Atlanta Braves
Freedie Freeman’s ninth-inning splash homer Monday in San Francisco marked the first by a Braves player since Brian McCann hit one into the water on May 10, 2013, off Matt Cain. … The Braves don’t have to face former Atlanta pitcher Tim Hudson last week, and that’s fine with manager Fredi Gonzalez. “It’s not all bad. I’d like to say hi to him and hug him,” Gonzalez said
Miami Marlins
Mike Redmond turning out to be one of best young managers, guiding a rebuilding Marlins team to respectability. … Eighteen years ago this month, 3B coach Brett Butler learned he had tonsil cancer while playing for the Dodgers. Last week was his first visit to Chavez Ravine in a major league uniform since 2005, when he was the Diamondbacks’ 1B coach. … Manager Mike Redmond said he’s not sure where RHP Henry Rodriguez fits into the team’s bullpen. Rodriguez was recalled from Triple-A New Orleans.
New York Mets
Team President Saul Katz denied a report by The New York Times that he has expressed an interest in selling his share of the team. “I have no intention of selling my share of the Mets nor have I ever had any intention of selling my share,” Katz said in a statement released by the club. … Longtime Mets hot dog vendor Willie B, popular for his loud woofing in the second deck, said his back has been hurting, so he was carrying a lighter tray of pretzels during Bark at the Park Day last week. Willie B said he refers to his usual wares as “frankfurters, out of respect.”
Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Daily News columnist David Murphy points out, “the Phillies do not have a well-rounded roster, or well-rounded depth behind it. They have already experimented with virtually every internal bullpen option that is not currently on the squad. They have no lefthanded power on the bench. … And we haven’t even reached the part of the season where people start getting hurt. Certain aspects of this Phillies team give you reason to think that it might end up surprising you. But they are always quickly countered by the aspects that look impossible to fix.” And it’s on May.
Washington Nationals
Matt Williams rear-ended by guy in police chase while doing a live interview with radio guys called the “Junkies.” Believe it or not. … Despite being handled carefully by the Nationals, former top pick Stephen Strasburg tore a ligament just months into his career in 2010. Scott Boras, Strasburg ’s agent, told the Miami Herald, “(Young pitchers) have the ability to do things beyond the levels of your durability because their talent is so high. A veteran pitcher knows the boundaries of that. They have the big engines. They also have the steering wheel of experience to go with it.”
Compiled by Rick Crotts from wire reports.
