catching up (some more)

Good to see that former Mississippi Braves standout Brandon Beachy earned the No. 5 starter job with Atlanta. He has a quiet confidence about him that should serve him well in the big leagues. Of course, he’s also got great command of his pitches, which will serve him even better. It doesn’t look like ex-M-Braves outfielder Matt Young will be with the big club at the start of the season, even though he’s had a great spring. The emergence of Wilkin Ramirez has hurt Young’s chances. Elsewhere, Jo-Jo Reyes has made the Toronto rotation, and fellow former M-Braves lefty Matt Harrison is in Texas’ first five. Scott Diamond, trying to make the Minnesota bullpen as a Rule 5 pick, has been stalled by a minor injury. The Braves might get him back. Tim Collins, the little lefty who passed through Pearl briefly last summer, appears to have a real shot at making the Kansas City staff. And Wes Timmons, the 2005 M-Braves third baseman, is still battling for a backup infield job with Oakland.
P.S. Nice piece in the current Sports Illustrated about Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter, the former Mississippi State star. The Orioles played well under Showalter at the end of 2010 but don’t bet on them getting off to a good start this season. Check out their schedule for the first month. It’s tough.