Morning Chop: Braves News 5/3
By Jeff Schafer
25 Team Blogs You Should Be Reading
"So you are a die-hard fan? More than likely you go beyond the standard coverage of your local newspaper, and seek out team blogs to get the latest on your favorite team. Here are 25 MLB team blogs that you do not want to overlook. Some of them provide better coverage than you’ll find in your local paper. Others like “The Apple” just make stuff up about the New York Mets that isn’t true, but it is always entertaining. Read through the list (in no particular order) and find out what you may be missing in the MLB blogosphere.Atlanta Braves – Tomahawk TakeJeff and his team over at www.tomahawktake.com keep you up to the minute on the Atlanta Braves. With several writers on staff, you’ll get the news but delivered in a way that is entertaining and upbeat. Get the latest on injuries, videos of the players, and even coverage of the up and coming talent. Any true Braves fan would love this site.Follow them on Twitter as well."
Do New York Mets Believe Shaun Marcum Can Defeat Atlanta Braves?
"Starting pitcher Shaun Marcum got roughed up in his long awaited debut with the New York Mets. The right-hander has allowed earned runs in both outings this season, and has shown zero confidence on the mound. Does New York actually believe Marcum is capable of quieting the bats of theAtlanta Braves Friday night?Marcum has posted a 0-2 record with a 7.94 earned run average, four strikeouts, three walks and a .409 opponent’s batting average in 5 2/3 innings this season. Even though his numbers have been horrendous, the Mets really have no choice but to send him out on the mound.New York is paying Marcum $4 million (plus incentives) this season to be a starting pitcher. Not to mention, he is the next man up in the rotation. They could bring someone else up from the minors to take his spot, but it would be foolish for the Mets not to give him more than one start to prove himself."
Did Justin Upton Have the Best April in Atlanta Braves History?
April 28, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Justin Upton (8) receives congratulations from catcher Evan Gattis (24) after scoring fourth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
"The Atlanta Braves acquired Justin Upton to be a driving force in the heart of the lineup in 2013. That is exactly what he was over the season’s first month.Slugging his way to the major league lead in home runs, Upton has established himself as a early candidate for National League MVP. In doing so, he put together one of the best April stat lines of any Braves player since the club relocated from Milwaukee,prior to the 1966 season.Initially, it seemed that Upton had to be putting together the best April ever by an Atlanta player.After all, there was not an abundance of Braves hitters in recent memory who were leading the majors in home runs and slugging percentage, while powering the offense of a first place club."
Thursdays Atlanta Braves Minor League Recap
"Scranton/WB RailRiders 4, Gwinnett Braves 1Todd Cunningham CF – 1-3 2B(3), BB, .255 AvgBrian McCann C – 1-4 RBI, .250 AvgJoey Terdoslavich RF – 3-4 .333 AvgSean Gilmartin 6.2IP 4H 3R 2BB 6K 2.70 ERASean Gilmartin carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning but surrendered three runs in the frame before exiting with two outs. Only Joey Terdoslavich was able to muster more than one hit on the offensive side of the ball and Todd Cunningham had the only extra base hit. The Braves actually outhit the RailRiders (this is really their name?) 7-5 but they just couldn’t get the hits with men on base. Brian McCann also made his first rehab appearance with Gwinnett and it looks like he could be back within a week.Tennessee Smokies 7, Mississippi Braves 0Braeden Schlehuber C – 2-4 2B, 208 AvgJ.R. Graham 5.1IP 7H 3R 3BB 6K 3.45 ERAThe Braves managed just one hit through the first eight innings of this game, before loading the bases with two outs in the bottom of the 9th and havingBarrett Kleinknecht pop out to end the game. Coming into this game the Braves had won five straight games and outscored their opponents 34-5 with three (rain shortened) shutouts. They still hold a half game lead over Jacksonville for first place in their division. J.R. Graham has allowed three runs in 5.1 innings pitched in each of his last two games."