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DEL.ICIO.USMcCann no longer a background piece
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Only one guy gets to be the franchise Golden Boy. It makes it easier for the masses to identify one guy to build up and tear down during slow news days. I’m sure there’s an upside to being the Golden Boy, but it’s probably not signing two boxes of hats when you’re trying to inflate a .255 batting average.
That was Jeff Francoeur holding the Sharpie on Tuesday.
That was Brian McCann, happily blending into the background. That’s not easy to do when you lead your team, and the National League, in batting.
“I think everybody is screaming about the wrong guy right now,” Braves hitting coach Terry Pendleton said Tuesday.
McCann entered Tuesday hitting .352. He hit .442 over his past 16 games. I know what you’re thinking: Yet another batting race comes down to McCann and Albert Pujols.
“Right now I’m just trying to ride this out as long as I can,” McCann said. “I never thought I could get off to a hot start like this.”
McCann was not in the lineup against Florida on Tuesday night because the Marlins started a left-hander, Dontrelle Willis. Maybe it’s just me, but shouldn’t a guy on a .442 tear be a lineup staple, regardless if the pitcher throws left, right or spits the ball to the plate?
Pendleton said it best. Somewhere along the way, the Braves’ lead story got buried.
Last year, it was McCann who stepped in as starting catcher after injuries to Johnny Estrada and Eddie Perez. Three days after being recalled from Class AA Mississippi in June, he caught John Smoltz’s first complete game in six years and hit his first major league home run. This winter, the Braves had no second thoughts about dealing Estrada.
This year has been a nice reality check for the 22-year-old. It was about a month ago when it finally sunk in that this was neither a dream nor a career aberration.
“You start thinking to yourself, ‘You’re a big leaguer.’ You’ve got to start thinking like one and know that you belong at this level,” McCann said. “Realizing that has led to my best month ever.”
That, and his personal hitting coach. McCann is the product of a baseball family. His father, Howie, runs a baseball academy in Alpharetta. When Brian slumps, he phones his father. One of those calls came in April.
“He said, ‘Dad, I don’t feel good. Check the TiVo for me,’” Howie McCann said Tuesday. “So I started looking at his at-bats. Our relationship is such that I don’t help him unless he asks. I guess that’s why we still get along.”
The father stayed up until 3 a.m. He looked at games from last year and this spring and discovered a minor flaw. McCann said his front leg and hands weren’t moving in concert. He went back to the park the next day and, “I felt like a different person.”
If this keeps up, the father might have to offer the son an endorsement deal.
“He’s hitting like he’s in high school again,” Howie McCann said.
We can’t know how McCann would react to adversity if he operated under the same daily microscope that Francoeur does. We only know how he easily brushes off whatever attention he gets now. He handles the pitching staff and has significantly improved his defense. The term “sophomore slump” has not entered the McCann equation.
“The big thing,” McCann said, “is not being prepared. Baseball is about adjustments. In the second year, you have to be prepared to make adjustments.”
He’s 22.
McCann jokes that his lack of attention “comes with being the catcher.” It’s the unglamorous position, the face behind the mask, all that. But he’s not bothered by the lack of attention. Actually, he embraces it.
“I like being in the background,” he said. “Jeff’s got to answer a ton of questions. When he was struggling early on, everybody was like, ‘This guy’s terrible.’”
It’s not easy being gold.
McCann continues to fly under the radar. When the National League all-star voting comes out, he likely will be buried deep down the polls. But if he keeps this up, he should make the team as an add-on. Sometimes, we just scream about the wrong guy.
Permalink | Comments (37) | Categories: Braves / MLB, Jeff Schultz
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By matt
May 16, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this
Yes, but does he like Burritos? The CHICAGO WHITE SOX love Burritos and will win back-to-back ring! Hey Brian, want a burrito?
By dannycardwell
May 16, 2006 11:58 PM | Link to this
mccann needs our votes. he and john smoltz are the glue to this team. vote and vote often for both for allstars. you can only wonder what his stats would have been if he had bat behind andrew all year.
By Chris
May 17, 2006 12:34 AM | Link to this
He never had any RBI opportunities the first 4 weeks of the season. Laroche wasn’t doing anything and Francoeur was in his funk, so McCann was always hitting with no one on base. Batting behind Andruw should help them both out.
And I wouldn’t say he’ll be way down in the polls when the voting begins. If he keeps this up, people will notice him. He’s a catcher. Not like the NL is full of standout catchers.
