Atlanta Braves News: The Morning Chop, Mallex Smith, New Buses
By Jeff Schafer
Cobb buys 6 buses for shuttle to serve SunTrust Park, Cumberland area
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: Can you believe it, we’re only one season away from moving to Cobb County as the Atlanta Braves move into their new stadium in 2017. Transportation is a major subject around the Braves facility, even at the current Turner Field. These new shuttle buses will be a great addition to this entertainment ball park.
"Cobb County will buy six shuttle buses to serve the fast-growing Cumberland area, including the Atlanta Braves’ new SunTrust Park home.The Cobb Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved purchase of six new Gillig Low Floor Clean Diesel buses in an amount not to exceed $3,350,532.The planned shuttle project is called the Cumberland Circulator. The county says the shuttle is needed for the growing number of offices and shopping destinations in the Cumberland area off Interstates 75 and 285, as well as the new Braves complex. Critics says the shuttle is really about getting people to and from the new Braves complex and that the team should take care of such transportation."
Braves center field review/preview
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: After a season like the Atlanta Braves had, nothing is out of question heading into 2016. The center field position could be a question mark as we look towards Spring Training. With the season Cameron Maybin had in Atlanta, he looks to be a lock for a spot, but could one of the Braves top prospect knock on the door. Mallex Smith has an opportunity to join the discussion for a starting spot.
"The Braves minor leaguer Player of the Year is coming, and there’s a very real possibility he could supplant Maybin for the job as early as Opening Day. Especially if Fredi Gonzalez and Co. see the ascension of Smith as an opportunity to shore up the left field mess by moving Maybin.Since the end of Michael Bourn’s first tenure with the Braves after the 2012 season, they have a combined minus-58.9 oWAR, which is the worst in the majors by minus-28.7 points.Smith may not change all that as a rookie, but he’s an immense talent, ranking 13th on the organization’s prospect list per MLB.com and brings and element that they’ve been sorely lacking.Speed."
Former G-Braves Gear Up for 2015 World Series
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: Former Atlanta Braves third basemen, Juan Uribe, joined the Mets World Series roster after being off the list since late September. He’ll join Johnson, Gilmartin and Medlen as former Braves players playing in the World Series in 2015. In game one of the series, Johnson started the game as the Mets DH. He went 0-1 with two plate appearances – he was hit by a pitch. The game lasted until the 14th inning on Tuesday night and the Mets and Royals both had to use many pitchers. Gilmartin and Medlen will probably make an appearance soon.
"The 2015 World Series begins tonight at Kauffmann Stadium in Kansas City, and three former G-Braves are among the 50 players active for the best-of-seven series between the New York Mets and the Kansas City Royals. Mets’ outfielder Kelly Johnson and left-handed pitcher Sean Gilmartin are both Gwinnett alums, as is Royals’ right-handed pitcher Kris Medlen.Medlen has pitched once in relief, eating innings in an 11-8 loss at Toronto in Game 3 of the ALCS. He worked 5.0 innings and allowed two runs on three hits, walked one and struck out six. Kansas City manager Ned Yost has already tabbed Edinson Volquez, Johnny Cueto, Yordano Ventura and Chris Young as starters for World Series Games 1-4, meaning Medlen will most likely stay a long-relief option."