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BRAVES NEWS
McCann-to-Atlanta rumors continue to persist
After things cooled down following a breakdown of talks around trade deadline, the Brian McCann-to-Atlanta trade rumors have recently started to heat up again. However, ESPN seems to indicate that the situation appears to be the same as it ever was: The Braves want the Yankees to eat a significant amount of money in any potential deal, and the Yankees still want Ender Inciarte and Mike Foltynewicz in return and that type of exchange probably won’t happen.
If a deal for McCann doesn't work out, Bowman writes the Braves would "look at more sensible options." Atlanta isn't likely to enter a bidding war for Wilson Ramos and hasn't shown an indication of interest in Matt Wieters, Bowman notes. Wieters and Ramos, both impending free agents, are regarded as the top catchers on the market.
"Because there will not be many attractive options for the Braves to find a catcher through free agency, there's reason to believe [Braves general manager John] Coppolella will be more likely to fill this need via trade," Bowman writes, noting that the lack of free-agent options could be a reason for continued speculation about McCann.
Braves sign Sam Freeman to minor-league deal
David O’Brien of the AJC is reporting that lefty reliever Sam Freeman is now in the Braves organization after the two parties agreed to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training in 2017. Freeman spent most of the 2016 season with the Brewers’ Triple-A affiliate, but he did throw 7.2 innings at the major league level this season. Those 7.2 innings weren’t exactly the best, though — he finished with an ERA of 12.91 and a FIP of 7.97.
Episode 37 of the Talking Chop Podcast is live
Mondays are normally bad, but at least you have the Talking Chop Podcast to cheer you up. It’s an especially good episode since it involves the return of Carlos Collazo to the podcast. so it’s just like the good ol’ days now. If you aren’t a night owl and haven’t listened to it yet then go ahead and do so now.
MLB NEWS
Jason Kipnis almost got seriously injured celebrating the pennant
After Cleveland swept the Blue Jays out of the ALCS and advanced to the World Series, the players did what players normally do after winning a series — they jumped up and down and had a grand ol’ time celebrating on the field. However, Cleveland narrowly avoided disaster in this moment of happiness because Jason Kipnis almost got seriously hurt while celebrating. He actually sprained his ankle, but he should be good to go for the start of the series tomorrow. Still, yikes!
Could Kyle Schwarber return to the Cubs for the World Series?
Remember Kyle Schwarber? One of the Cubs’ brightest young prospects ended up missing all but three games this season after tearing his ACL and MCL in an outfield collision. Well, Schwarber is healthy again to the point where he’s been tabbed to play in the Arizona Fall League, but he could end up making a cameo appearance in the World Series as a DH. Talk about a shift in levels of play.