Morning Chop: Braves News 5/29
By Jeff Schafer
Evan Gattis Highlights NL’s Need for DH Rule
May 18, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Evan Gattis (24) celebrates after hitting a two-run home run in the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
"In politics, there are certain hot-button issues every candidate is fearful of addressing. The same too can be said for the world of baseball, where just uttering the words steroids, Pete Rose or Instant Replay can get a fan showered with $5 stadium nachos, and more than a few $7 beers. But of all the back-and-forth debates surrounding America’s favorite pastime, the validity of the DH Rule may be the most highly contested. The 2013 Atlanta Bravescould finally have the definitive argument for why the National League needs to adopt the designated hitter.Evan Gattis has 12 home runs and 32 RBIs while only playing part-time for the Braves. What may be even more unbelievable about Gattis’ rookie season is that those 32 Ribbies currently leads the team, despite the fact the 26-year-old has only started in 67 percent Atlanta’s games this season. Moreover, his 12 dingers ranks him No. 3 among all National League sluggers — it is pretty scary to think what his numbers might look like if he actually played every day.Gattis is currently averaging one home run every 11.08 at-bats. Projecting him to even the same number of at-bats as Justin Upton (176) would give Gattis another four long balls — making him the NL’s top dog in round-trippers. Based on his rate of production, those extra ABs would have also netted him an additional 11 RBIs — tying him with Brandon Phillips for the NL lead in that category as well. Seemingly, the Braves’ most productive hitter is not allowed to play everyday simply because Atlanta belongs to the National League."
Braves Homestand Highlights: Run DMC, Freeman Bobbleheads, & Fireworks!
"Wednesday, May 29 at 7:10 p.m. vs. Toronto Blue JaysAt The Ballpark App: Fans visiting Turner Field this season can connect with their Atlanta Braves using the new and FREE At The Ballpark app, available for iPhone and Android users. Through the app, fans can upgrade their seats, access video highlights, listen to the Braves radio broadcast and much more. Visithttp://www.braves.com/ballpark to download today!Thursday, May 30 at 7:10 p.m. vs. Toronto Blue JaysFreddie Freeman Bobblehead Giveaway presented by Coca-Cola: The first 20,000 fans will receive a Freddie Freeman bobblehead.Friday, May 31 at 7:35 p.m. vs. Washington NationalsAtlanta Braves Heritage Weekend: In honor of Atlanta’s strong and rich history in the Civil Rights Movement, the Atlanta Braves will celebrate the inaugural Atlanta Braves Heritage Weekend, presented by Belk and KIA."
Gattis now known as Braves’ Monster Masher
"….Gattis is a 6-foot-4, 230-pound lumberjack of a player who is a rarity by not wearing batting gloves.He doesn’t even take practice swings.Gattis just swings, but don’t get the wrong idea. Listen to future Hall of Famer Chipper Jones, who continues to study nearly every aspect of his old teammates despite retiring after last season.“I’ve gone down [to the Minors] on a couple of rehab assignments during the last couple of years, and I’ve gotten a chance to see Evan in three or four games or so, and he’s gone deep at least five times that I was down there,” Jones told me the other day. “Each time, I’ve come back and said to people, ‘Keep your ears out for this guy. No. 1, the ball sounds different coming off his bat. No. 2, he has an idea what he’s doing at the plate. He’s got a plan. He can hit the ball from foul pole to foul pole.’“That’s what most impressive here about Evan — to see how mature his baseball IQ is. I know he’s 26, but he hasn’t played baseball that long. He just looks like he’s been around a while.”"
Atlanta Braves Reliever Jordan Walden May be Best Choice as Setup Man After All
"In my opinion, the Braves have a better option coming back soon, as Jordan Walden, who has been on the disabled list since May 12 with a right shoulder injury, is eligible to return any day now.“He’s scheduled to throw an inning,” manager Fredi Gonzalez said to Evan Peaslee of MLB.com before Walden pitched a scoreless seventh inning with one strikeout for Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday. “He’ll check back us with on whether he needs another outing, or whatever he feels.”As a result of the 25-year-old’s aforementioned line, it may be time to bring him back and insert him as the setup man for closer Craig Kimbrel."