BRAVES NEWS
Braves begin searching for their next manager
The Braves’ managerial search is in its infancy, but several candidates have been named already and the names are not unlike those we have heard in the past. Talking Chop’s Eric Cole breaks down the candidates and the possibility that Atlanta will retain interim manager Brian Snitker on a permanent basis.
Freddie Freeman earns NL Player of the Month
In a season that has seen him produce a career year, become a father, and establish himself as the unquestioned face of the franchise, Freddie Freeman has now been named National Player of the Month for September/October. Freeman batted .367/.462/.673 with seven home runs and 25 RBIs in the season’s final month. The Braves finished with an 18-9 record in September/October.
John Schuerholz among 10 up for Hall of Fame consideration
Long-time Braves executive John Schuerholz will join nine other candidates that are being considered for the Hall of Fame. Schuerholz played an integral role in the Braves’ ascension from non-contention to World Series champion in the late-1980’s and early-1990’s, teaming with Bobby Cox to form a tandem that would give the organization guidance in its incredible run of 14 consecutive division titles. The voting will take place at this year’s Winter Meetings, and will be at the discretion of the Era Committee, which is explained in detail by MLB.com’s Manny Randhawa:
The 16-member Today's Game Era Committee is one of four Era Committees identified by the Hall of Fame last July, when the board of directors announced changes to the Era Committee system. The Era Committee system is an avenue for managers, executives and umpires with careers spanning 10 or more years, as well as players who have been retired for more than 15 years, to gain induction.
MLB News
Tillman, Stroman announced as AL Wild Card Game starters
The Orioles and Blue Jays will play the AL Wild Card game tonight in Toronto as the 2016 playoffs get under way. On the mound for the Orioles will be Chris Tillman, who finished 1-0 with a 3.63 ERA in four starts against Toronto this season. Blue Jays starter Marcus Stroman finished the season with a 1-2 record and a 7.04 ERA against Baltimore in four starts, making his selection a curious one. This game features two of baseball’s top home run-hitting teams, as the Orioles lead baseball with 253 homers and the Blue Jays finished fourth with 223.
Postseason schedule through Sunday is revealed
The 2016 playoff schedule has been released, including a majority of the pitching matchups to be featured this week. The AL Wild Card game will take place tonight, followed by the NL Wild Card game, which features the Giants vs. Mets from Citi Field, will take place on Wednesday night.