re: MLB Spring Training News and Notes

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With the regular season less than two weeks away, I want to address some issues that have arisen since I began this next chapter of my life with the Dodgers.

First of all, my relationship with (Braves president of baseball operations) Alex Anthopoulos remains great. When we spoke earlier this week, I told Alex how much I enjoyed my time in Atlanta, especially last year when we all experienced the thrill of winning a World Series. I also apologized for some of the comments I made during my introductory press conference with the Dodgers. It was a very emotional week for my family and I.

Everyone should know my wife, Chelsea, and I will always have the utmost respect for the entire Braves organization and the city of Atlanta. My family and I loved every minute we had in Atlanta. We envisioned our future there, which is why it was such an emotional week for us. However, we truly believe that God has a plan and everything happens for a reason. We believe that we are exactly where we are supposed to be with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.

We look forward to continuing to strengthen the countless friendships we made since joining the Braves organization way back in 2007.

Chelsea and I have cherished the relationships we have developed with our Atlanta charities and we will continue to support them going forward.

We wish the Braves nothing but success this year. I love all of my former teammates and I hope they have continued success.

We wish Matt Olson and his family nothing but the best.

We appreciate the many Atlanta fans who have reached out and been so positive over the past couple weeks.

Alex gave me the option of receiving my World Series ring in Los Angeles or Atlanta. I am thankful for the opportunity to receive it in Atlanta in June in front of my former teammates, coaches and fan base that provided me incredible support over the past decade.

While my time with the Braves was special, I am now looking forward to beginning this next chapter of my life with the Dodgers. We have a tremendous team and a tremendous group of guys in this clubhouse. I can’t wait to get on the field and get started with my new teammates. I am thankful the Dodgers have given me a chance to spend the next six years being part of their great tradition and continuing to allow me to play the game I love so much.

I gave everything I had while I was with the Braves and I will continue to do the same thing with my new organization, the Los Angeles Dodgers.

See you in June … and in October.

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