Braves catcher Travis d'Arnaud spoke with local media at Saturday's Chop Fest at Truist Park, discussing his transition into the Braves' clubhouse and other topics with spring training weeks away.
Here are some of the topics d’Arnaud covered:
Q: How’s the transition of joining a new team going so far?
A: For me it's been nice to meet everyone, put faces to names and start to learn everyone as a person and a player. It's been a lot of fun.
More Braves Q&As
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Q: What did your brother tell you about Atlanta and the organization and did that play any part in your decision to come here? (Chase d’Arnaud was a member of the Braves in 2016 and ’17).
A: Played a huge role for me. He said all the fans were great, they all love baseball here. ... So to be able to come to Atlanta and its rich baseball tradition was big for me.
Q: Talk about your time with Sal (Fasano, Braves catching coach) and how can he continue to help you at this stage of your career?
A: What I remember is that I felt like I grew the most in a year of baseball when I was with him (Fasano coached him when he was Eastern League MVP in 2011). He has so much knowledge of the game, and he's always learning. I'm sure he'll translate what he's learned to me and (Tyler) Flowers. ... To be with him again was another big reason why I decided to come here.
Q: How are things different now than they were last spring (d’Arnaud was returning to baseball after missing nearly all of the 2018 season after elbow surgery)?
A: Coming back from Tommy John (surgery) and not playing for a whole year … it's way different than that now. I'm feeling calm and confident heading into spring ready to get out there and play.
Q: Have you had a chance to talk with Tyler Flowers (who will share time with d’Arnaud at catcher)?
A: Talked to him a little bit. I've heard nothing but great things about him, from everyone in this clubhouse and anyone who's played with him. It'll be a lot of fun working with him.
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