Braves News

Braves pursuing free agent outfielder Jonny Gomes

MLB.com's Mark Bowman reports that the Atlanta Braves are pursuing free agent outfielder Jonny Gomes. According to Bowman, the Braves see Gomes as a right handed platoon candidate with Zolio Almonte. Gomes hit .276 in 204 plate appearances last season against left handed pitching.

No limitations for Wood heading into Spring Training

Bowman also reports that starting pitcher Alex Wood will face no limitations when spring training opens next month. Wood was scratched from his final start last season due to discomfort in his forearm. According to Bowman, Wood isn't concerned and doesn't equate what he felt in his forearm to any sort of elbow issue.

While history has provided skeptics reason to view forearm soreness as a precursor to Tommy John surgery, Wood has already undergone the procedure -- before his freshman season at the University of Georgia -- and he does not equate what he felt in September to what he was feeling before going under the knife a little more than five years ago.

Wood began throwing exercises a month ago and threw off a mound on Monday.

Smoltz looks ahead as Hall election sinks in

John Smoltz was a guest on the MLB Network's "Hot Stove" Tuesday morning to talk about his induction into the Hall of Fame and how things have changed for him since he was voted in two weeks ago.

"I'm taking it in, and really, I've got a lot of neat things planned that I want to do at a personal level for people that have been important so that I don't spend all of my time giving a bunch of names that nobody really knows," Smoltz said. "You've got to thank a lot of people, because no one who has ever played this game has not had so many people impact your life and your career. I'm looking forward to that."

MLB News

Amaro doesn't expect to trade Hamels

Posturing? Perhaps, but Phillies GM Ruben Amaro says that he doesn't expect to trade ace Cole Hamels before opening day. Amaro told the Philadelphia Inquirer that Hamels is one of the best pitchers in baseball and if the Phillies trade him they have to get some of the best prospects in baseball back in return.

"I don't really foresee him being moved. It is possible because we're literally keeping our minds and eyes and ears open on every player that we have on our roster.

"That said, he's one of the best pitchers in baseball. And so, if we were to move him, we're going to have to get some of the best prospects in baseball back."

Barry Bonds is mentoring Alex Rodriguez

Alex Rodriguez has enlisted Barry Bonds as he prepares to try and rejoin the New York Yankee's lineup. Pairing Bonds and Rodriguez is sure to raise an eyebrow or two, Bonds has actually worked with several players the last couple of seasons that have gone on and had good success. Guys like Dexter Fowler and Pablo Sandoval have worked out with Bonds in the past.