Braves Q&A

1. Think the Mets will re-sign Francoeur? Reid says yes…and he’s willing to bet money on it. Good question, in light of the pressure once-heralded Mets GM Oscar M is currently under. I don’t know the contract situations of the other NYM outfielders, but since Frenchy is hitting better as a Met, he may indeed be offered a contract to stay. This way the GM saves face for the trade. JF has little value on the free agent market, in terms of a high-dollar contract. I would think he’d rather stay a Met than sign with the Royals…whose GM Dayton Moore used to work with the Braves. Don’t know if I’d put $100.00 on it, but I’m cheap!

Hopefully the Braves can find somewhere to move Kawakami, and keep Hudson. Like the others, KK has received little run support. And though he started slow, he seems to be pitching better recently. Seems like Brooks Conrad would be a better PH option than Norton. Kotchman will be replaced by rookie Freddie Freeman by 2011, if not sooner by Infante or Prado. Kelly Johnson could be traded this off-season. I’d sign G Anderson for next year and keep Diaz over Church. Rookie Heyward could make the team next year. McLouth & Schafer make for a crowded outfield.

2. When the Braves are on the road and have an off day before starting another road series, do they not almost always travel straight to the next city? I’m 90% sure the Braves (& most teams) would fly straight from Milwaukee to Miami.

Times like that the players might make arrangements to fly in family, or arrange golf, etc in advance…especially pitchers and announcers, who make those tee times and foursomes months in advance. Others go to the stadium for medical treatments or extra hitting/fielding/throwing.

Last year a Sports Illustrated reporter was traveling with the Brewers on the exact same itinerary…they had a day off in Miami. There was a picture of several players hanging out, playing ping pong in the shade near the pool. Standing nearby watching was an amazingly trim Bob Uecker, shirtless and tan...in a swimsuit.

Depending on which city would be more hospitable, the team might linger in a more favorable city and travel the next day. With an off day, I’ve heard of teams bussing from SD to LA, Chicago to Milwaukee, or Philly to NYC/Balt/Washington.