By TennesseePaul
May 17, 2006 12:45 AM | Link to this
Nice article. I’ve already burned my 25 online votes for all the Braves starters, and a mish-mash of Royals and Rays starters. I’m in the process of filling out the ball game forms. McCann should be near the top when I’m done with this… so should a lot of Royals players…. the World Series will be in the NL this year if I have my way.
By UGA 72
May 17, 2006 01:04 AM | Link to this
I agree that Brian is going great and is well grounded in fundementals. His Dad is a great hitting coach on his own and probably better at it than many ML hitting coaches who get by on their reputations as a player.
You have to give Frenchy credit too, he lives in a microscope and had managed to be successful. Breaking out of his slump and starting to hit like he is capable makes the Braves a different team. Lord if Chipper could only find his stroke now wouldn’t it be fun?
I wonder if the Braves have thought about trading for Dontrel? We need a pitcher, the Marlins need Youngsters and salary relief . I believe that a winning team would create a world beater in Dontrel. Its tough to go out every night needing a shutout to win. The kid has class and a great heart, the Braves have a history of doing great things with people like that, and boy do we need another pitcher!
By BirdDawg
May 17, 2006 01:22 AM | Link to this
Bobby Cox is an idiot, and if he has his way, he’ll try to ruin McCann’s career just like he just about ruined Ryan Klesko’s.
I’m sick of this lefty-right crap, especially when it’s Todd Pratt starting instead of McCann.
He did the same thing with Klesko, starting some light-hitting deadweight in his place, and did the same thing last year in starting a hurt and miserable Brian Jordan in the first game of the Houston playoff series.
And then, in the game tonight, with a chance to go ahead, Cox left Pratt in the game twice! TWICE!
Also, I think Chipper might be hurt, because I was sitting on the third base side, and he whiffed on some balls he should have gotten. He wouldn’t even dive for them. And one time, it cost the team in the top of the 11th. Good think Andruw and Diaz bailed he and LaRoche / McBride out.
By Scott
May 17, 2006 02:48 AM | Link to this
McCann should be an allstar but you know all of the fans that aren’t paying attention will vote Mike Piazza in there to be the starter in the NL. McCann being in the 5 hole is going to be awesome. If Bobby would have put him up in the lineup earlier he would already be on pace to top 100 RBI.
And I’m with the other poster, I think Chipper is hurt as well. He’s missing pitches that he would normally hit about 400 feet the other way.
By CJ the unknowing one
May 17, 2006 03:11 AM | Link to this
McCann is a breath of fresh air for the fans and the team. If he can continue his rise in status some, just imagine what kind of nucleus he and Franky and Langerhans could be. They all seem to be stars in the making and they all really seem down to earth and to be winners.
I also think something is wrong with Chipper. His timing is off on the field and at bat. Wonder if those wheels are healthy?
Trading for Willis would be great, but I think reliever and first base are the two glaring points. Laroche has disappointed us again. He’s not a clubhouse guy and not a real producer. Helton would be a great fit there. Any ideas on reliever?
By Bruce Willis
May 17, 2006 04:20 AM | Link to this
Dontrelle Willis is still on his rookie-scale contract, meaning his yearly raises are determined by arbitration. He probably doesn’t make any more than 3 million a year right now. If he keeps sucking this year chances are that number doesn’t go up after the season. Considering that his value right now is much lower than it was even 2 months ago, the Marlins would be stupid to trade him at this point.
Anyway I think the Braves should be trying to trade for a closer, not a starter. We have enough reliable starting pitching and good enough middle relief to get us another division title, we just don’t have a closer to slam the door.
About McCann… if he doesn’t start the All Star game assuming he keeps playing this way it’s a crime. It’s not just his stats, but also that he comes through in clutch situations almost every time. But knowing MLB fan voters, they will probably vote Paul LoDuca (bigger TV market) or Mike Piazza (bigger name) to start. I wish they would go to a 1/3 players-1/3 fans-1/3 coaches system like the NFL does to determine All Star rosters.
By Tim Raymond
May 17, 2006 04:37 AM | Link to this
What happened to Tom Paciorick? Ron Gant sucks. He couldn’t even announce his own funeral.
By fofun
May 17, 2006 05:46 AM | Link to this
Terry, you’re needed! Chipper and Andruw have had a power failure. Long time no-see HRs flying out. Don’t mess with McCann and Francoeur though!
By Caelus
May 17, 2006 06:54 AM | Link to this
Paciorek is doing the FOX games for Washington.
