Hanson smooths out his delivery: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Braves SP Tommy Hanson has worked this offseason to alter his pitching delivery in the hopes that it will make him less prone to injury. Hanson missed most of the final two months of last season due to a shoulder injury, and his health issues were attributed, at least in part, to a hitch in his delivery. He has worked with pitching coach Roger McDowell on a new, smoother delivery over the last six weeks, which should shift some of the stress of his throwing motion to his lower body. In addition to reducing the impact on his arm and shoulder, the more compact delivery should help Hanson to reduce the number of stolen bases off of him. (Updated 02/11/2012)
Injury Report
Shoulder - Probable for start of spring training (Updated - 1/4/12)
Fantasy Analysis
We have yet to see how well Hanson will pitch in a game with his new delivery, but if it can make him more durable and prevent steals, it will enhance his already-robust Fantasy value. Even with health concerns, Hanson profiles as a low-end No. 2 SP, and if his new delivery works out, he could produce at an even higher level. (Updated 02/11/2012).
02/02/2012 12:21 2012 Draft Prep: Our 12-team, mixed Rotisserie draft
It's time for owners to start looking ahead to Draft Day. We get you off and running with our 12-team Rotisserie mock draft. Check out the results!
02/02/2012 06:55 2012 Fantasy outlooks: Atlanta Braves
Last season was especially painful for the Braves -- really just the final month. But Atlanta brings back a stable of Fantasy heavy-hitters and our Scott White says now all they need is a bit of better luck in his team outlook.
01/20/2012 15:45 GM: Braves confident despite lack of offseason moves
There has been no flashy free-agent signing, no blockbuster trade this offseason for the Atlanta Braves. General manager Frank Wren says there also has been no panic.
In his third major-league season, Tommy Hanson appeared to have turned the corner toward becoming an undisputed ace, going 10-4 with a 2.44 ERA and more than a strikeout per inning in his first 17 starts. But that's when the shoulder pain that initially put him on the DL in June reared its ugly head again. Hanson attempted to pitch through it at first, and his ERA and WHIP suffered as a result. When he eventually gave in and had the shoulder examined, the diagnosis of a partially torn rotator cuff -- upgraded from simple tendinitis -- was enough for the Braves to pull back the reins even in the heat of a pennant race. It wasn't anything that required surgery, but it did raise its share of red flags. The Braves held out some hope of Hanson returning for the playoffs if they advanced, which should relieve some concerns about drafting him in Fantasy, but any setback would presumably shut him down for an extended period of time. The threat is potentially enough to drop him outside the top 20 starting pitchers in Fantasy. Given his ace potential, though, he's worth the risk at that point. (Updated 1/5/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
= probable start