Atlanta Braves Morning Chop: Perez Escapes, Scout Lays Egg, Taylor Swift Curse?
Sep 29, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman
Freddie Freeman(5) is shown next to Washington Nationals right fielder
Bryce Harper(34) in the fourth inning of their game at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Probably the Worst Whiff on a Story I’ve Seen in a Baseball Blog
This started from a Jon Heyman piece (careful – this link has a problem that crashes Firefox) from September 25th. As part of his post, he listed newsy notes from all 30 teams. Below is the entirety of what Heyman wrote about the Atlanta Braves (emphasis added):
"People with the Braves love Craig Kimbrel, so a return to Atlanta at some point shouldn’t be ruled out. That deal was only done to be rid of Melvin Upton, Jr. (then B.J.). Atlanta’s bullpen was one of the worst in the game this year, though it should be boosted by a return to health for Jason Grilli, Chris Withrow and Shae Simmons … The Braves have been publicly linked to Cespedes. But while they very much like Cespedes, they aren’t deluded to the point of thinking that’s realistic for them … The Braves have showed a willingness to trade almost anyone. One guy who isn’t going anywhere, sources say, is Freddie Freeman."
Frankly, I think most of this is fluff… nothing that we’d actually expect to see happen this off-season. San Diego isn’t going to just dump Kimbrel back on us, and we have multiple reports about the idea of signing Cespedes being a non-starter for financial reasons.
But note that last line in particular. Read it again.
It’s not complicated, but apparently others…ah, didn’t read it that carefully.
Witness this:
Atlanta Braves Listening To Offers For Freddie Freeman, Others While Looking Into Possible Craig Kimbrel Return With San Diego Padres
MICHAEL CORBETT / SCOUT.COM (SEPT 25th)
Atlanta Braves‘ first baseman Freddie Freeman will be a possible trade option if Braves management can receive a proper offer for the star, according to a report from John Heyman of CBS Sports. The Braves are listening to offers, but nothing is imminent or likely at this juncture. The Braves are also interested in bringing back former closer Craig Kimbrel, who the club traded to the San Diego Padres this past offseason. The shocking trade of Kimbrel before the season was primarily decided upon due to an interest in shedding outfielder Melvin Upton contract.
Seriously. That’s what is STILL posted on the Scout.com site. No corrections in almost a week. Story not pulled. Not fixed. No follow-up comments. Nothing. No, the Braves are NOT listening to offers for Freddie Freeman!
I don’t like to pick on other writers… truly I don’t. Lord knows I’m vulnerable to screwing up, too (the appropriate phrase here being “But by the grace of God, go I”).
But if anybody out there knows Mr. Corbett… please tell him that his fly is unzipped. Thanks.