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This has been a very eventful week for the Atlanta Braves organization. As Fan Fest was starting on Saturday and people were filling up the convention center, rumors were swirling that the Braves were in talks to acquire Mark Kotsay from Oakland. By the time Fan Fest ended on Sunday, the deal was done and more news was just around the corner.

On Monday the announcements had been made that the Braves were planning on moving their AAA team from Richmond to Gwinnett. Words can not describe how I felt when the announcement was officially confirmed. Gwinnett has been the perfect place for a minor league baseball team for years now. This also puts them on the map as a nice minor league city. Gwinnett already has a hockey (Gladiators), arena football (Force), and ABA basketball (Vision) team. This completes it for them. The news that the stadium can be started and finished by the start of the ‘09 season is incredible.

I am a very big minor league fan and it allows me to not only travel to nearby Rome, Georgia but now also Gwinnett. Players can be called up and sent down in a moments notice and rehab assignments will get a lot easier in 09. What a week for the Braves. Many fans are weighing in on their thoughts of Fan Fest. The move to the convention center made the event much bigger…but was it better? I want to know your thoughts on that and also the repercussions from the Kotasy trade. Was this the deal that puts us over the top? E-mail or call in you thoughts: hosts@bravescast.com or 678-608-2721 We will return with a new show to discuss all the news on Thursday. Feel free to join us!

This time of year holds a special place in my heart. I know it is only January and the season is a few months away but it is time for Fan Fest. I attended the 2008 Fan Fest with great delight. For the first time it was held indoors and for the first time I went to the Georgia World Congress Center. Both of those firsts provided a great and memorable experience.

A ton of fans showed up with great anticipation of how it would all play out. Three stages were set up for autographs and other great events took place. A field was set up for home run derby and another area was set up for kids to crank one over the fence. My favorite was the memorabilia booths in the back. Personally I cannot wait until it return next year. Go Braves!

The voters have finalized their votes and the numbers are in. These are the 2007 Bravescast Awards & 2008 Predictions:

We will start off with 2007. Hitter of the Year goes to Chipper Jones. Pitcher of the Year goes to John Smoltz. Surprise player of the year goes to Yunel Escobar. The 2007 Bravescast Atlanta Braves MVP goes to Chipper Jones.

We also analyzed who we thought would win these awards in 2008 and here is what we came up with:

Predicted Pitcher of the Year: Tim Hudson. Hitter of the Year will be Jeff Francoeur. Surprise Player for ‘08 is Josh Anderson. The 2008 Atlanta Braves MVP will be Mark Teixeira.

A special thanks to the “Braves Insider” Grant McAuley for his assistance in our latest show. Check out his work at www.mlb.com or the Braves radio network sites. We will be recording live audio from fanfest this weekend Jan 12th and 13th.

Bert’s Trivia

Last Weeks Question:

Q: Who was the World Series MVP in 2002?
A: Paul Molitor

This Weeks Question:

Who stole the most total bases in the decade of the 1990’s?

To answer the question or for more information on the show e-mail us at hosts@bravescast.com or call our voicemail line at 678-608-2721

With ‘07 now officially behind us it is now time to look ahead to 2008. Before I do that though, I will say that ‘07 was once again a year of changes for the braves. The past few seasons we have scene some major changes. ‘07 was the final Braves telecast for TBS and also the last of the AOL/Time Warner ownership group. If that wasn’t enough, they also changed general manager and multiple players. ‘07 marked the end for longtime Atlanta Brave Andrew Jones and an all star caliber short stop in Edgar Renteria.

Indeed a lot has and will continue to change before the start of the ‘08 season. We will see some familiar faces in Braves uniforms come spring training. Former battery mates Tom Glavine and Javy Lopez will return in a Braves uniform for the ‘08 season. The Braves will no doubt be able to continue to do what they have done best over the last decade plus and that is bring up young incredible talent. I am interested to see how the former prospects of McCann, Francouer, K Johnson, and Chuck James perform. These guys will soon be into the star of the “prime” years. Down on the farm, there are also guys like Jordan Shafer, Brandon Jones, and Joey Devine among others that will be battling for those final spots on the big league roster. This spring will be one unlike others that I have seen in a while. I will not only be interested in seeing the starters but also all those young guys who will fill the lst 6 innings of long 9 inning spring training games. Who will be this year’s surprise player, or diamond in rough kind of guy? Who will be this year’s Braves MVP? The next two weeks we will try to answer those questions and more and we want your help to determine those answers. This week’s upcoming show will answer the best of 2007 and the following show will be a special fan prediction show.

We want to know some of the following 2007 Bravescast Award Winners: 2007 MVP, biggest surprise player, Pitcher of the year, hitter of the year, biggest impact from the minor leagues in ‘07. To cast your vote for you favorite e-mail us at hosts@bravescast.com or call the voicemail line at 678-608-2721. We will announce the winner early next week (probably Monday Jan, 7th).

Bert’s Trivia Question of the Week

Who was the World Series MVP in 1992?

