The Junkyard

Favorite player behind Kimbrel. Freddy is a close third

I like him but we were stupid to give him an extension. We're wasting a lot of payroll on a guy who is only going to play like 3/4 of the season for us, IF he doesn't miss any more time due to injury after he returns, and then is a .260-.270 hitter with moderate power and a liability on defense.

Yeah, Mac is the best hitting catcher in the NL, but we could get a better bat for that kind of money at a different position.

Very pissed that we didn't hold on to David Ross. I would have preferred we let Mac walk, signed another OFer or 3rd baseman, and kept Ross for the starter in 2013 until Christian Bethancourt was ready to come up.

We gave him an extension 4-5 years ago. He had a team option for this year worth $7 mil. He may be hurt a lot and a liability but 7 mil is a steal. He's given enough to Atlanta to at least have one last ride. He won't be with us next year though. Went to high school and played ball with him too. Great guy but he is headed for a DH spot. It will be best for his career and the Braves. My guess is the Yanks with that short porch is RF.

Who is Brian McCann? Does he play offense or defense?

Met him in my gym behind his HS alma mater, Duluth HS. He was training for his first full season in the Braves' farm system. I said hi to him and wished him well and he graciously said thank you.

Aside from his hitting, he has intangibles that only the manager and GM can assess. Abig part of catching is handling pitchers and Brian learned how to do that from one of the all-time greats, Bobby Cox. The Braves' philosophy relies heavily on solid pitching, and McCann can give both young pitchers and veterans the guidance they need. This talent may be factored into his salary negotiations.

Absolutely agree. He is one of the best game managers I have ever seen. It's been unfortunate that he has battled injuries lately. A healthy McCann is a terror at the plate.

Good guy..His dad was the hitting Coach at UGA for a time, I believe?