Gonzalez, does it make it tougher to score later when you fail in earlier opportunities? "I don’t know about that. I’ve never been a major league hitter in that situation. But it sure makes it harder on our pitchers, where you feel like you can’t make a mistake or you’re up against it the whole game. And also, I think it adds confidence to the other pitcher, if he gets out of that jam he feels pretty good about himself. If we scored one or two or break the game open it may be a little different story where we don’t have to face Rodriguez, Clippard and Storen later on."

Medlen perfect in first game since surgery | braves.com: News
The Braves activated right-hander Kris Medlen on Saturday and watched him complete a perfect seven-pitch eighth inning in Sunday's 3-0 loss to the Nationals. It was his first appearance since undergoing Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery last August.

Gonzalez remains out; Wilson fills in at short | braves.com: News
When Alex Gonzalez aggravated a right calf strain in Miami on Tuesday night, the Braves were hoping he might miss just a couple of games. But when the veteran shortstop revealed he was still feeling some discomfort in his calf Sunday, the club opted to keep him out of the lineup for a fourth straight game. "It's an iffy thing, especially with that calf, manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "We'll play it smart."

Club not ruling out Jurrjens pitching in NLDS | braves.com: News
If the Braves qualify for the playoffs, it appears Jair Jurrjens would be unavailable for the National League Division Series. But with questions surrounding their rotation and Jurrjens' right knee feeling better, the club is not ruling anything out. "There is a possibility," manager Fredi Gonzalez said when asked about Jurrjens on Sunday morning. "I like to keep it open."

Your one-page daily morning overview of Atlanta Braves news:

Braves quotes after Saturday loss to Nationals | Atlanta Braves
Fredi Gonzalez, on Bourn stealing second with one out in eighth, with runners on corners and Prado batting (Bourn was called out, though he looked safe on replays): "First and third, one out, and you know what? Create something. I know it’s not the tying run or the winning run, but I didn’t think it was a bad play at all. I know I didn’t think it was because I gave him the green light. Get him in scoring position, somebody bloop one in there and score some runs. This guy [Nationals reliever Tyler] Clippard is pretty tough to score on. So maybe you get a guy in scoring position, get a bloop in and we get one or two runs and it’s a little different. And I haven’t seen the replay but Bourney thought he was safe.

Gonzalez gets another day to rest calf strain | braves.com: News
Gonzalez felt just a little discomfort as he tested his strained right calf while running in the outfield at Nationals Park on Saturday morning. It appeared the Braves will be prepared to put him back in the lineup for Sunday's series finale.

Hudson OK after being being treated for dehydration  | ajc.com
When Tim Hudson entered the clubhouse Saturday morning, Braves backup catcher David Ross applauded, smiled and said, "He’s alive!"

Hudson feels fine day after cramping vs. Nats | braves.com: News
"Everything is fine," Hudson said. "It's just one of those things where I got exhausted and dehydrated. It's frustrating, because I know it's my own fault."

Heyward progress: "Couldn’t come at a better time" | Atlanta Braves
While he’s not back to being the absolute offensive force he was for much of his 2010 rookie season, Jason Heyward recently has sure been closer to that than to his lackluster performance for most of this seaon. And that resurgence is good news for the Braves and their 22-year-old right fielder.

Medlen can pitch way to potential playoff roster | braves.com: News
The Braves activated Medlen from the 60-day disabled list before Saturday afternoon's game against the Nationals. The 25-year-old has been sidelined all season while recovering from Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery he underwent in August of 2010. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Braves designated outfielder Matt Young for assignment. Young began this season on Atlanta's Opening Day roster, but he spent most of the year with Triple-A Gwinnett.