By chris
May 17, 2006 08:10 AM | Link to this
Hey Jeff, please tell Bobby Cox to switch Giles and Renteria in the order. Renteria is hitting better and is a better base stealer. Giles is comfortable as a #2 hitter and if he isn’t hitting, at least he could be moving Renteria over for Chipper and Andrew. Probably would be worth a couple runs per week.
By Huey Perry
May 17, 2006 08:22 AM | Link to this
Super article. Anazing how well Brian and Jeff are doing. As someone said Tuesday, how about Betemit at first? Ken Ray deserves a shot as closer. Are you ready for Tom Glavine to return to the Braves? Read Ken Rosenthal’s article on Fox Sports Net. Go Braves.
By T Robb
May 17, 2006 08:26 AM | Link to this
Willis makes 4.35m.
I’d take him anyway.
By T Robb
May 17, 2006 08:35 AM | Link to this
On McCann: Best catcher in the NL. Period.
Not only is he hitting .350 with power, defensively he’s terrific. I love watching him throw. Reyes doesn’t want to fool with him any more.
As to the “platoon” thing, I think Bobby handles it just right. Catchers can’t catch 150 games a year. They wear down - even a big strapping guy like McCann. Pratt’s a solid veteran backup. To keep ‘em fresh, giving your starter every fifth day off works very well, in my judgement.
If there’s any justice, McCann will start the all-star game. It’ll probably be a “name” like Piazza or LoDuca, though.
By Sophia
May 17, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this
Well, Piazza used to get all those votes from NY, which I’m sure won’t be the case this year so I’m assuming Lo Duca has a good shot at getting the starting nod. Like Schultz said thought McCann will definitely be an add-on if he keeps it up.
By Carl H
May 17, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this
My wife and I love the BRAVES. The Ron Gant duo are awful—boring to listen to. Club needs a lead off hitter,closer and 1st baseman. Betimit at 1st is worth a try…too good for the bench and would hit circles around Laroche. Think Orr would be better than Giles at 2nd and lead off to get on base.. Go for Willis.
By Reilly
May 17, 2006 09:34 AM | Link to this
If McCann is getting these kind of results from listening to his father’s coaching and the rest of the braves (Francouer, Laroche, etc.) are only now slowly coming out of their funk what does this say about Pendleton’s coaching ability?
By Matthew
May 17, 2006 09:39 AM | Link to this
Orr needs to be converted into a designated pinch runner, like Charley Finley had in Oakland in the ’70s. Orr has a AA bat and AAA defense, but All-Star speed. With a little more seasoning in the minors, he would be better.
I think we need to leave the lead-off position alone, but start fining Giles every time he (1) swings at a first pitch ball or (2) uses that dumb uppercut swing. We don’t need home runs out of the leadoff spot. We need a person on base for Renteria.
Edgar deserves to start the All-Star game, as do McCann and Andruw Jones. If I ran the show, those would be starters and Smoltz, Hudson, and Thomson would all be pitching in the game.
By HEAD COACH
May 17, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this
If yout going to vote ( I already did ) Vote for the best players. Home field advantage is at stake , so put the best N.L. players in the all-star game. McCann is just indescribable , way ahead of players his age. Daddy McCann you did a great job teaching Brian how to play the game the right way. I’m at my wits end with Cox , Betemit is on the bench , Giles is anything but a leadoff hitter and Reitsma is well… $%&#@$%#@%&*@!#$# , you get the idea. WE are 19-20 and at the end of the month it will about 24-28 and 8 to 10 games out , so celebrate while you can because its going to get really ugly.
By David C
May 17, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this
Cox ruined Klesko’s career? What career?
By p
May 17, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this
finally caught on, jeff?
catchers can’t catch 162 games, so i see no reason not to sit mccann against lefties.
he really shouldn’t catch much over 120 games.
By Matthew
May 17, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this
Coach:
I won’t be pessimistic until the Mets or Phils raise the banner. I haven’t been impressed with them so far, and still see a lot of promise in this team. Remember, the hardest part of the year for teh Braves is this part, and it will be over soon. Then the schedule will balance out and the Braves will climb back to the top.
Keep the faith!
By Rod DeRemer
May 17, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this
It’s about time McCann receives some significant recognition for his accomplishments.
Hopefully, he will continue to be a quiet star for a long time.
