Morning Chop: Atlanta Braves News 11/5
By Jeff Schafer
Former Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox on MLB Hall of Fame ballot
"Joe Torre, Tony La Russa and Bobby Cox headline the National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot, which was released Monday. Oct 4, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves former manager Bobby Cox (left) walks off the field with pitcher Tim Hudson after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch of game two of the National League divisional series playoff baseball game at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY SportsThey will be voted on by the 16-member Expansion Era Veterans Committee Dec. 9 during the annual Winter Meetings in Orlando, Fla.The ballot also includes former manager Billy Martin and players Dave Concepcion, Steve Garvey, Tommy John, Dave Parker, Dan Quisenberry and Ted Simmons. Additionally, Marvin Miller — the first executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association –and former New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner are on the ballot.The annual players ballot voted on by eligible members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America is scheduled for release Nov. 25. Newcomers include Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, Frank Thomas, Jeff Kent and Mike Mussina."
Free Agency
"The Braves must also think twice about the free agents they try to sign. Below is a list of all of the other players who received qualifying offers from their clubs:Robinson Cano, 2B, New York YankeesHiroki Kuroda, SP, New York YankeesCurtis Granderson, OF, New York YankeesCarlos Beltran, OF, St. Louis CardinalsUbaldo Jimenez, SP, Cleveland IndiansJacoby Ellsbury, OF, Boston Red SoxMike Napoli, 1B, Boston Red SoxStephen Drew, SS, Boston Red SoxNelson Cruz, OF, Texas RangersErvin Santana, SP, Kansas City RoyalsShin-Soo Choo, OF, Cincinnati RedsKendrys Morales, DH, Seattle Mariners"
Local Orange High Product Gets Call from Atlanta Braves
"Local Orange High School graduate Marquis Riley just got a call from the Atlanta Braves.Riley has spent the last year playing second base for the Joliet Illinois Slammers, a baseball team where players have no real shot to move to the next level.But Riley caught the eye of some Atlanta Braves scouts and now he will be signing a minor league contract with the organization. Riley will now compete in the Braves’ spring training for a roster spot on one of the many minor league squads ranging from A, AA and AAA.“It’s a good experience. I’ve been working hard trying to get here, and now I’ve got the opportunity, and hopefully now I can just make the most of it,” Riley says.Agents say it is likely Riley will end up starting with the Rome Braves in Georgia."