LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- It would be easy to come to Spring Training, walk in the Braves' clubhouse and gain the feeling that very little has changed for this organization. Javy Lopez was positioned back in his old locker, and across the room stood the adjoined lockers of John Smoltz, Tom Glavine and Chipper Jones.

As Braves pitchers and catchers reported to Spring Training at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex on Thursday, Braves manager Bobby Cox and general manager Frank Wren staged an organizational meeting that lasted nearly 90 minutes.

Over the course of the next eight months, they're hoping their planning and strategizing nets another run toward the World Series.

Tim Hudson, who was among the group of pitchers and catchers who reported to camp on Thursday, knows his role is to once again act like an ace at the front of the rotation. For Glavine, the task is to simply provide his normal and remarkable consistency over the course of the next eight months.

Over the course of the next six weeks, Cox will be looking to fill the final two spots of his rotation, monitoring the health of both Mike Hampton and Mark Kotsay and attempting to construct the right bullpen mix.

"It's going to be interesting," Cox said.

Lopez is anxious to prove the countless hours of work he dedicated to improving his body and defensive skills behind the plate have made him the guy the Braves want to serve as All-Star catcher Brian McCann's backup this season.

Lopez, who previously played in Atlanta from 1993-2003, didn't play after being released by the Rockies in Spring Training last year. Nor did he appear to be a candidate for the Braves. But after working with Atlanta bench coach Chino Cadahia on his defensive skills, Lopez found himself with the opportunity to once again prove himself with his original organization.

Although he comes to camp with a Minor League contract and as a non-roster invitee, Lopez certainly has a legitimate shot to begin the season with Atlanta. Others competing for the backup catcher's position include Corky Miller, Clint Sammons and Brayan Pena.

Right-handed reliever Blaine Boyer, Pena and Scott Thorman, the backup first baseman who will see some time in the outfield during Spring Training, are all out of Minor League options. Contrary to previous reports, Bennett isn't out of options and thus could return to the Minors without passing through waivers.

Bennett, who has lost nearly 60 pounds since July, has a legitimate shot to win one of the rotation's final spots or a role in the bullpen as a long reliever. Two years removed from Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery, this is certainly the makings of a dream come true for a 27-year-old Tennessee native who grew up idolizing the likes of Smoltz and Glavine.

Bennett's opportunity to gain a rotation spot certainly will increase if Hampton is unable to stay healthy. The 35-year-old left-hander has missed the past two seasons while recovering from separate surgical procedures on his left elbow.

According to Cox, Hampton had no problems while throwing a side session for Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell on Saturday at Turner Field. For now, the organization can only be cautiously optimistic about him making consistent contributions.
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Adapted from the MLB.com

Jeff Bennett
- Photo2 by Tim Evearitt (file photo)