Braves pitchers and catchers report

Brian Michael McCann was born Feb. 20, 1984 in Athens, Georgia. McCann's dad was an assistant baseball coach at the University of Georgia when McCann was born. McCann was drafted by the Braves in the second round of the 2002 draft out of Duluth (Ga.) High School. McCann made his MLB debut June 6, 2005, a member of the "Baby Braves" of that season. As a rookie, McCann helped the Braves win the final of their 14 consecutive division titles, an MLB record. In his first postseason plate appearance, McCann hit

Braves pitchers and catchers reported Friday, beginning the franchise’s last spring training at ESPN Wide World of Sports.

The pitchers have already met new pitching coach Rick Kranitz, but Saturday will mark their first organized workouts under his tutelage. Catchers Brian McCann and Tyler Flowers will be working with all the pitchers, of course, including the handful of youngsters in camp.

Some position players, including outfield prospects Cristian Pache and Drew Waters, have arrived early. Position players aren’t required to report until Wednesday, a day before the Braves’ first full-squad workouts.

A large contingent of pitchers showed early in the past few days, in part to get a head start on working with Kranitz. The Braves have a rotation spot and potentially several bullpen spots up for grabs.

The first Grapefruit League game for the Braves is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. Feb. 23 against Mets at Port St. Lucie.

- Follow Gabe Burns on Twitter during Braves spring training