Around the Horn in the NL East

The AJC has a great story about the new Braves’ starting catcher, Brian McCann. Eventually, the blogosphere is going to have to come up with a good name for the Sophomore Braves. They are no longer the rookies they were last year when they were dubbed the Baby Braves. Hopefully they can be the Terrific Two’s and not the Terrible Two’s. If you have any suggestions, send them my way.

Peter Gammons lists some top young players who will be difference makers next season, as selected by a poll of 50 executives, scouts, managers, and coaches. McCann made the list at number 7:

7. Brian McCann, C, Atlanta: When All-Star Johnny Estrada got run over by Darin Erstad, McCann rushed in and helped the Braves finish first for the 14th consecutive full season. He had an impressive .748 OPS, handled pitchers masterfully and allowed the Braves to trade Estrada for bullpen help. Oh yes. Right behind McCann is Jarrod Saltalamacchia, rated by many as the best catching prospect in the minor leagues.

No Francoeur on the list. Don’t know if he’s too ‘experienced’ or what. Marte showed up around 22.

Macay McBride got a mention among the who do you believe will have a breakout season candidates. And Renteria got listed in 10th under the who do you believe will have the biggest comebacks question.

Even a team like the Mets still has plenty of questions entering the season. One of the big ones is Senior Pedro and his wittle huwt foowt. Minaya seems to be clipping coupons for any other pieces he can pick up before the season.

Shame, shame on MLB for not settling the Nationals ownership issue before the season starts. Their GM Jim Bowden put it best by saying unfortunately, it’s interim housing for a bunch of people with interim positions. Would they stop beating around the bush and sell the bloody team already.

It’s looking more and more like Slammin’ Steroid Sammy will not be with the Nats this year. Like his oversized head, his ego is too big for anything but a guaranteed starting role.

In other stadium news, the Marlins continue their quest to get someone to build them a stadium. This time they’re asking a local college to help foot the bill. That same story talks about the (unsurprising) drop-off in Marlins’ ticket sales. Even their new manager is having a tough time penciling in the starting lineup and starting rotation. It will be a big test for a rookie manager to not over use his young pitching arms.

It’s a bit much for the Marlins to try and hold south Florida ransom until someone down there builds them a ballpark. After the many hurricanes they have been through the last two years, and all the damage to the local economy, the Marlins shouldn’t be asking for public funds to build a ballpark. After the great success of San Fran’s privately financed park, why would any city with the financial hardships of Miami be willing to pay for a major league stadium.

By the way, I just stumbled across a great site about ballparks.