Morning Chop: Atlanta Braves News 11/4

Boston Herald

Braves sign Roger McDowell to 2-year contract

"Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell has agreed to a two-year contract through the 2015 season.McDowell’s new deal was announced Saturday by general manager Frank Wren. There were reports the Phillies were interested in the 52-year-old McDowell.The Braves led the major leagues with their 3.18 ERA in 2013, McDowell’s eighth season with the team."

Braves 101

Atlanta Braves Expected to Pick up Option on Reed Johnson

"Jul 14, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Reed Johnson (7) runs home to score in the second inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY SportsThe Atlanta Braves are expected to pick up the $1.6 million club option on veteran Reed Johnson‘s 2014 contract but a formal announcement has not been made.Johnson, an outfielder who was used primarily off the bench and in pinch-hitting roles, batted .244 in 74 games with the Braves in 2013. He battled achilles tendonitis during the season which landed him on the disabled list.The Braves outfield is solid and loaded with young stars but keeping Johnson gives the Braves a veteran outfielder to use when needed, a proven right-handed pinch hitter, and a valuable trade option."

AJC

Braves’ offseason about to get busier

"Lefty Mike Minor is among this year’s crop of 28 major leaguers who became eligible for arbitration as “Super 2” players, the 22 percent with the most service time under the automatic arbitration threshold of three years’ service. His inclusion added one more to the Braves’ already-substantial group of arb-eligibles, bringing the total to 14.That means about half the team is likely to get really large raises, depending upon how many arb-eligibles are brought back. Players with between three and six years of major league service are eligible for arbitration.Major league saves leader Craig Kimbrel and All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman will get huge salary bumps as first-time arb-eligibles, with Kimbrel likely to set a record for a first-time arb-eligible reliever with a salary that could surpass $7 million.  Other Braves up for arbitration: outfielders Jason Heyward and Jordan Schafer; pitchers Kris Medlen, Brandon Beachy, Jonny Venters, Jordan Walden and Cristhian Martinez; and infielders Chris Johnson, Ramiro Pena, Elliot Johnson and Paul Janish.Teams have until a Dec. 2 to offer contracts to their arbitration-eligible players, with those who don’t get offers become non-tendered free agents. From what I hear, Martinez seems the most likely candidate to be non-tendered among the Braves’ 14 arb-eligibles. It wouldn’t surprise me if all the others are back."

{Editor Note: Is Chipper Jones Back??}

Chipper has been sending out random tweets in the past couple days and he could be getting the itch to come back to Twitter.  He’s always been a personal favorite to follow and I’m hoping he returns.  Earlier this season he said he was finished with twitter after keeping to his word that he’d only do it for a year but now….he could be back!!!