Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider throws a ball during spring training baseball workouts at CoolToday Park yesterday in North Port, Fla. Photo: Hyosub Shin/The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Forget the groundhogs. The first sign that spring is near comes when MLB's pitchers and catchers report to spring training in Florida.
The latest: The Braves' pitchers and catchers arrived in North Po, Florida, yesterday and have their first workout today, starting their preseason march toward Opening Day on March 28 in Philadelphia.
Between the lines: The Braves' high-scoring offense, which was one of the best in history last year, added another big name this offseason with a trade for outfielder Jarred Kelenic.
But perhaps their biggest move was locking in their general manager, Alex Anthopoulos, to a seven-year contract — believed to be the longest extension in history for a top front-office staffer, MLB.com reports.
