Braves News:
Braves Land Their Big Offseason Signing...Pedro Ciriaco
A lot has been said about the Braves lack of depth on the left side of the infield. Whether it's Chris Johnson at third, or dislike the idea of having Tommy La Stella play the full-time second baseman role, there are some questions to be answered. So what better way to solve them than sign a fringe-major league utility man in Pedro Ciriaco. The 29-year-old has bounced in an out of the majors for the last few seasons, with several different teams.
Taking a Look at the Current Contracts
Alright, it's been a handful of weeks since the Braves fired Frank Wren, and they've yet to hire a replacement. What they do have though, is plenty of contracts (including the great B.J. Upton). For the most part, the Braves aren't losing any "franchise" players this winter, per say, but two key cogs of their 2014 rotation (Aaron Harang and Ervin Santana) will be hitting the market. So with all of these said contracts, how will the Braves address the offseason? Trades? More signings? Let's get a general manager first, and then we'll see.
Braves Still Holding Out For Hart?
So like I wrote earlier, and like you've known for weeks, the Braves still do not have a permanent general manager. John Hart was tabbed as the interim, but reportedly turned down the offer to become the permanent general manager. So, time to move on, right? Well, maybe not, as Jim Bowden stated that Braves' president John Schuerholz made it clear that Hart is the first choice. So while it doesn't mean that the Braves are dead set on Hart, could his decision be slowing down the hiring process?
MLB News:
Pablo Sandoval, and his Impact on the Giants
Pablo Sandoval has never lost a postseason series. He's hit .325 in the playoffs, and led the San Francisco Giants to two World Series titles, and another appearance in the Fall Classic this year. His impact has proven to be invaluable, as the 29-year-old has been a leader on and off the field, and should be looking to earn a contract to match that role this winter.
Red Sox Name Chili Davis Hitting Coach
After serious health concerns, Greg Colbrunn - the Red Sox previous hitting coach - chose to step down to spend more time with his family. This left the 2013 champs looking to find a new hitting coach, someone who could hopefully fix their dismal offense which ranked 12th in runs scored, 14th in slugging, and 14th in OPS. The Red Sox believe that former Athletics' hitting coach Chili Davis is that man. Chili Davis smashed 350 major league home runs, and compiled over 2,300 hits.