Rookie right-hander Charlie Morton and rookie outfielder Brandon Jones gave the Braves a shot in the arm over the weekend, buoying the team after they were swept by the Cubs in Wrigley Field.
Both Morton and Jones showed well in spring training, and both were beaten out for the Opening Day roster by guys who did better: right-hander Jair Jurrjens -- who got a shot because presumed fifth starter Chuck James was on the 15-day disabled list -- and outfielder Gregor Blanco -- who finally took his job seriously -- respectively. Both Morton and Jones scuffled at Class AAA Richmond when first assigned there out of camp. In Jones' case, it may have been a hangover from the disappointment of not making the team. In Morton's case, he apparently needed more direction harnessing his four pitches -- a two-seamer, a four-seamer, a changeup and a curve ball.
Outfielder Josh Anderson, having a better season at Richmond, got the call ahead of Jones the other week; Anderson's speed and his ability to make contact were the deciding factors. But with the rest of the Braves offense dormant, nobody was driving Anderson in. Jones was brought up because he's a power hitter, and manager Bobby Cox is looking for the instant offense of a home run.
Morton, meanwhile, is getting a crash course in pitch selection from pitching coach Roger McDowell and catcher Brian McCann. What impresses Cox most about Morton is his ability to change speeds.
BRAVES 7, ROCKIES 1: Right-hander Jair Jurrjens pitched 7 2/3 great innings and the offense came through with key two-out hits as the Braves finally won their 10th road game in this one-game makeup of the April 10 snow-out at Coors Field. Third baseman Chipper Jones got it all started with a two-run single in the fifth inning.
