This Week at AtlantaBraves.About.com

Here's a list of articles I wrote this week at my other blog, AtlantaBraves.About.Com. All article links open to a new tab/window.

5 for Monday: Spring Training, 2017 catchers, and more

My weekly look at some stories that may have been missed during the previous week. Some of this week's topics include hot prospects like Aaron Blair, Sean Newcomb, and Dansby Swanson receiving invitations to spring training; how ex-Braves like Fred McGriff and Billy Wagner did in the Hall of Fame vote; Mike Piazza's "Hall of Fame" moment against the Braves; and a look at who might be a target for 2017 to catch for the Braves. There's also a trivia question that has yet to be answered.

Atlanta Braves Look Toward the Future with Albies & Swanson

In another look at Swanson, I look at how the shortstop might join with Ozhaino Albies to form a long-term double play combination for the Braves. That's something that hasn't really happened since the 90's with Mark Lemke and Jeff Blauser (with Rafael Belliard). If the Braves strike gold with Swanson and Albies, they will bring some stability to both positions and give the two a chance to build the kind of chemistry that only comes from years of playing together.

Braves Cut # of Arbitration-Eligible Pitchers in Half; Sign Withrow

As arbitration neared, you may have been surprised to see Chris Withrow sign. After all, with 56 career innings, he's essentially had just one season in the majors. However, those DL'd days still count. If you need a refresher on Withrow, I touched on his history and gave a brief scouting report.

Braves' GM John Coppolella Does Q&A with Fans

Last Thursday afternoon, the hashtag #AskCoppy lit up Twitter as the Braves general manager took about 30 minutes worth of questions. I analyzed some of the interesting ones that touch on things like the offense, the fluid rotation, the draft, and the international market. As for specifics, Coppy didn't provide many, but did answer a question posed by my friends at Outfield Fly Rule on Matt Wisler.

Atlanta Braves and Arodys Vizcaino Re-Up for Another Season

After Withrow signed, the Braves only had Arodys Vizcaino to settle with as they tried to avoid a second year with an arbitration hearing. Vizzy, who like Withrow only has 56 career innings, got less than what was projected. Again, I provided a brief history and scouting report on Vizzy.

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