Atlanta Braves News: The Morning Chop
By Jeff Schafer
Nationals split series with Braves, extend lead in NL East
Tomahawk Take Editor Notes: The Evan Gattis hitting streak was a fun one to watch. His new stance has really proven to make a difference as his batting average is hovering around the .280 mark. Now only if everyone could go on a little hitting streak the Braves would be alright. Braves are off on Monday and will resume playing Tuesday against the Houston Astros.
"Freddie Freeman had two hits for Atlanta. Evan Gattis went 0 for 3 to snap his 20-game hitting streak.“You know what, it’s funny, baseball is,” Atlanta manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “If we would’ve lost the first two games and won the last two games you’d be feeling pretty good about yourselves. It didn’t happen that way, it happened the other way, so you’re not feeling real good about yourself.”"
Tempers flare as Atlanta Braves drop series finale to Washington Nationals
Tomahawk Take Editor Note: Chris Johnson promised and swore he would control his temper-tantroms but one slipped out of the bag on Sunday afternoon. CJ wasn’t pleased with the call that said he went around on a check swing. The replay clearly showed he didn’t go around but he ran his mouth a little to much for the umpire’s liking. Later, Justin Upton was tossed. Frustrations continue in the ATL.
"The aforementioned Chris Johnson and Justin Upton were both ejected on account of arguing balls and strikes with home plate umpire Mark Carlson. Johnson was sent to the locker room in a hurry after arguing a called third strike, and things escalated a bit with his infamous temper. Then, Upton followed with a ninth inning departure, and his exit was incredibly hasty. Frankly, it looked as if there was a bit of an “ump show” (copyright: ESPN’s Keith Law) happening in the nation’s capital, but alas, it was a bit odd to see two regulars ejected in one game."
Atlanta Braves Rumors: Aaron Harang Trade Could Bring Relief Pitching
Tomahawk Take Editor Note: I don’t see a Aaron Harang trade happening anymore. First, unless we package a really high prospect, no team will be willing to trade for this guy. Second, it would be extremely tough to find a left-handed relief pitcher who the Braves are interested in and they are interested in Harang. Third, Harang cooled off since the start of the season and is pitching like he has during his career. I think the Braves keep him in the rotation and hope for the best.
"Unfortunately for the Atlanta Braves, not many teams are going to be interested in Harang. The Braves will most likely need to package a prospect as well in order to make the trade possible. Left-handed relief pitching is hard to come by, and teams are not going to part with one easily. The Braves organization is full of young starting pitchers and could turn one of them into a solid veteran reliever.If the Atlanta Braves rumors about an Aaron Harang trade prove to be true, David Hale could move from the bullpen back into the starting rotation. As the season teeters on the brink, Hale could benefit from getting some more innings. In a tough, three way battle for first place, Atlanta needs to be concerned about winning now and getting experience for their young players. Harang is simply not a part of the Atlanta Braves’ long term plans."
Aviator’s Martinez Moves Up
"Jose Martinez is getting his chance to play High-A baseball."
"Rockford- One of the Rockford Aviator’s sluggers is moving up. Jose Martinez’s contract was purchased by the Atlanta Braves Organization Sunday. Martinez led the Aviators in batting average, stolen bases and slugging percentage this season. In 28 games this season, Martinez had 35 hits and scored 17 runs. He also had fourteen RBIs. Martinez will be assigned to the Braves’ High-A affiliate, the Lynchburg Hillcats."
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Jose Martinez is getting his chance to play High-A baseball.
"Rockford- One of the Rockford Aviator’s sluggers is moving up. Jose Martinez’s contract was purchased by the Atlanta Braves Organization Sunday. Martinez led the Aviators in batting average, stolen bases and slugging percentage this season. In 28 games this season, Martinez had 35 hits and scored 17 runs. He also had fourteen RBIs. Martinez will be assigned to the Braves’ High-A affiliate, the Lynchburg Hillcats."