Morning Chop: Braves 5/31
By Jeff Schafer
Atlanta Braves Trade Rumors: Giancarlo Stanton
"The Atlanta Braves seem to have all the right parts to be true contenders in the playoffs this season. However, there are certain places where the Braves lack a true threat. Jason Heyward is a true hole in the Braves lineup and Giancarlo Stanton’s name was brought up as a possible replacement. Stanton is a true power threat and would fit ridiculously well in the Braves’ lineup that is full of long ball hitters. Freddie Freeman has yet to come around with the power, but he has continued to hit the ball well throughout the year. For Stanton, protection in the lineup has been a problem this year and it would make sense for him to have interests in joining a contender.However, the chances of Stanton getting moved are highly unlikely as the Miami Marlins have made it clear that they are keeping their power hitter. After moving everybody out of Miami over the offseason, the Marlins want to rebuild from the bottom up and they would like to work around a super talent like Stanton’s. Of course, the Braves have repeatedly produced some of the best young players in baseball. The aforementioned Freeman has been raking in the majors, Andrelton Simmons is being labeled as the best defensive shortstop in baseball and 3/5 of their starting rotation are straight products of their farm system."
Braves partner with Goldberg’s Deli to open All-Star Grill
"The Atlanta Braves have partnered with longtime Atlanta restaurant giant Goldberg’s Deli to open the Atlanta Braves All-Star Grill on concourse D at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. The restaurant, near gate D8, opened on Thursday, April 18 and the official ribbon cutting will take place on today, May 30.“We were in the unique position to partner with one of Atlanta’s most popular restaurants,” said Braves Executive Vice President of Business Operations, Mike Plant. “This is a fantastic way to extend our brand to Braves fans coming and going through Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, the busiest airport in the world.”The 1,500 square foot restaurant features a replica Turner Field look, complete with a brick façade bar, leather glove booths, dugout bench seating with a full menu. Braves memorabilia and graphics are featured throughout the restaurant and Braves merchandise is available to purchase."
Atlanta Braves transactions: Juan Francisco DFA’d
May 15, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA: Atlanta Braves batter Juan Francisco throws his bat after striking out in the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
"The Atlanta Braves designated third baseman Juan Francisco for assignment before Thursday night’s game against Toronto, clearing a spot for the promotion of left-hander Alex Wood.The Braves selected Wood’s contract from Double-A Mississippi, giving the bullpen seven relievers. Wood pitched a scoreless ninth inning, allowing one hit, in Atlanta’s 11-3 victory.The Braves went with six relievers on an 11-man pitching staff before the bullpen was stretched for seven innings in Wednesday night’s 3-0 loss to Toronto.Francisco, who had shared time at third base with Chris Johnson, was hitting .241 with five homers, 16 RBIs and 43 strikeouts in 108 at-bats. He hit .234 with nine homers when playing behind Chipper Jones in 2012.The Braves have 10 days to trade, release or send Francisco outright to the minors. Manager Fredi Gonzalez said a trade is possible."
Pena’s 4 RBIs pace Atlanta Braves past Blue Jays 11-3
"Ramiro Pena drove in four runs with three hits, including a run-scoring single in the sixth that gave Atlanta the lead, Mike Minor pitched seven strong innings and the Braves’ makeshift lineup had 16 hits in an 11-3 win over R.A. Dickey and the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday night.Freddie Freeman and Reed Johnson homered and Evan Gattis had three hits. Jordan Schafer added a two-run single in the sixth.Pena, Schafer and Gattis made the most of fill-in starts as Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez rested three regulars hitting below .200: outfielders B.J. Upton and Jason Heyward and second baseman Dan Uggla."