LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Braves left-handed reliever Sam Freeman experienced the thrill of being a late-round Draft choice who beat the odds by making it to the Majors. He has also had his confidence tested over the past few years, when he seemingly was deemed expendable by both the Cardinals and Rangers.
Having learned to take nothing for granted, Freeman has not allowed himself to make any assumptions as he comes off a season that resuscitated his career. But thanks to the tough love he took to heart last year, he finds himself in position to be on an Opening Day roster for the first time.