House That Hank Built
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Atlanta Braves Morning Chop: Old Friends, New Places

By Alan Carpenter

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Dodgers Sign Ryan Buchter

JEFF TODD / MLBTRADERUMORS.COM

Per a team announcement, which listed the non-roster invitees to big league camp this spring, the Dodgers have agreed to minor league pacts with [lefty] … Ryan Buchter.

Buchter … has made just one (scoreless) MLB appearance, which came last year with the Braves. He has been effective at the Triple-A level, working to a 3.45 ERA over 133 total innings. Though his 11.6 K/9 strikeout rate at the final stop in the minors is impressive, it is accompanied by a troubling 7.3 BB/9.

Next: Hart's Best Move Yet?

Rick Ankiel hired by Nationals as ‘life skills coordinator’

MIKE OZ / BIG LEAGUE STEW (YAHOOSPORTS.COM)

The already unusual baseball career of Rick Ankiel is taking another turn nobody predicted back when he was a 19-year-old fireballer.

The Washington Nationals announced Wednesday that they’ve hired Ankiel to serve as the “life skills coordinator” in their minor-league system. It’s a new position for the Nats and a sign that they think Ankiel’s odd career arc will make him someone to lean on for their young players.

…

Even though Ankiel seems like he should be older, he’s just 35 — young enough, you have to figure, that he can connect with prospects. The Nats haven’t released too much information about the specifics of Ankiel’s role, but the idea of a “life skills coordinator” for athletes isn’t unique. Some universities have such a position to help their student-athletes. California State University, Long Beach, for example, recently posted a job for one.

The job will be different for Ankiel and the Nats, presumably, because minor-league baseball is a grind all its own. But Ankiel has already proven once that he can learn a new position.

[ Ed note:  honestly, every major league team should have an ex-player for this position – someone who can teach the kids (especially in the younger minors) how to write a check, pay bills, get insurance, get an apartment, how to drive (sober), stay out of trouble, … you name it.  This is probably magnified given the deaths of so many young players from the Dominican Republic on their roads. ]

Mar 5, 2014; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher

Brandon Beachy

(37) warms up at Brighthouse Networks Field. Mandatory Credit:

David Manning

-USA TODAY Sports

Source: Texas Rangers no longer involved with free agent pitcher Brandon Beachy

EVAN GRANT / DALLAS MORNING NEWS (JAN 7)

While the market for free agent pitcher Brandon Beachy is reportedly heating up, the Rangers are no longer involved, according to a source.

According to at least one internet report, Beachy, who underwent his second Tommy John surgery last year, could make a decision as early as the end of this week and has a field of six- to eight-teams that are interested even though he wont’ be ready to start the season. The Rangers did check in, but, according to the source, have since backed out.

Brandon Beachy aiming to sign with a team this week

DREW SILVA / HARDBALLTALK.NBCSPORTS.COM

Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish heard from a source Tuesday that free agent starter Brandon Beachy is hoping to sign with a team by Friday. Beachy has thrown for seven different clubs over the past 10 days and is now requesting final bids from six of them.

Meanwhile…

So Many New Names

The Braves’ Roster has been turned upside-down and shaken this Fall and Winter – dropping off a ton of names.  So many that the team might consider using name tags so that the players can identify one another.  Here’s a list of the new arrivals on the 40-man list… so far… since the past year.

 That’s 19 names by my count – with Dian Toscano still to be added at some point for 20.  And that’s now even counting those dismissed from the list – which number 30+.  

Finally….

  For all of you who thought that Ervin Santana‘s sniffing baseballs was a little weird…

Closers.  A different breed.

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