Braves refresher course: A care package on eve of spring training

The long wait is almost over.

The last we saw the Braves play Oct. 8, when their National League Division Series against the Dodgers ended with a loss in Game 4.

When pitchers and catchers report to Champion Stadium at Disney World tomorrow, 130 days will have passed since that season-ending loss to the Dodgers. In the interim, the Braves added Josh Donaldson to play third base and try to give the lineup a boost. Also, Brian McCann returned home to join Tyler Flowers in this season’s catching mix.

It’s tempting to say that little else changed, and in terms of key names on the roster, little did, but that doesn’t mean the 25-man roster that leaves Orlando won’t include some new faces or new roles.

In preparation for a spring that will focus on the pitching staff and settling on a right fielder, here’s a look at some of how the AJC tracked the Braves’ offseason, beginning with a five-part preview of the spring written by our Braves beat writer Gabriel Burns and followed by a collection of Q&A with 10 Braves players.

» Outfield: Ronald Acuna ready for encore

» Infield: Josh Donaldson added to the mix

Explore» Pitching: The staff looks full, but how will pieces fit?

» The bench: This one built on versatility

» Catching: Two Georgians comprise a tag team

Explore» Q&A: Dansby Swanson talks about the game in Chicago played in near-arctic weather and how it affected » the rest of his season.

Explore» Q&A: Touki Toussaint talks of working to overcome the “yips” and using Pilates in his offseason training.

Explore» Q&A: Sean Newcomb talks about working on his mental approach to pitching

Explore» Q&A: Julio Teheran talks about trade rumors and trying to re-establish his All-Star form

Explore» Q&A: Austin Riley talks about moving up through the organization and last season’s knee injury – and a change in his personal life from last season.

» Q&A: Charlie Culberson talks about his first season back in his home state and the improved NL East

Explore» Q&A: A.J. Minter talks about his attitude when facing big league hitters