Morning Chop: Atlanta Braves News 10/30

The Baltimore Sun

Orioles hire Dave Wallace as pitching coach

"Considered an experienced teacher of young pitchers, Dave Wallace said it was difficult to leave the Atlanta Braves organization and its impressive stable of young arms.But the allure of again becoming a major league pitching coach, and for a playoff contender, was too enticing.“It’s been a tough couple days, I want to tell you. It is a good situation over there [in Atlanta], and what they have going on with their young staff is great,” said Wallace, who was named the Orioles’ new pitching coach Tuesday. “But I think for those of us that have been on the field in a game and have the burning desire to compete, when you get a chance to do that on a stage like Baltimore, I just don’t think you pass it up.”"

Baseball America

2014 Atlanta Braves Top 10 Prospects

"Top 10 Prospects Sep 13, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher David Hale (62) pitches against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports1. Lucas Sims, rhp2. Christian Bethancourt, c3. J.R. Graham, rhp4. Jason Hursh, rhp5. Mauricio Cabrera, rhp6. Jose Peraza, ss7. David Hale, rhp8. Victor Caratini, 3b/c9. Tommy La Stella, 2b10. Sean Gilmartin, lhp"

Bleacher Report

Brian McCann Rumors: Latest Buzz and Speculation Surrounding Star C

"Brian McCann has spent his entire career with the Atlanta Braves and has been one of the best offensive catchers in baseball over that span. As he prepares to enter free agency this winter, the rumors and the speculation are already starting to heat up.McCann was limited to just 102 games in 2013 due to injury, most notably a shoulder ailment that cost him the first five weeks of the regular season. He still managed to tally 20 home runs for the sixth straight season, however.His track record of success at the plate is going to attract a lot of attention on the open market, especially since he plays a position with a limited number of impact hitters. It could lead to a bidding war between teams in need of an upgrade behind the plate.Andrew Marchand of ESPN New York reports that one general manager believes McCann’s value at a mediocre position could allow him to fetch a six-year contract worth around $100 million. The fact that he could transition to another role later in the deal helps his cause.Brian McCann could receive a deal for six years and $100 million, an MLB GM told ESPN New York on Tuesday. The GM reasoned that McCann is a top-five catcher and could transition to first and DH toward the end of the deal."

{Editor Note: Congrats again to Andrelton Simmons for winning his first Gold Glove Award!  Here is what others had to say on Twitter}