The Atlanta Braves are very interested in the signing of the big time deal of B.J. Upton this offseason. Since its unlikely that Michael Bourn will opt to resign with Atlanta, Upton is the Braves main concern heading into the winter months. I really hope that Atlanta can come to agreement with Upton because this would be a huge player to pick up.

After reaching a two-year agreement with veteran backup catcher Gerald Laird on Thursday morning, Braves general manager Frank Wren spent Thursday afternoon and some of the early evening courting free-agent outfielder B.J. Upton.
The Braves welcomed Upton to Turner Field on Thursday to provide the talented former Tampa Bay Ray a better sense of how much they are hoping he chooses to play in Atlanta next year. Wren and manager Fredi Gonzalez were both present for the meeting. This could be a huge pick up for the Braves if they can successfully sign him. Hope all the Braves have a Happy Thanksgiving with all their families and friends.

Craig Kimbrel is already one of the top prospects for the National League Cy Young Award for the 2013 season. The hard throwing right-hander appeared 63 times out of the bullpen this season, Kimbrel went 3-1 with a 1.01 ERA, converting 42 of 45 save opportunities. Those are obviously outstanding numbers, but dig a little deeper to see where Kimbrel holds up in history (counting only those who worked at least 40 innings in a single season): It is gonna be an interesting year to see how the young flame thrower turns out. Good luck Craig Kimbrel.....

This week posts includes Chipper Jones named the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award as the Players Choice Awards were broadcast by MLB Network on Monday night. This prestigious honor is presented annually to the player who inspires others through his on-field performances and contributions to his community.
"I'm honored to accept this award," Jones said. "I know it's not only for what you do on the field, but more importantly what you do off the field and the lives you affect off the field. You have a tremendous list of players who have won this award in the past and I am happy to be alongside them."
This is a huge award because not only was Chipper Jones an awesome player on the field but his off- field achievements we ever more valuable to young kids looking up to him.

Sorry for the absence of last week blog, I was away from the computer on a field study. But to follow up on last weeks absence, the Atlanta Braves resigned Briann McCann and Paul Maholm. Paul Maholm, a former MSU pitcher signed with the Atlanta Braves in July with a contract with the option not to resign, but he opted to return back to the Braves for the 2013 year.