Atlanta Braves News: The Morning Chop – Bobby Cox Back In Camp, Freddie Freeman Takes Swings

AJC

Hart: Braves never discussed trading Kimbrel, other core players

Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution wrote an article yesterday stating that John Hart and the front office of the Atlanta Braves never talked about trading Craig Kimbrel or other “core players”.  Well, wait a minute…I understand the “core players” are Freddie Freeman, Andrelton Simmons, Julio Teheran and Kimbrel but couldn’t you classify Justin Upton, Jason Heyward or Evan Gattis as core players as well?  Guess not

They added one accomplished lineup regular in right fielder Nick Markakis, who’s coming back from December neck surgery, and a few other veterans expected to fill platoon or backup roles, including left fielder Jonny Gomes and catcher A.J. Pierzynski.

Nevertheless, Braves officials believe they could be an improved offensive team by reducing strikeouts and having parts that fit together better than last year and can manufacture runs without hitting the ball over the fence.

“I think we’ve been a very easy target nationally when you look at the Braves and you say, ‘Trade Heyward, star player; Trade Upton, star player; Trade Gattis, big bat,’” said John Hart, Braves president of baseball operations. “You just connect the dots and you say, ‘It’s not going to be a very good offense.’ And I think if you want to dig a little deeper you look and say, this is a club that had a lot of strikeouts last year, it was 29th in the league in runs scored, it wasn’t a real easy functioning offense as it was.

“There’s no promise; I’m not going to jump up and say this is going to be a better offense. It’s going to be a different offense. (Manager) Fredi (Gonzalez), I think, is going to have a little more maneuverability. You’re going to have a different flavor there, we’re not going to be so reliant there on the long ball, there’s going to be a chance for us to do some more things.”

Gwinnett Daily Post

Gwinnett Braves announce 2015 promotional schedule

Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: The Gwinnett Braves are the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and they announced their 2015 promotional schedule on Monday afternoon.  Bobblehead give-a-ways, fireworks shows, jersey auctions and numerous appearances at the field.  If you’ve never been to Coolray Field, they always do their best to entertain the fans that are they.  It’s a great time and I recommend going to a game in 2015.

Highlights of the 2015 Promotional Schedule include:

• The Hall of Fame Bobblehead Series featuring bobblehead giveaways of Bobby Cox on July 25, Tom Glavine on Aug. 8, John Smoltz on Aug. 29 and Greg Maddux on Sept. 5. Bobbleheads are limited to the first 2,000 fans.

• Giveaways will include Opening Day T-shirts on April 9, fleece blankets on May 16, replica jerseys on June 6 and jersey cooler bags on July 26. Giveaways are limited to the first 2,000 fans.

• Twelve post-game fireworks shows, including Opening Night on April 9, Independence Day on July 4 and all 10 Friday night home games for Fireworks Friday. All fireworks shows follow 7:05 p.m. games.

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Did You Know??

Freddie!!! Taking some swings

Bobby Cox back in camp!