Atlanta Braves Won't Play in Gwinnett in Spring 2014

For the second straight season, the Atlanta Braves will bypass Coolray Field in their spring training travels.

According to media reports, Atlanta will travel to Rome, Ga., in March 2014 for its annual Future Stars game against its top minor-league players.

In 2012, Atlanta came to Gwinnett in its initial spring contest against the Future Stars. Last season, Atlanta took the contest to Mississippi.

"We are honored to host the Atlanta Braves at State Mutual Stadium in Rome, GA," Rome General Manager Michael Dunn said in a Braves news release. "The fact that our fans will be able to see former Rome Braves and current Atlanta Braves play in their hometown stadium will be a thrill of a lifetime. We're excited to welcome them to our city."

As before, the Future Stars team will include players from the Gwinnett, Rome and Mississippi teams.

This year, the Atlanta Braves will open spring training without a couple of familiar players from past years -- catcher Brian McCann (Duluth High), and pitcher Tim Hudson. Both have signed with other teams after declaring free agency.

In the 2012 game in Gwinnett, the Future Stars were managed by former Atlanta manager Bobby Cox. And they gave the big club fits, forcing Atlanta to come from behind for a rain-shortened, 4-3 victory.

-- How do you think the Atlanta Braves will fare in 2014? Tell us in the comments below.