Braves News:
Are Three Braves' Youngsters Starting "The Braves Way"?
Ah yes, "The Braves Way" or as team president John Schuerholz described it as a way of identifying young talent, who the organization would like to potentially build around one day. While the Braves' farm system won't be at the top of any Baseball America lists, but they do have a few prospects who could make some noise in a few years; Jose Peraza, Kyle Wren, and Daniel Castro. All three finished their 2014 season in Double-A Mississippi, and flashed impressive stat lines. Depending on their progression, all three could be taking their talent to Atlanta within the next few years.
Dropping in on the Arizona Fall League
Speaking of the youth, the Arizona Fall League rages on, while some of the brightest young players in the game put their skills on display. One of the more interesting figures the Braves sent to Arizona is 24-year-old right-hander Aaron Northcraft. Given the fact that both Aaron Harang and Ervin Santana could both be leaving the Braves this offseason, Northcraft could potentially slide into the pitching staff and pick up some innings here and there. With Double-A Mississippi in 2014, Aaron went 7-3 with a 2.88 ERA, but failed to carry that success over to Triple-A.A nice showing in the AFL could help build his stock as spring training rolls around in just a few months.
John Hart is...not the Permanent General Manager
John Hart, who spent some time as interim GM in the wake of Frank Wren's firing, turned down the Brave's offer to become permanent GM. Many thought that Hart would end up taking the job, but it looks like they're wrong. According to Jeff Passan, Kansas City GM Dayton Moore and current Atlanta AGM John Coppolella appear to be the current finalists. Maybe Atlanta could employ a Dodgers strategy, and hire a GM that already hasn't worked in the Braves' front office. Maybe next time.
MLB News:
Royals Just One Win Away From World Series
That's right, the Kansas City Royals, a team built around stolen bases and a bullpen, beat out the Angels, Tigers, and a whole crop of other star studded American League teams, and made it to the ALCS. With a few stellar plays from Mike Moustakas and Lorenzo Cain helped propel the Royals to a 2-1 win, and a 3-0 lead in the ALCS. Raise your hand if you predicted this back in April. Please.
Human Error Leads to a Giants Win
Some people hate bunting. Some hate it especially when bunting factors into the score of the game. How about an error on a bunt play which lead to a walk-off win in the NLCS to give the Giants a 2-1 lead? Yeah, that happened. With Brandon Crawford on second base, Gregor Blanco laid down a bunt which was fielded by the pitcher, Randy Choate. Here's where things get messy; he airmailed the throw over first base, allowing Crawford to score, and the Giants rolled off into the sunset (or something like that).