We’re half-way finished with “Ballplayer” by Chipper Jones. Up to this point, we have followed Chipper from his childhood in Florida to becoming a top prep baseball player. We then followed him through the draft and the minor leagues. Finally, we lived through the heartache of a blown-out knee, rehab, and finally, the breakthrough of back-to-back World Series visits in 1995 and 1996. If you’d like to purchase “Ballplayer,” the hardcover is on sale at…
I’ve started a number of articles over the last couple of days, but none of them really had that “yeah, that’s the good stuff” factor to them. As a result, I haven’t posted about a number of news stories. But that’s not a good idea, either, as a series of things haven’t been talked about at all outside of the comment section. So, with the advantage of hindsight, let’s look at some of the recent…
Another week of transactions in the book and another surprise release. We also see some movement from the usual players who fill-in where needed along with a player being removed from the 40-man roster. Elsewhere, a player continues his rehab while another gets to see a doctor whose mere name scares Braves’ fans. Yep, it’s another weekly review of the moves up-and-down the organization. Period covered: 4/10-4/16. If a number is included after a player’s…
I really never wanted this to happen, but here we are. Talking about how long Ronald Acuña Jr. could stay in the minors. Will it last until the Super Two deadline? What in the hell is a Super Two deadline? Why can’t the Braves fans have nice things? If you haven’t heard, you live under a rock. But just in case, here’s the news. Even though Acuña Jr. has been down in the minors long…
The year was 1952. A young, eager man steps up to the plate. Jersey adorned with a tomahawk and a chief. Following in the footsteps of his friend Jackie. Sending a message in a new era of baseball, in an exhibition game, Sam Jethroe takes a breath and knocks one out of the park. It was not just any hit, a three-run homer over the left field wall in Fenway. Running the bases with pride…
Only 4% of the reviews currently on Amazon are negative for “Ballplayer” by Chipper Jones. One of them, from an anonymous customer, reads, “I was very upset when I started reading this book. The language he uses is awful. Did he not think that some of his fans are kids and would be reading it? I was very disappointed in it and would not recommend it.” To be fair – the customer is right. Chipper…
For several months, former Braves general manager John Coppolella was enamored with the idea of acquiring Jose Quintana. in his first full season, Quintana had a 3.5 fWAR. The following years, he only improved. The new White Sox ace was a durable and effective left-hander who was controlled through the 2020 season. And the price tag was pretty affordable. The team acquiring him, if before the 2017 season, would be on the hook for about…