Heyward's 6'4'', 220 pound frame was more than enough to raise eyebrows at Braves' camp this March, and that was before they all saw him swing. Heyward quickly made himself a top Spring Training story when his mouth opening size was complimented by eye opening skill, which would eventually earn him a spot in Bobby Cox's opening day lineup. Would it take some time for Heyward to get settled in at the Major League level? That would just be uncharacteristic of the 20 year old who carries himself like a seasoned vet. In Jason's first at bat he blasted a three-run bomb off of Carlos Zambrano, the career milestone in a game where Heyward drove in four and even caught the ceremonial first pitch from Atlanta legend Hank Aaron. Heyward grabbed the Opening Day spotlight when his first swing in a Braves uniform sent the ball all the way into the Braves' bullpen in right field, becoming the fourth Brave ever to homer in his first at bat. Saturday night, coming off three games where he hit 1 for 12, Heyward showed already that he can bounce back, when he went 3 for 3 with a Home run, helping the Braves hand the Giants their first loss of the season. With aging power hitters Troy Glaus and Chipper Jones slowly fading out of their primes, the Braves will need Heyward as a power hitter who will be called upon a lot to drive in runs and occasionally put this offense on his back.
JD
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