Atlanta Braves News: The Morning Chop 11/30
By Jeff Schafer
Report: A’s, Braves talking trade involving Justin Upton, Evan Gattis
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: The Oakland A’s beat writer John Hickey reported at 12:35 yesterday that the Athletics and the Braves were talking about a possible trade with Justin Upton and Evan Gattis with Jeff Samardzija being the target for the Braves. David O’Brien, the Atlanta Braves beat writer, reported this morning with “Told that there have not been any recent trade discussions between Braves and A’s.” We know the Braves are shopping Upton and Gattis but right now, it’s all talks/rumors.
The Oakland Athletics are engaged in discussions with the Atlanta Braves about outfielder Justin Upton and catcher Evan Gattis, according to a report from John Hickey of the Bay Area News Group.
Upton batted .270 with 29 home runs and 102 RBI over 154 games last season, while Gattis hit .263 with 22 home runs and 52 RBI over 108 games.
Gonzalez, Donald share goal of aiding with recovery
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: The Atlanta Braves manager, Fredi Gonzalez and a young man by the name of Chris Heitzman had a great encounter. Gonzalez met with Chris at the Lassiter High School football game after he was in a horrible accident two years ago. Read the amazing and entire story on Atlanta Braves.com to see what all Fredi has done for the family and for Chris.
Two years earlier, Heitzman was involved in a car accident that occurred in front of Gonzalez’s suburban Atlanta neighborhood. He suffered permanent brain damage and physical injuries that had prevented him from walking as recently as this past January, when the Braves skipper had last seen the young man.
“He’s going to continue to deal with some brain injuries, but it is just so great to see him walking,” Gonzalez said. “Words can’t describe how good something like that makes you feel.”
Sports people, places and things
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: Parents are always sending their kids to sports camp so why wouldn’t they let former Braves players teach them the fundamentals of baseball? Later next month Rocker and Helms will teach youngsters all the aspects of the game. The deadline to register is December 15th with the registration fee of $125 that includes a T-shirt and autographs from the players.
Former Atlanta Braves players John Rocker and Wes Helms will join former major leaguer Steve Woodard at the ASPT and Woodard Christmas baseball camp Dec. 22-23 in Cullman.
The camp is open to ages 5-14 and will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day.
Other instructors include Chase Mallard, Chad Girodo, Scott Barnsby, Eric Robinson, Chad Shannon, Luke Satterfield and Mark Freeman.
Instructions will focus on fundamentals of hitting, pitching, catching, fielding and agility.