New Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez, center, watches his team during a 2011 spring training baseball workout in Kissimmee, Fla.KISSIMMEE, Fla.-Fredi Gonzalez kept tossing and turning. Finally, at a quarter till 4, he climbed from bed and started getting dressed.
It was time to head to the ballpark.
Never mind that sunrise was still hours away.
The Atlanta Braves’ new manager was clearly eager for the start of spring training Tuesday, and he wasted no time putting his stamp on the team after taking over for Bobby Cox.
Instead of doing most of their work in the main stadium of the Disney World complex, the Braves split into groups and made use of four fields beyond the outfield walls. There was a little confusion at first, but the players quickly figured out where they were supposed to be.