It is Christmas time and I hope you got everything you wanted…I also hope the Atlanta Braves got what they wanted. Far be it from me to know what they asked Santa for, but I’d guess it’s solid play in 2008 by some of our young talent.

After they traded Edgar the Braves had a real solid backup in Yunel and we all saw what he did in the chances he had. If you are like me you hope he can do it all year. They did not sign Andruw and that was not a surprise. What remains a surprise is how they are going to replace him. The consensus here at Bravescast was that they’re going to do so by seeing which rookie sensation performs best in spring training. That is, until they traded for a center fielder from Houston, Josh Anderson. He has the speed and a little experience in the majors but is that the way they are going to go? It remains to be seen.

Left field is another weak spot in the lineup. Matt Diaz did great until the season wore on and the at-bats started piling up. Brandon Jones also got some time up in Atlanta but I’m not sure that’s enough to help his case.

It is a short Christmas list for the Braves but it is one nonetheless. Now it’s a waiting game to see how things work out. In my mind that could be the worst part, but some might say that’s just some coal in the stocking.

The Braves over the past couple of decades have taken pride perhaps maybe more than any other professional club around the youth of their organization. It is no surprise that the Braves are now loaded again at a couple positions on the diamond. This year’s focus will be the outfield.

With the departure of Andruw Jones there is at the very least a backup role open for the Atlanta Braves outfield. Will Matt Diaz be able to handle the playing everyday? What happens if we have an injury? Be relieved that there are definitely some options out there; the future of the Braves outfield is in good hands. Possibly the hands of Jeff Francouer, Josh Anderson, Brandon Jones, Jordan Schafer, and Matt Esquivel, Gregor Blanco, all of whom are upcoming stars.

With all these players still struggling to make it into their mid-twenties, the Braves have to feel confident that they will have one of the best outfields in baseball soon. So who makes it and why? A few things always come into play other than just pure stats and estimated potential. In this case however, it is really does appear to be an even playing field. I think it will come down to experience in the minors and option years for the players. It is obvious that everyone is not going to make it on the big club with Atlanta. The guys that don’t may be involved in trades or have setbacks in the majors. If you looking for speed, Josh Anderson, Jordan Schafer, and Brandon Jones are good candidates. If you’re looking for power then Matt Esquivel or Brandon Jones has plenty of potential there. What it all ultimately may come down to be defense, though. I give my nod to Josh Anderson and Jordan Schafer. Schafer is regarded as the best outfielder in the organization. Check out one reason why — his blazing speed (YouTube clip).

With his prowess and the others’ potential, I don’t think there will be a veteran signing in the outfield. Josh Anderson with both exceptional speed and major league experience is the going to more than likely make the team and we will see him in center field. The main battle will be between young stars in Brandon Jones and Jordan Schafer. Jones has the experience but Schaffer has the better numbers (though at a different level). Brandon Jones has had some clutch hits in the minors and seems to really be putting it all together the last few seasons. Jordan Schafer is a speedster that can be multi dimensional at the plate. This will be extremely fun to watch this spring. Many fans of baseball think spring is boring after the starters get pulled, but this will give any true fan some inspiration to watch the game all the way through. The future depends on it!

Let me know who your pick is by e-mailing hosts@bravescast.com or via our call in line at 678-608-2721. Go Braves!

The Braves’ front office likely left this year’s meetings in Nashville thinking they took care of most of their offseason moves that need to be addressed. We want to know how you feel, though, during the post-winter meetings aftermath. Sometimes winter meetings are as much about the deals that you don’t make just as much as the deals that you do. For instance, one rumor floating around was a trade for Chuck James for a quality outfielder for a year or two. The deal eventually did not go down but how would the pitching staff look without James?

The Braves organization is still seeking a veteran catcher for the upcoming season. We have plenty of youth at the catcher spot but the back up role usually goes to a catcher that is good defensively and can handle the pitching staff adequately. Otherwise Clint Sammons would be the backup catcher of the future, something that just does not exist.

With the trade of right handed reliever Jose Ascanio for left handed reliever Will Ohman and infielder Omar Infante the Braves were able to fill two additional needs. Thus I feel that we had a successful winter meetings. I look at the addition of Josh Anderson from the Tigers as a positive change in CF. The club has lacked speed for years now and if this guy is half the outfield Andruw Jones was the Braves will be alright. We did not make a “blockbuster” trade or change the nucleus of the team but what we did do is assure another winning season for the Braves.

I can’t wait until spring training…it seems the same as Christmas morning with a bunch of presents. We have no clue what’s in them but we know it’s going to be a lot of fun finding out! E-mail us anytime at hosts@bravescast.com or call us at 679-608-2721.

Roberts Trivia

Last Weeks Question

Who was the last Atlanta Braves pitcher to lose 20 games in one season?
Answer: Phil Neikro in 1977

This Weeks Question

Which 4 Atlanta Braves players have won the rookie of the year?

To answer email us at hosts@bravescast.com or leave a voicemail at 679-608-2721.

