Morning Chop: Atlanta Braves News 9/17
By Jeff Schafer
Navy Yard shooting: What we know and don’t know
"The one question we all desperately want answered may have gone to the grave with Aaron Alexis: Why?Why did he park at the Washington Navy Yard on Monday, walk into Building 197, perch himself on an overlook above the atrium and open fire? The bullets that rained down killed 12 people and wounded eight others.Why?But that’s not the only missing puzzle piece. Investigators are painstakingly trying to piece together the motive, the means and the method.What we know: The shooting rampage ended with the 34-year-old Alexis’ death.There were no indications that Alexis had any ideological differences with the Navy or any disagreements with anyone at the Navy Yard, a U.S. law enforcement official said.Throughout the day, authorities said they were looking for a second man. But by nightfall, they said they were “confident” that Alexis was the lone gunman. “We have exhausted all means to eliminate that possible last suspect,” said Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy Lanier. “So we do now feel comfortable that we have the single and sole person responsible for the loss of life inside of the base.”We know 12 people are dead — 11 at the scene, one at a hospital. We know their ages ranged from 46 to 73. Authorities released the names of seven victims late Monday. Three others were shot, but survived. Five more were hospitalized for contusions and chest pains, the mayor said."
Tim Hudson named Atlanta Braves nominee for the 2013 Roberto Clemente Award Presented by Chevrolet
Jul 11, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Tim Hudson (15) pitches in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
"Major League Baseball and Chevrolet, the official vehicle of Major League Baseball, today announced that Tim Hudson was named the Atlanta Braves 2013 nominee for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet. Tomorrow marks the 12th annual Roberto Clemente Day, which was established by Major League Baseball to honor Clemente’s legacy and to officially recognize local Club nominees of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet. Hudson is one of the 30 Club finalists for the annual award, which recognizes a Major League Baseball player who best represents the game of baseball through positive contributions on and off the field, including sportsmanship and community involvement.The Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet pays tribute to Clemente’s achievements and character by recognizing current players who truly understand the value of helping others. The 15-time MLB All-Star and Hall of Famer who died in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.Prior to the Braves vs. Brewers matchup on Sept. 23, the Braves will honor Tim during a special on-field presentation.The distinguished list of past national Roberto Clemente Award recipients includes 14 members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame:1971, Willie Mays+**1972, Brooks Robinson+**1973, Al Kaline+1974, Willie Stargell+1975, Lou Brock+1976, Pete Rose1977, Rod Carew+1978, Greg Luzinski1979, Andre Thornton1980, Phil Niekro+1981, Steve Garvey1982, Ken Singleton1983, Cecil Cooper1984, Ron Guidry1985, Don Baylor1986, Garry Maddox1987, Rick Sutcliffe1988, Dale Murphy1989, Gary Carter+1990, Dave Stewart1991, Harold Reynolds1992, Cal Ripken, Jr.+1993, Barry Larkin+1994, Dave Winfield+1995, Ozzie Smith+1996, Kirby Puckett+1997, Eric Davis1998, Sammy Sosa1999, Tony Gwynn+2000, Al Leiter2001, Curt Schilling2002, Jim Thome2003, Jamie Moyer2004, Edgar Martinez2005, John Smoltz2006, Carlos Delgado2007, Craig Biggio2008, Albert Pujols2009, Derek Jeter2010, Tim Wakefield2011, David Ortiz2012, Clayton Kershaw"
Baseball Matchup – Washington Nationals Atlanta Braves Odds Preview
"According to new MLB Power Rankings here, it’s the National League No. 8-ranked Nationals and the National League No. 6-rated Braves in this matchup.Rating these teams in several key categories is important for handicappers and Washington has the National League’s No. 6-rated offensive output, at 8.6 hits per game. The Braves average 8.4 hits per game, good for No. 9 on the National League list.Defensively, Atlanta features the National League’s No. 3-rated defense on the road, allowing 3.8 runs per game. Washington, meanwhile, comes in at No. 5 in the National League at home, scoring 4.3 runs per game.Atlanta lost its last outing, a 4-0 result against the Padres on September 15. Bettors who backed the Padres at +188 on the moneyline won on the day, and the total score (4) sent UNDER bettors to the payout window. The Braves were shut out in their last start, struggling to get much going against the San Diego staff and losing 4-0 to the Padres on Sunday at Turner Field.Washington won its last outing, a 11-2 result against the Phillies on September 15. Bettors who backed the Nationals at -186 on the moneyline won on the day, and the total score (13) sent OVER bettors to the payout window. Washington got the job done in their last match in a 11-2 victory over Philadelphia on Sunday at Nationals Park behind starter Jordan Zimmermann.Atlanta Braves Trends:When playing on Monday are 6-4Before playing Washington are 7-3After playing San Diego are 4-6After a loss are 5-5Washington Nationals Trends:When playing on Monday are 3-7Before playing Atlanta are 3-7After playing Philadelphia are 6-4After a win are 7-3"