Atlanta Braves News: The Morning Chop 12/22
By Jeff Schafer
Military families go “basebowling” with the Braves
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: Atlanta Braves pitcher David Hale, pitching coach Rodger McDowell, and Braves alumni Marty Perez and Johnny Estrada all took time to spend with these families. One thing is for sure about the Braves, they care about the families and children within the community more than any other team. It is great to see these guys give up their free time to spend with the military and family in a fun game of bowling.
"A friendly bowling competition among 30 military families and players and staff from The Atlanta Braves kicked off The Atlanta Braves Military Basebowl Holiday Bash on Dec. 6 at Midtown Bowl.In its fifth year, the event brought together the families to ring in the holidays in a fun way to make fond memories. U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Veronica Williams admitted she was not the best bowler, but was ecstatic to be a part of this event.“It’s an honor to be here with my son, watching him have so much fun and really enjoying this moment,” she said."
BRAVES STILL LOOKING FOR ANOTHER STARTER
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: With trading Justin Upton, the Braves probably were hoping to get a starting pitcher who was ready for the MLB…they did not. Now John Hart and the Braves front office have to go searching for a fifth starter. David Hale could be a choice for that spot but the Braves have said they’d like to use him in a spot start situation. Can the Braves strike gold two years in a row with waiting till the last minute in Spring Training to sign a pitcher?…I think they are hoping so.
"So if the Braves do not trade for a starter, they’ll likely look at the free agents still on the board. Do not expect the Braves to be involved with Max Scherzer or James Shields, the two highly-priced free agent starters.The Braves need an innings-eater, like Harang was last year for them. As of now, it does not look like Harang will return.Here are some names to keep in mind as free agents: Chad Billingsley, Joe Blanton,Kevin Correia, Jon Garland, Roberto Hernandez, Kyle Kendrick, Wandy Rodriguez, Joe Saunders, Johan Santana, Ryan Vogelsong."
St. Louis Cardinals trades: Jason Heyward and negotiating windows
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: Rumors are picking up that Jason Hayward may be willing to sign an extension with the St. Louis Cardinals. Of ALL teams!! We had to send JHey to the Cardinals?? Ugh, still upset about that. And now if he signs an extension with this organization for a “team friendly” deal, it will just be a huge slap in the face to the Atlanta Braves organization.
"The idea that Heyward may sign a Cardinals-friendly contract to play in St. Louis seems to have gained some traction among fans. In the comments section to Joe’s piece looking at the Cards’ free-agent signings and asking folks to grade general manager John Mozeliak, some gave alternative grades based on whether Heyward signed an extension before the end of 2015 or as a free agent after the season. Memories of the Jocketty era win-now trades and subsequent extensions are still strong. You’ll recall that the Cards acquired Jim Edmonds in March 2000 and signed the outfielder to an extension in May 2000. St. Louis moved just as quickly with third baseman Scott Rolen, who the Cardinals acquired at the 2002 trade deadline and signed to an extension in September that same season. Matt Holliday‘s free-agent contract also came up."