Fanshots

David Carpenter recalls getting a ball from Smoltz as a kid

+

David Carpenter ‏@DCarpenter29 @Braves Smoltzie tossed me a ball when I was 9 at Three River Stadium and I remember thinking " I want to be like that " #dreamscometrue

Interesting proposal for Turner Field

1

This is somewhat tangentially related to the Braves, but I think many of us have an interest in what happens to the Turner Field area when the Braves move. I wouldn't have supported this if it was just for them to move out of the Falcons' stadium, but since this would move their other sports out of Panthersville and provide housing and other amenities, I think it's an interesting idea.

How Ervin Santana Made Himself Complete | FanGraphs Baseball

1

Great profile of #MagicErvin's pitches & the new one he developed in the offseason.

Fangraphs article on the Pitcher's duel

+

Interesting piece, which among other things, says that this was a 1-of-a-kind start (other than the 0:28 BB:K ratio). No mention of the series K totals though

Braves sweep Nats, drop behind them in ESPN rankings

2

As if ESPN, or Power Rankings, weren't dumb enough, they just hit a new low. The Braves dropped three spots from 4th to 7th in ESPN's week 4 Power Rankings. They are currently the 5th highest NL team, trailing #1 Dodgers, #2 Brewers, #5 Cardinals, #6 Nationals.

Stark: MLB's Qualifying offer system is a mess. Can the system be fixed?

+

Really good article from Stark about the qualifying offer system. We all know it's borked, but it was interesting and somewhat surprising to see what is thought about it around the league.

Jeff Francoeur tricked into thinking one of his teammates is deaf

+

Our old friend Frenchy, now playing for San Diego's AAA affiliate, is pranked by his teammates into believing (for a month!) that pitcher Jorge Reyes is deaf. They made a video about it. All I can say is that this should surprise no one.

Atlanta Burbs

+

Saw this shirt on a dude Opening Weekend and thought it was pretty funny...thought I'd share. Go Burbs!