There's a lot that goes on in Braves Country as football season winds down and the NBA, NHL and college hoops seasons get going. There's probably a good chance you missed something (or some things) over the last couple months.
Here is everything that has gone down in Atlanta (and Cobb County, which I had never even heard of until a few months ago) this offseason:
Brian Snitker named Gwinnett's manager; Doug Dacenzo takes over 3B job
The headline says it all, really. Snitker heads to Triple-A to manage the G-Braves, while roving instructor Doug Dacenzo takes over the unenviable job of getting all our slow runners thrown out at home plate by 20 feet.
Roger McDowell sticks with the Braves, signs two-year deal
Arguably the best pitching in baseball almost left Atlanta for Philadelphia. The Braves ultimately opened up the checkbook to re-sign McDowell to a two-year deal. Thank goodness.
Braves minor league pitching coordinator Dave Wallace named Orioles pitching coach
Wallace was really respected around the organization and did wonders for the scouting department. Read the original story here.
Andrelton Simmons wins his first Gold Glove
No Gold Glove vote would've ever been taken seriously again if Andrelton didn't win. Jason Heyward lost out to Gerado Parra.
Braves decline Reed Johnson's option for 2014
This really wasn't much of a surprise. Johnson didn't hit very well since coming over from Chicago, and he missed quite a few games in 2013 with injuries.
The Braves move to Cobb County
In a move that literally no one saw coming, the Braves announced plans to relocate to Cobb County in 2017.
There was plenty of mixed reaction to the news, with most in-towners hating the move but most out-of-towners being for it. The relocation does make a lot of sense finally, especially given ticket sales the last few years. There are still some questions that need to be answered, but this seems like a done deal at this point.
You can get complete coverage of the new stadium in our StoryStream.
Tim Hudson signs with Giants
We're going to miss you, Huddy. He was a pro's pro from the day he arrived in Atlanta, and ultimately the Giants were just offering more money than the Braves were willing to match.
Brian McCann signs five-year deal with Yankees
Mac got paid the big bucks to go wear pinstripes, just like we all thought he would.
Bobby Cox voted into Hall of Fame
Bobby was a unanimous selection for the 2014 class, joining Joe Torre and Tony La Russa. Long live No. 6.
Fredi Gonzalez plans to use Jason Heyward at leadoff again
Braves sign Mat Gamel, Mark Hamilton to minor league deals
In a couple of zero-risk, decent-upside, we'll-just-cut-them-if-they-stink moves (hyphens for everyone!), the Braves signed sluggers Mat Gamel and Mark Hamilton to minor league deals. Read more on Gamel here. Check out Hamilton here.
Hopefully at least one of these two can add some punch to the bench, especially with Evan Gattis set to take over as the starter next season.
Braves sign Gavin Floyd
I'm still not really sure why the Braves did this, but whatever. Floyd signed for pretty cheap, and even if he can't pitch until June or July, he could be a solid addition for the second half.
Braves acquire Ryan Doumit for Sean Gilmartin
The biggest "deal" of the offseason probably came here as Wren added Ryan Doumit in exchange for soft-tossing lefty prospect Sean Gilmartin.
Doumit really can't play defense or catch for more than an inning or two at this point – he makes Gattis look like Yadier Molina behind the plate – but he has plenty of experience coming off the bench and came at a cheap price. I was a fan of the move at the time and still am.
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So that's that. What do you think the next two months will bring? Remember, the Justin Upton deal didn't go down until late-January last winter. Could another big move be coming, or does Wren just continue adding pieces to his bench and bullpen before the boys head to Florida? Things are bound to heat up here pretty soon as front offices reopen following the holiday break.