--RHP Blaine Boyer, who was designated for assignment April 18, has been traded to the Cardinals for OF Brian Barton, who will be assigned to Triple-A Gwinnett. Boyer, whose ERA had ballooned to 40.50, began to decline late last season when he was seriously overused.
--RF Jeff Francoeur's approach at the plate is different physically, but it's also mental; he's no longer scared hitting with two strikes. --RHP Peter Moylan was told by other pitchers returning from Tommy John surgery that consistent control would be the last thing he'd regain and he believes it now. He said after he walked in the winning run Wednesday night: "The ball was sinking. I just couldn't control it."
--CF Jordan Schafer plays a relatively shallow center field, and with his unfamiliarity with major league ballparks, he's letting a lot of balls bounce in front of him and go over his head. Then when he takes off for the outfield wall, they're caroming back behind him.
BY THE NUMBERS: 22 -- Consecutive scoreless innings by the Braves from the sixth inning against the Marlins on April 16 until the first inning against the Pirates on April 19.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "He's gonna be a huge factor on our team. I really believe that." -- Manager Bobby Cox, on LF Garret Anderson.