Over two million fans went to Turner Field last year to watch the Atlanta Braves finish third in the N.L. East for the second year in a row. The Braves have already did something this year as they did last year even before the first pitch of the season has been thrown…they raised ticket prices. Could this be the start of a new tradition?

A look a what they did is awful for the average fan but really bad for those out there who won’t go to a game because of higher prices. The change will not affect my game day but it might hurt the other fans, such as fans with kids that want the good seats and food and all the other memories that they demand. For those who enjoyed the Lexus Level you may wonder what is new…well, that contract is up and it is in the air of an extension or a new suitor for naming rights. Remember it is about the money and benefits for all involved.

New construction is under way to put new luxury seats behind home plate also with a new suite down below holding the Sun Trust name for that. Don’t get too excited as the tickets start at over two hundred a game. Not bad you say? The seats are sold on a yearly contract. Eighty-one home games — you do the math. Other fans willing to pay a little less for dugout seats or seats behind the plate get ready to pay twenty percent more. The all-you-can-eat seats have been moved but what a deal that is in itself. No real complaint on that part but just brace yourself on the new ballpark experience next year. All that I say is don’t stay at home just because the prices are up two to ten bucks. Instead make a change and just sit somewhere else. I am just happy that this team is making improvements on the field and to the field. It is now December so you have just over two months to save save save for that perfect seat.

Major League Baseball’s winter meetings are coming up this week and I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what should be on this year’s wish list for the Braves. Realistically the Braves are going to the meeting probably only looking seriously at a left-handed pitcher. With the addition of Josh Anderson, a young extremely speedy center fielder the Braves may have found the center fielder of the future — now. Anderson is by no means a proven veteran player. They would be taken a risk with him as a starter but, he is a leadoff hitter and also a very solid outfielder. There will not be a need for this guy to have a certain average or runs batted in. Just get on base any way possible, steal bases, and put pressure on the opposing defense.

With that being said, there are the occasional “Blockbuster” trades that take place at these meetings. There is still a lot to offer in Atlanta’s farm system. The minor league system is full of talent that other teams will love to have. There is always the possibility of trading a young player similar to the Salty deal last year. I hope personally that the lineup stays somewhat the same as it is penciled in now. We have pitching, defense, speed and enough power to get by. I am more concerned about signing our young players to long term deals. I hope that Francouer can be locked up this winter and Kelly Johnson and Escobar should not be far behind if not this season defiantly next. I look forward to seeing Escobar drop to the two spot and the power guys come up to bat with guys on base in front of them.

Francouer, Chipper and Texeria should all have huge numbers this year if healthy. On top of my wish list is a speedy off season. I am so ready for some more baseball. Just thing after the holidays come and go we will only be a matter of weeks till catcher and pitchers report to spring training. Hope everone has a happy holiday and feel free to contact us to talk baseball at any time.

Robert’s Trivia

Last weeks Q & A
Who led the National League in losses in 1988?
Answer: Tom Glavine

This Weeks Question

Who was the last Atlanta Braves pitcher to lose 20 games in one season?

Ways to answer, e-mail hosts@bravescast.com or voicemail 678-608-2721

Each Thanksgiving brings each and every person something new to be thankful for every year. Baseball is no different. Each year the Braves evaluate where they are as an organization and which areas to improve upon as a club. With Thanksgiving coming up I though it would be nice to discuss what the Braves have to be thankful for this year. First and foremost is us, the fans. Although Atlanta fans get a bad wrap, we are usually loyal when it comes to the Braves. I guess a decade and a half if winning will do that for you. Since the Braves have been out of the playoffs the last few years it seems that fans are now more involved and outspoken, more than ever! The fans realize that there is a new crop of Braves that need the encouragement from the fans.

The Braves can be very thankful for the youth and ongoing talent in their minor league system. Every year the team produces several players that are ready to compete at the major league level and 2008 will be no different. Fans now know the names of recent minor-turned major league stars like Francouer and McCann. But what about Brandon Jones and Joey Devine and all the others that will play a significant part of the upcoming 2008 season? The Braves over the years (in my opinion) have produced the best young talent of any team in baseball. The hardest part is finding a place for all the talent to play.

The Braves cab definitely be thankful to have a great front office staff as well. Frank Wren’s loyalty paid off in landing a premier general manager job in the Majors. Having Hank Aaron as such a big part of the club for years now has been a big plus, too. The Braves can always be thankful for having the very best “player’s manger” in all of baseball in Bobby Cox. The all-time leader in ejections also happens to be one of the most respected managers in all of professional sports. He manages not only the on the field action well, but also everything else off the field that managers have to deal with.

Things are still good for the Braves organization and in a time to really pay tribute to things in your life to be thankful for I would like to say that I am thankful that I have somewhere to go for six months out of the year that I can take my son, friends, family, co workers, or anyone else and have a great time. The Braves are the ultimate in clean family entertainment and I will always be thankful to have them as a part of my life.

Robert’s Trivia Question of the Week

What pitcher lead the National League in losses in 1988?

Last Weeks Q & A

How many years has Bobby Cox managed the Braves? A:22