Braves tab McGriff, Walker as special assistants

ATLANTA -- Fred McGriff and Greg Walker have accepted the opportunity to rejoin the Braves organization as special assistants in the baseball operations department.

McGriff will serve as a Spring Training instructor and will then have a chance to realize his desire to get into the professional scouting ranks during the regular season. The former first baseman is expected to get scouting assignments that range from the amateur ranks to the Major League level. He served as a consultant for the Blue Jays last year and held an advisory role with the Rays from 2007-10.

While playing in Atlanta from 1993-97, McGriff earned three All-Star selections and collected 130 of his 493 career home runs. He is returning to the organization in time to experience the 20th anniversary of the 1995 World Series title he helped the Braves claim.

Walker rejoins the Braves after spending each of the past three seasons as their Major League hitting coach. He will be present during Spring Training to work with the Minor League hitters, and he will continue to work as a roving instructor in the Minors during the regular season.

When Walker cited mental fatigue as one of the reasons he resigned at the conclusion of last year's disappointing season, he made it known that he would like to stay in the Braves organization in some capacity. The Douglas, Ga. native has remained in regular contact with president of baseball operations John Hart.