Morning Chop: Braves News 3/28
By Jeff Schafer
March Madness Bracket: Greatest Player in Atlanta Braves History
Championship Round
No. 1 Hank Aaron vs. No. 2 Chipper Jones
"We’ve had upsets and close calls, but finally we get down to the question many people may have guessed from the start: Aaron or Jones? Sep 28, 2011; Atlanta, GA, USA; Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY SportsOne is arguably the greatest switch-hitter of all-time, while the other could simply be the greatest hitter of all-time.On one hand, Chipper played his entire career with the Atlanta Braves, so he may be supremely qualified to be called “Greatest Player in Braves’ History.” But, then again, Aaron played 20 years with the Braves, which was one more than Jones. Does the two years Aaron spent with the Milwaukee Brewers really supersede the 20 that came before it? He did get his number retired by the Brewers, but many could argue that they were just trying to steal a little bit of his legendary image to lend some credibility to their franchise.I can’t choose. I’ve tried everything. Chipper won two out of three in Rock-paper-scissors, but Aaron beat him in “One Potato, Two Potato,” and their Candy Land battle is currently neck and neck.Alright, I’m casting the final vote. The answer was really starring me in the face this whole time. Which player has transcended the game of baseball? Hank Aaron received the Presidential Medal of Freedomfrom President George W. Bush in 2002. But the deciding factor is that Turner Field is located at 755 Hank Aaron Drive. Winner: Hank Aaron"
Braves Announce Exhibition Roster For Future Starts Team
Mar 14, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher
Alex Wood(82) delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Braves 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
"The Future Stars team includes 10 players that are expected to begin the 2013 season with the Mississippi Braves. Returning players include right-handed pitchers J.R. Graham, Mark Lamm, and Chasen Shreve. CatchersChristian Bethancourt and Braeden Schlehuber along with second-baseman Phil Gosselin are also expected to return.New faces likely to begin the season with Double-A Mississippi are right-handers Ryne Harper and Gus Schlosser along with lefty Alex Wood. Third baseman Edward Salcedoshould also start the season at Trustmark Park.Former M-Braves lefty Sean Gilmartin is the lone Gwinnett representative on the Future Stars pitching staff. The team also includes outfielders Todd Cunningham and Joe Terdoslavich from Gwinnett."
NL East Preview: The Nationals and the Braves are battling for first, can the Phillies keep up?
PREDICTIONS
"Order of FinishMike Oz:1. Nationals2. Braves3. Phillies4. Mets5. Marlins Mar 7, 2013; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Julio Teheran (49) against the Detroit Tigers during a spring training game at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY SportsDavid Brown:1. Nationals2. Braves3. Phillies4. Mets5. MarlinsNL East MVPOz: Bryce Harper (Nationals)DB: Bryce Harper (Nationals)NL East Cy YoungOz: Stephen Strasburg (Nationals)DB: Stephen Strasburg (Nationals)NL East Rookie of the Year:Oz: Andrelton Simmons (Braves)DB: Julio Teheran (Braves)"
Projected Opening Day lineups for all 30 clubs
March 26, 2013; Lakeland, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder
Justin Upton(left) and center fielder
B.J. Upton(right) run back to the dugout after the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
"Atlanta Braves1. SS: Andrelton Simmons2. RF: Jason Heyward3. LF: Justin Upton4. 1B: Freddie Freeman5. CF: B.J. Upton6. 2B: Dan Uggla7. 3B: Juan Francisco8. C: Gerald Laird9. SP: Tim Hudson"
Do you agree with MLB.com about the opening day lineup? – I don’t