Atlanta Braves: A look at pitcher Tommy Hanson

Atlanta Braves

Atlanta Braves: A look at pitcher Tommy Hanson

A photo profile look at Atlanta Braves pitching prospect Tommy Hanson at 2009 Spring Training.

After pitching well against major-league hitters all spring, top prospect Tommy Hanson faced a Class AAA lineup March 24. - David O'Brien

Hanson is 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA in four Grapefruit League games, with 14 hits, six walks and 14 strikeouts in 14 2/3 innings. - David O'Brien

Hanson (shown here working out in January at Turner Field) pitched for Class AA Mississippi in the intrasquad game because the Braves have too many starters to use them all in Grapefruit League games, now that Javier Vazquez and Jorge Campillo are back from the World Baseball Classic. - David O'Brien

"[Hanson] (center) was literally unhittable against those guys," said Braves manager Bobby Cox, who watched the game on a backfield. "I don't think he gave up anything resembling a hit. He was excellent." - David O'Brien

The young right-hander threw a 14-strikeout no-hitter in Class AA last season, and is expected to begin the 2009 season at Gwinnett. - David O'Brien

Hanson's results were predictable: No hits and one walk with eight strikeouts in five scoreless innings in the intrasquad game against Class AAA Gwinnett. - David O'Brien

The major-league rotation appears set with Derek Lowe, Vazquez, Jair Jurrjens, Kenshin Kawakami and Tom Glavine, but the Braves haven't made anything official, and Hanson has shown team officials he'll be ready when they decide it's time. - David O'Brien

Former Braves pitcher Tommy Hanson dead at 29: Former Braves pitcher Tommy Hanson, one of the most promising young talents in the game just five years ago, is dead at age 29. Hanson died Monday night after suffering “catastrophic organ failure."

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After pitching well against major-league hitters all spring, top prospect Tommy Hanson faced a Class AAA lineup March 24. - David O'Brien

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