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This time last year I reflected on the Atlanta Braves’ rebuilding process and their return to the postseason. The Braves took another step forward in 2019 garnering 97 wins while their young core continues to establish itself for the future. Winning seasons are much more fun to write about than losing ones but those of you that have been with us throughout the last five years no doubt feel some level of satisfaction.
Below is a list of our most viewed stories of 2019. Unsurprisingly, the majority of them center on acquisitions or rumors. Thank you to everyone who visited Talking Chop in 2019 and we hope you will be sticking around with us for many more years to come.
10. Braves concerned that injury to Nick Markakis may be serious
This article was from July 26 after Nick Markakis was hit in the wrist by a pitch thrown by Philadelphia’s Cole Irvin. The mood was a somber one postgame with Brian Snitker informing the media that the team wasn’t optimistic. Those concerns would prove to be correct as X-rays would reveal a fracture which would sideline Markakis until the final weeks of the season.
9. Where are they now? Checking in on some former Braves
A fun look at 10 former Braves that were either traded or claimed off of waivers by another team. The group included Kevin Gausman who shifted into a relief role with the Reds and former prospects Kolby Allard, Joey Wentz, Triston Beck and Travis Demeritte.
8. Braves signing Francisco Cervelli, per report
Atlanta found itself looking for a veteran catching option at the end of August when Brian McCann was forced to the injured list with knee soreness. Former Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli fit what they were looking for perfectly and played well for the Braves down the stretch.
7. Brian Snitker on ejection, Charlie Culberson’s injury
One of the most emotional moments of the season came during Brian Snitker’s postgame press conference on September 14 when Charlie Culberson was struck in the face by a pitch from Washington’s Fernando Rodney. Culberson’s season would be over but this was another example of Snitker’s love for his players and why they love playing for him.
6. Braves acquire Shane Greene from Tigers
The Braves were active at the trade deadline as Alex Anthopoulos looked to reinforce a bullpen that had been a problem for most of the season. One of the reinforcements came via trade with Shane Greene coming to Atlanta in exchange for Joey Wentz and Travis Demeritte.
Pretty happy to see this show up here. This was an article tracking the Braves’ 40-man roster including a list of transactions.
4. Braves News: Potential outfield targets, trade rumblings and more
A news roundup from early January that links to a story about a hypothetical trade involving Rangers outfielder Joey Gallo. Not really sure why so many people viewed this but you guys do love trade rumors.
3. Braves have been checking in on Manny Machado, per report
This report proved to be all smoke although I am sure Alex Anthopoulos and company did make a cursory call to Manny Machado’s agent.
2. Braves fans are upset and they have every right to be
One of our more controversial articles of the year lands at No. 2 on this list. Braves’ CEO Terry McGuirk talked plenty about the team’s ability to spend but there was very little action to back it up until the team made several additions at the trade deadline. They have continued to be active through the offseason and are reportedly still in pursuit of a reunion with Josh Donaldson.
The annual Draft Pick Signing Tracker reigns supreme once again as it was our most viewed post by a wide margin. Our minor league and Draft coverage has been the backbone of the site for a while now and the signing tracker was a big part of that yet again.