Atlanta Braves News: The Morning Chop 1/27

Winter Report Card: Atlanta Braves

Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: Frankly, the storylines of the “Braves shipping away all their talent” and “Braves won’t be anywhere near good in 2015” are getting a little tiresome. Yes, John Hart came in and cleared house with the players he felt like needed to go to make the team successful in the future. Soon Tomahawk Take will debut our Atlanta Braves 2015 Top 20 Prospects and you’ll see all the talent we now have on this list.

"Key departures: RHP Brandon Beachy*, UT Emilio Bonifacio, RHP David D. Carpenter, OF/C Ryan Doumit*, RHP Gavin Floyd, C Evan Gattis, RHP Aaron Harang, RF Jason Heyward, C Gerald Laird*, 2B Tommy La Stella, RHP Kris Medlen, IF Ramiro Peña*, RHP Ervin Santana, LHP Chasen Shreve, LFJustin Upton, RHP Anthony Varvaro, RHP Jordan Walden (*free agent, still unsigned)Key arrivals: RHP Manny Banuelos, IF Alberto Callaspo, RHP Mike Fotynewicz, RHP Jason Grilli, OF Jonny Gomes, RHP Jim Johnson, RFNick Markakis, RHP Shelby Miller, LHP Josh Outman, IF Jace Peterson, C A.J. Pierzynski, OF Dian Toscano"

Andrelton Simmons says retooled Atlanta Braves roster gives fans chance to ‘fall in love’ all over again

Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: The Atlanta Braves caravan appeared in Birmingham, Alabama on Monday afternoon with Andrelton Simmons highlighting the event. AL got an interview with the Braves star shortstop to talk about the 2015 season and the offseason that the Braves had. One of Andrelton’s goals this offseason was to improve his offense. He said in the interview “I feel good so far, and feel like I’ve been swinging the bat well”. If his bat can improve back to what it was like in 2013, Simmons could be the best overall shortstop in the game.

"“You had friends in class, and then they moved away to another city or school,” Simmons said. “You missed them. And I have friends on the team that I’ll miss.”The Braves have been active in the offseason, trading favorite players like Jason Heyward and Evan Gattis; the relaunching of the roster has caused some angst for fans, but Simmons said it will all work out.“We really won’t know until the start of the season,” he said. “I don’t know the players yet, but it will be good.”Simmons said he understands, then, the feelings of fans who are sad to see certain players leave. Perhaps, though, it provides new opportunities.“You never know,” he said, “you may fall in love with a brand new player.”"

Northwest Georgia News

Managar Gonzalez says Braves are ‘retooling’

Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: A lot going on during the Monday afternoon as Braves Manager Fredi Gonzalez appeared at the Rome Braves Hot Stove Gathering. Gonzalez talked about the upcoming year and what happened this offseason. During the Q&A Fredi talked about being hesitant when his phone rings “There has been a lot of movement, so every time I pick up the phone I’m scared because it might be another roster change.” Even Fredi is worried

"“You can use a lot of re stuff. I’m thinking we call it retooling. When John Hart and John Coppolella evaluated our minor league system, they saw we needed more talent and we went out and made some trades,” Gonzalez said. “A lot of those trades have brought back some really good prospects. Some of these guys you may see over the course of the summer.”With a lot of young talent and a bolstered minor league system, Gonzalez said he’ll have a specific message for the team.“We call it retooling. This time of year, you’re thinking about spring training and your first message you’re going to tell your team,” he said."

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