Chop Chatter

According to Fox 5 News in Atlanta, the Atlanta Braves first baseman Scott Thorman has cleared waivers. Thorman is going to be the starting first baseman for the Braves AAA affiliate Richmond this season. This should do wonders for Thorman. He can have another year in Richmond were he can try to fix his whole in his swing. So this probably means that Brayan Pena might be our backup first baseman this year. Bobby Cox can also go with Joe Borchard in that role too. Since the Braves are able to send Borchard to AAA, the best option is probably to keep Pena in Atlanta for now.

The Braves have claimed former Mets utility infielder Ruben Gotay off of waivers this afternoon. The 25-year-old Gotay, who has three years in the majors, played 98 games for the Mets last year, hitting .295 with four homers and 24 RBIs. He played 37 games at second base last year, five at shortstop and two at third base.

This could be bad news for Brent Lillibridge. Lillibridge hasn’t had many at bats in the majors throughout his career. The Washington Husky alumnus is projected to be an everyday starting shortstop in the majors. So getting him some more at bats in the minors is the right thing to do.

Obtaining Gotay from the Mets is pretty much a win, win deal for the Bravos. Gotay has some power and can hit for a high average. Most importantly he is more major league proven than Brent Lillibridge. He should be a good replacement for the injured Omar Infante.

The cornerstone of the Braves pitching staff is going to miss one start in rotation this week. John Smoltz is dealing with a sore shoulder, but he should be ready to go in the Mets series finale against Johan Santana.

"I've got a lot of pitching left," said Smoltz, who will turn 41 on May 15. "You can sometimes get caught up in things you have to explain."

He said this after a very good bullpen session yesterday for the Braves. He said that it was the best his arm has felt in a while. That should encouraging news for the entire Tomahawk Nation.

The opening weekend rotation is going to look something like this…

March 30 (Prime Time Game on ESPN): Tim Hudson vs. Odalis Perez
March 31 (Home Opener): Tom Glavine vs. Ian Snell
April 2: Mike Hampton (first appearance in 2 years) vs. Tom Gorzalenny
April 3: Jair Jurrjens vs. Paul Maholm
April 4: Tim Hudson vs. Mets
April 5: Tom Glavine vs. Mets
April 6: John Smoltz vs. Johan Santana