By braves fan
May 17, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this
To those screaming about lefty/righty stuff: McCann cannot start 162 games as a catcher. That’s just never going to happen. So letting him rest against a tough lefty starter is as good a chance as anything to give him a rest. Remember he can still pinch hit in those games, i.e. hitting a homerun in the ninth inning of Saturday’s game, to setup the drama for Francoeur’s granny. McCann is the smartest hitter the Braves have, not named Chipper Jones. He is patient, and rarely takes bad swings. He is willing to hit the ball where it is pitched. He can hit lefties when the other team brings one in to face him. Plus he’s improved his throwing incredibly. Last year he had trouble throwing out baserunners. This season, unless the pitcher totally ignores the baserunner, McCann will gun them down. That’s a weapon that kills rallies and covers up some mistakes by the pitcher or defense. He’s my favorite player right now.
By bushwacker
May 17, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this
Burritos? did I miss something?
By Michelle
May 17, 2006 12:16 PM | Link to this
Maybe McCann is better not being in the spotlight. Francouer seems to enjoy the attention,it’s his personality. I really enjoy watching him and McCan. They need Betemit’s bat in the lineup, maybe at first. Diaz also deserves a shot at a spot.Cox should swith Renteria and Giles in the batting order.If Chipper is hurt he should speak up. Give him a rest,Betemit fills his spot great.A healthy Chipper is better.
By bushwacker
May 17, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this
I agree, let Orr play 2nd and lead off, he’s faster than me and put McCann hitting third, Andruw 4th, Frenchy 5th to protect Andy and put Betemit on third base and trade the broken down, no hustle Chipper for a closer!
By Chippy
May 17, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this
I love watching B Mac play. He better start the All Star game.
Cox did not ruin Ryan K, he always sucked against lefties.
It would be cool to trade for D Train he’s pretty cheap & singed till 2009. But the bullpen & 1B are bigger needs.
I’m w/ Matthew, I don’t know where Giles got this crazy uppercut swing from. I noticed it last year. I think he’s trying to hit homer for some reason & is striking out more because of it. That & the leadoff spot has to be the reason he stinks now.
Chipper always hussles. Why do some people think the Braves can just pull off trades at the drop of a hat when they want? If Chipper is has horrid a you say what fool would trade a half way decent closer for him at his price tag? NOBODY
By Hairydawg
May 17, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this
Glad to see McCann getting some attention. Good for him. Good for the latest Braves blog and it’s bloggers … Very little back-bitting and name calling. A breath of fresh air to say the least.
By JD Cotton II
May 17, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this
Tim Raymond, I agree 100%, Ron Gant sucks! He says the most obvious things or either stuff that makes no since.
By Steve
May 17, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this
Just wondering, but how come with all the steroid talk going around, Chipper’s name never comes up? Anyone else notice that his body began to break down about the time steroids became a no-no, not to mention that he is about half the size he was only two years ago. Could explain all of the injuries.
By Jim
May 17, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this
Chipper isn’t linked to steroids because his career numbers are so consistent. Hits ~.300, 30-40 homers, 100-110 rbis. There is no standout season where he hits 50+ homers. His last two seasons (this one would make that three) the injury bug is biting him. He isn’t playing in 150+ games anymore. Could be age? Could be conditioning? Doubt it is steroid testing.
By Tasha M.
May 17, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this
Brian McCann has been my favorite player since he joined the Braves last year. I am so glad to see he is doing great this year. He is an amazing catcher, and the Braves were smart to make him a starter. I love watching him get better and better. I have been voting for him like crazy for the All-Star Game, because he deserves to be there more than any other catcher.
I have always been a big fan of Adam LaRoche. I think he is a great defensive player, but he needs a little help on his hitting. I think he will be amazing with a little more work. Don’t give up on him yet!
I agree that the Braves could use another starter, but I think Reitsma will be fine as a closer. He just needs some time to adjust. It would be great if the Braves could get Dontrelle from the Marlins. D-Train is an incredible pitcher, he just needs a good team to play for.
I can’t wait for Kelly Johnson to get healthy. I love watching him in the outfield. I think the Braves have the best outfield in the NL with Langerhans, Jones, and Francouer starting, and Diaz and Johnson coming off the bench. This is the most talented team the Braves have had in a few years.
By Marc
May 17, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this
It’s ridiculous to blame steroids everytime some player starts to struggle. And I don’t see that Chipper’s body has changed. You are just looking for things to pick on. Obviously, Chipper isn’t the same player he used to be, but it’s really unfair and obnoxious to start throwing around the S word without any evidence whatsoever.
The reason his name never gets thrown around is that no one has any reason to believe he used steroids.
By WHOPPER DAWG
May 18, 2006 12:45 AM | Link to this
Is it not a pleasure to be a Braves fan? These last years when they have been counted on as down and out, they keep coming back and there is one positive story after another. What a great organization.