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Braves News:
Braves Interested In Extensions For Andrelton Simmons and Julio Teheran
Gold Glove shortstop Andrelton Simmons and hard throwing right-hander Julio Teheran are next on the Braves priority list according to MLB columnist Joel Sherman. The team is interested in keeping their talented youth around for the long haul.
Talking Chop's Week-long Prospect Rankings Continue
The staff here at Talking Chop continues to rank the top 25 players down on the farm, starting with Gwinnett's David Hale at No. 10.
The Freddie Freeman Deal: A Market Correction
Dave Cameron of Fangraphs explains why he believes Freddie Freeman was paid as a superstar would when he hasn't reached that level of stardom yet. There's no question that the man who gives plenty of hugs has plenty of pop, but can he hit over 30-plus home runs a season?
Freeman's Contract Ranks 28th Highest In MLB History
After being picked in the second round of the MLB Draft at the 78th pick by the Braves, Freeman has proved his worth and joined an elite group of ball players who have received nine-figure contracts.
Braves Bullpen Tabbed As Most Dominant Unit
This comes as no big surprise since the Braves pen has the lowest ERA in baseball over the last seven seasons. Johnny Venters will be a key addition, as he is expected to be fully recovered by June. However, the team did lose Eric O'Flaherty to the Athletics this offseason.
Braves 2B Prospect Expected To Make Things Interesting In Spring Training
Jason Catania, a MLB expert for Bleacher Report, believes the competition battle at second base for the Braves could get interesting with Tommy La Stella in the picture. La Stella has drawn rave reviews from many scouts after hitting .343 for AA-Mississippi in 2013 and garnering a 10.4 K% in 324 plate appearances.
Freeman Raves About LHP Alex Wood
Apparently this offseason the Braves All-Star first baseman was impressed by what he saw of the former UGA southpaw Alex Wood. In 31 appearances as a rookie Wood went 3-3 with a 3.13 ERA and struck out 77 batters in 77.2 innings. It is expected he will fit into the Braves rotation as the fifth starter at the beginning of the season.
Braves Ranked 8th Best Team In MLB
ESPN's David Schoenfield continues his rankings of the top teams in baseball. The Braves come in right after the Texas Rangers in his opinion.
Other Relievers On The 40-Man Roster
While we are very familiar with the likes of Craig Kimbrel, Jordan Walden, and Luis Avilan here are seven other relievers that are on the Braves current 40-man roster that many may not know much about. They will get a chance to prove their worth in Spring Training.
Braves Radio Network Announcer To Return For Third Season
Kevin McAlpin will return to the radio booth this season. Many fans offered him congratulations via twitter.
League Wide News:
Mets Legend Ralph Kiner Passes Away
A legend from the game of baseball passed away on Thursday, as Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner died at the age of 91. Kiner, who worked with the New York Mets for more than 40 years, once led the NL in home runs for seven straight seasons. Here's Kiner's NY Times obituary.
Diamondbacks Report To Spring Training
Baseball is officially back. On Thursday pitchers and catchers for the Arizona Diamondbacks reported to camp in Scottsdale, Ariz.. Fourth-year manager Kirk Gibson brings his players in two days earlier than any other team around baseball.
Fernando Rodney Signs With Mariners
The Mariners have found their closer for the 2014 season as they signed the 36-year old Dominican born reliever to a 2-year, $14 million deal. Rodney saved 37 games for Tampa Bay last season. The lightning pose will be a hit with the fans in Seattle.
Orioles Agree With Matt Wieters On $7.7 Million Deal
The switch-hitting catcher will play at least one more season in the confines of Camden Yards, as he and the Baltimore Orioles avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a one year deal worth $7.7 million. The former Yellow Jacket should put up another 20 home run season.
Trumbo And D-Backs Agree On Contract
Mark Trumbo and the Arizona Diamondbacks avoided arbitration by agreeing to a a $4.8 million, one-year contract. The slugging outfielder hit 34 home runs last season for the Angels and will be a threat to take opposing pitchers deep at Chase Field along with Paul Goldschmidt.
Rockies To Retire No. 17 on August 17
Todd Helton, who also spent all 17 years as a professional with the Colorado Rockies, will have his jersey retired before the game against the Cincinnati Reds. Helton ranks 67th all time in the Bigs with a career .316 batting average.
Matt Harvey Set To Throw For First Time Since TJ Surgery
Mets ace Matt Harvey is scheduled to throw on Feb. 22 for the first time since having Tommy John surgery in October. The starting pitcher for the NL All Star team last season hopes to pitch at some point in '14 season.
The Miami Marlins signed Carlos Marmol to a one-year, $1.25 million deal. Can he rejuvenate his career down in South Beach or will he give up back-to-back home runs to the Upton brothers again?
Astros Designate Brett Wallace For Assignment
Once a top prospect, Astros first baseman Brett Wallace has been designated for assignment. A big problem was his strikeout rate, as he went down via the punch out 104 times in 262 at bats in the 2013 season.
Cubs And Barney Avoid Arbitration
The Cubs inked Darwin Barney, who is better known for his glove at shortstop, to a one-year, $2.3 million contract to avoid arbitration. His best campaign came in 2011 when he hit .276.
Masahiro Tanaka Headed To U.S.
The Japanese pitcher who signed a $155 million, seven-year contract with the New York Yankees obtained his visa and will be able to leave for the U.S. this weekend.
