May 28
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Braves general manager Frank Wren would not comment on a report that the Boston Red Sox have recently scouted Jeff Francoeur and might have trade interest in the Braves right fielder. It's not known whether the Braves have entertained offers for the player who was once expected to become the next face of the franchise, but whose career has stalled. The Braves would presumably have to get an outfielder back in any trade for Francoeur, 25, or have another deal lined up to get a replacement. The Lilburn native was hitting .259 with three homers, 21 RBIs and a .281 on-base percentage before Wednesday night's game at San Francisco. Yahoo's Gordon Edes reported that the Red Sox were looking at ..."
May 21
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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John Smoltz is coming back to Georgia, but not as a Brave, or even a Red Sox. Smoltz, signed by Boston in January after 20 years with the Braves, will make his 2009 debut Thursday with the Class-A Greenville Drive of the South Atlantic League. The future Hall of Famer hasn't pitched in a live game situation since last June, when he underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum. Ironically, Smoltz has toiled for Greenville, a former Braves affiliate, on three previous rehab assignments. First pitch for the Drive vs. Augusta GreenJackets is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Lake Olmstead Stadium. If all goes well, expect to see Smoltz in a Boston uniform when the Red Sox visit Turner Field June 26-28."