Spring Flings: A G-Braves Spring Training blog (Day 33, 3/30)

Day 33: 3/30, Minnesota Twins 2, Atlanta Braves 0(Turner Field, Atlanta, GA)

--In the final of two exhibition games at Turner Field before the MLB season kicks off on Thursday, the Braves took on the Twins on a cloudy Wednesday afternoon. It was again overcast and a bit chilly - just like Minnesota. The G-Braves blog opted for on-campus coverage at The Ted over the Triple-A activities down at Disney World. Not to say one is more important than the other, but one IS about 400 miles closer.

--The starting lineup was full of G-Braves alums and future Coolray Fielders. With Freddie Freeman (2010) at 1B, Brooks Conrad (2009) at 2B, Matt Young (2009-2010) at LF, newly optioned Joe Mather (2011) in RF, Brandon Hicks (2010) at SS, Brandon Beachy (2010) as SP and J.C. Boscan (2009-2011) catching, the game had a Coolray Field opener feel.

--Beachy was on point once again, and has shown he won the 5th starter's job on merit. The Kid from Kokomo (IN) went 4.0 IP without walking a batter and striking out 5 Twins.

--RHP Rodrigo Lopez pitched the final 5.0 IP, mirroring Beachy's 5 K's and 0 BB but allowing 2 R/ER. Lopez, who was in the mix for the final rotation spot in Atlanta, lost the job to Beachy.

--Freeman doubled, while both Boscan and Hicks singled for the Braves. Young was hitless and two possible future G-Braves in Ed Lucas and Joe Mather (both INF) did the same.

--Atlanta named their Opening Day roster today, leaving a clearer picture of some players that may be on the Gwinnett roster. As of now, the 2011 team to trot out at Coolray Field on Thursday, April 7, includes pitchers Juan Abreu, Jairo Asencio, Erik Cordier, Cory Gearrin, Stephen Marek, Mike Minor and Anthony Varvaro. Position players include Diory Hernandez (INF), Joe Mather (INF/OF) and Jordan Schafer (OF).

--Quote of the Day: Congratulations were still rampant for everyone's favorite little outfielder Matt Young, who joked about how his new fame has lit up his cell phone bill. "I don't know anybody new, but there are a lot of people who are apparently friends with me that I am not aware of."

Tomorrow: The Atlanta Braves hit the rod for Opening Day, starting it up against the Washington Nationals at 1:05 p.m. in The District. RHP Derek Lowe will make his sixth OD start, going against ageless wonder RHP Livan Hernandez. A mix of possible GBraves play the first of their final four games at Disney at 1pm.