Morning Chop: Atlanta Braves News 10/14
By Jeff Schafer
Could the Colorado Rockies be in on Tim Hudson?
"Jul 11, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Tim Hudson (15) pitches in the second inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY SportsTroy Renck of the Denver Post believes that free agent right-hander Tim Hudson could be a great middle-of-the-rotation piece for the Rockies to target this offseason.Early prediction is that Atlanta’s Brian McCann signs with an American League team, giving him the opportunity to DH at the end of his contract. … A pitcher who could make sense for the Rockies? Tim Hudson. He’d fit perfectly in the middle of their rotation.Hudson, 38, is known for his sinking pitches and his extraordinary ability to work out of tight jams, despite his increasing age. The right-hander went 8-7 with a 3.97 ERA this season for the National League East champion Atlanta Braves, before a brutal leg injury ended his season early after making just 21 starts."
Regarding the 2013 Braves:
"Right up until Uribe’s homer, I loved this team. The 2005 Braves were a joy to root for because they set a record for the most rookies on a playoff team; the 2013 Braves were an inspiration because they set a record for most regular position players with a batting average under .200. Previous teams have had to weather serious injuries to key players. This team had to weather our two highest-paid players turning into two of the worst players in baseball, and season-ending injuries to Beachy, Hudson, Venters, O’Flaherty, and (lest we forget) Cristhian Martinez.In the meantime, we got breakout seasons from four different homegrown players: Freddie Freeman, Andrelton Simmons, Mike Minor, and Julio Teheran. Luis Avilan continued his Eric O’Flaherty impression. Alex Wood showed that he’s ready to be a major contributor, and David Hale flashed promise. Whether or not he starts, Evan Gattis is going to hold a spot on someone’s 25-man roster for the next ten years. Chris Johnson redefined regression and Jordan Schafer had an improbable two months of success. Jason Heyward and Justin Upton were up and down, but when they were up, they carried the team by themselves.We’re in a strong position for 2014. Almost all of the Braves’ best players are under 27, so a lot of them are bound to get better. Unfortunately for their fans but fortunately for us, three of the teams in the NL East are headed in the opposite direction, thanks to the brilliant leadership of Jeffrey Loria, Jeff Wilpon, and Ruben Amaro Jr. The Nationals are well-financed and have a lot of talent, but I agree with Andrelton: if they think they’re better than us, then they should look at the scoreboard.Spring training starts in five months."
Braves plan several festivities for fans on opening day
"The Braves will open their season against the Philadelphia Phillies at home Monday at 7:10 p.m. Braves legend Chipper Jones will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.Georgia Southern University’s Southern Pride Marching Band will be part of opening night with the Atlanta Braves.“We are very fortunate to have a Georgia Southern alumnus who works for the Atlanta Braves and suggested to someone in the ticket office that Southern Pride would be great pregame entertainment,” said Colin McKenzie, director of Southern Pride.Band members will also line up and form a tunnel for the Braves to run through as the 2013 team is introduced.Country music star Rodney Atkins will perform at 5:20 p.m. at the Fan Plaza at Turner Field. Atkins will sing the national anthem while four T-6s for the Dixie Wing of the Commemorative Air Force perform a flyover.Atlanta opera singer Tim Miller will sing God Bless America in the seventh inning. Mallory Hagan, 2013 Miss America, will lead the crowd in singing Take Me Out to the Ballgame.The first 45,000 fans through Turner Field’s gates will take home a Braves foam tomahawk."