alumni news

The name still stands out in the Boston Red Sox lineup — and not just because the surname is 14 letters long. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, the former Mississippi Braves standout, will open the season as the starting catcher for a loaded Red Sox club that features established stars at every other position. But "Salty" looked like he belonged in the spring, posting a .405 average with a homer and 10 RBIs. He's a switch-hitter, a valuable skill, and he appears to have conquered the defensive problems that plagued him in the minors with Texas last summer. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out. ... Meanwhile, another M-Braves alumnus who had a much-needed strong spring is Charlie Morton. The right-hander, who endured a dismal 2010 with Pittsburgh (2-12, 7.57 ERA in 17 starts), was 2-0 with a 2.63 ERA this spring. He'll be back in the Pirates' rotation this season; he's got much better stuff than what his 2010 numbers would indicate. ... Alas, ex-M-Brave Wes Timmons didn't make Oakland's opening day roster, but he made enough of an impression that he might get a call-up if a need arises. Meanwhile, Tim Collins did make the Kansas City club, and the little lefty could become the 49th M-Braves alumnus to advance to the big leagues. Unless, that is, he's beaten to the field by Matt Young, the little outfielder who made Atlanta's 25-man roster. Young is one of 10 former M-Braves currently with the parent club.