BRAVES NEWS
Can Cameron Maybin keep the CF spot through 2016?
So, Fox Sports South recently did a quick video on Cameron Maybin and his chances of retaining the CF spot for the Braves in 2016. Basically, it all depends on whether or not top prospect Mallex Smith will be ready by Opening Day next year. If he is, then we'll probably be seeing Maybin moved over to another spot in the outfield or possibly to the bench, even. Personally, I don't think that Smith will be ready, but I do think we'll be seeing him at some point during 2016, so Maybin's days as the Braves' starting CF could be numbered.
Cobb County could provide buses that bring Braves fans to-and-from SunTrust Park
One of the biggest issues concerning SunTrust Park has been the idea of fans actually getting to-and-from the stadium in a timely manner. With the proposed pedestrian bridge looking like a shakier-and-shakier prospect by the day, Cobb County has decided that the next best idea would be to bus fans from various places in the area surrounding SunTrust Park to the stadium, itself.
One of the bus system's destinations will be the the new Braves stadium; getting people onto the site has been a thorny project for Cobb County. One solution is what county officials call a circulator bus system. Rooted in the Cumberland Mall Area Transfer Station, buses would run routes connecting Cumberland area hotspots -- and parking spots -- and the new ballpark.
Critics say it's plainly a taxpayer subsidy for the Braves. "And that's not public transit. That's a Braves shuttle. And we don't feel the taxpayers should be paying for that," said Kenneth Howell, a Cobb Community Transit bus driver and member of the Georgia Community Coalition. Howell says taxpayers are already likely to get hooked for the delayed pedestrian bridge across Interstate 285, connecting the ballpark and Cumberland.
Five unsung moments that helped the Braves win their title in 1995
We're currently commemorating the Braves' only World Series Championship in Atlanta by recapping all of the games, and if that isn't enough for you, then Sporting News recently did a piece where they covered five small-but-still-huge moments that helped the Braves take it all back in 1995. This contains a lot of Rafael Belliard, and everybody loves Rafael Belliard.
Vegas gives Braves long odds at winning World Series in 2016
Meanwhile in the present-day, the Braves are considered extreme long-shots at winning next season's World Series -- 100-to-1 odds, in fact. However, that'll make you that much richer and that much happier when they beat those odds and actually bring home another title to Atlanta, right? Right? I miss the old days, man.
MLB NEWS
2015 World Series kicks off tonight
We've finally made it to the crown jewel of baseball's schedule: The World Series. The Royals are here for a second year in a row, but they'll have to deal with the Mets and what looks to be an amazing pitching staff on paper. Either way, this should be an extremely entertaining series of baseball, and one of these franchises will break a long title drought when it's all said and done. The intrigue is definitely there for this series, folks. We'll have our predictions up later today, but who do you guys think is going to win it all?
Torii Hunter retires
After spending parts of 19 seasons in the big leagues, Minnesota Twins outfielder Torii Hunter has finally decided to call it quits. He had successful stints with the Angels and Tigers, but he'll probably be remembered for the time he spent as the cornerstone of the Twins franchise (and for some not-so-flattering comments he made from time to time), and for the amazing plays he made in the outfield from time to time. CBS Sports has the numbers on what was a pretty solid career for Hunter:
Over the span of his career, Hunter batted .277/.331/.461 (110 OPS+) in 2,372 games with 353 homers; 498 doubles; 195 stolen bases; and 2,452 hits. He also made five All-Star appearances and won nine Gold Gloves and two Silver Sluggers. As an outfielder, Hunter ranks 14th all-time with 5,263 putouts.