ATLANTA -- While simply standing as a voluntary option, the Braves' early throwing program stands as an unofficial beginning for those impatient fans who can't wait for the day when pitchers and catchers report.

Once known as Camp Leo, in reference to former pitching coach Leo Mazzone, this early throwing program will begin on Friday, when a group of Braves pitchers arrive at Turner Field to make their final Spring Training preparations, under the watchful eyes of manager Bobby Cox and pitching coach Roger McDowell.

While jobs obviously aren't going to be won during this nine-day throwing program, prospects like Tommy Hanson will have the opportunity to get better acquainted with the Major League lifestyle that awaits them.

As for guys like Stephen Marek, Boone Logan and Eric O'Flaherty, three relievers who were acquired over the past six months, this program provides them the chance to get comfortable with the teammates and coaches who will surround them when they experience their first Spring Training with the Braves.

While Logan, Marek and O'Flaherty will go to camp looking to win a spot in the bullpen, Hanson knows he has an outside chance to begin the season in Atlanta's rotation.

"That's the goal," Hanson said. "I want to be up here as soon as possible. But I'll let the Braves take care of that. I'm just going to go out and pitch and be all eyes and ears during Spring Training and just try to figure out what it's like pitching against big league hitters."

Considered one of the game's best pitching prospects, Hanson has the capability of vaulting himself toward the front of Atlanta's rotation by the time the 2009 season concludes. But because the 22-year-old right-hander has made just 18 starts above the Class A level, the Braves don't want to rush his maturation process.

"We don't have any expectations of him coming to his first Major League camp and winning a job," Braves general manager Frank Wren said. "We're open-minded. It's like with all of our young players -- they'll tell us when they're ready through their performance."

Also expected to join Hanson as a newcomer to this year's throwing program will be Kenshin Kawakami, a 33-year-old right-hander who is expected to become the first Japanese player Atlanta has employed on its Major League roster

Kawakami is currently in Japan, attempting to obtain his work visa. But the Braves think he could return to Atlanta next week, and when he does, he'll likely begin throwing with the other pitchers participating in this program.

Former closer Rafael Soriano, who was limited to 14 appearances last year because of right elbow discomfort, is also expected to arrive in Atlanta next week to be evaluated by Braves doctors.

Soriano's 2008 season officially ended in August when doctors transposed the ulnar nerve in his right elbow. Based on recent conversations, Wren believes the right-handed reliever will be at full strength when Braves pitchers and catchers stage their first official workout in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on Feb. 15.