BRAVES: Hudson Needs Tommy John Surgery

Atlanta Braves starter Tim Hudson felt discomfort when trying to throw on Saturday and will opt for Tommy John ligament replacement surgery, according to the Atlanta Braves’ official site,

BOTTOM LINE: The Braves have been badly bitten by the injury bug this season, and this surgery will most likely keep Hudson out until sometime next season. It is safe to release him, ebcause he is done for the year.

ANGELS: Trade for Mark Teixeira

Former Atlanta Braves first basemen Mark Teixeira has been traded to the Los Angeles Angels of anaheim for Casey Kotchman and a minor league pitching prospect.

BOTTOM LINE: It looks like the Braves have thrown in the towel on their season. If you are wondering about Teixeira’s value, it doesn’t change much. He will hit third in a loaded Angels lineup. start him immediately.

BRAVES: McCann Suffers Concussion

Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann suffered a concussion on Sunday after a collision at home plate. X-rays on McCann after Sunday’s collision were negative, but he does have a slight concussion and will not play on Monday, according to Baseball Tonight.

BOTTOM LINE: McCann is certainly rattled, but this could have been a lot worse for the Braves. It doesn’t look like a DL stint will be necessary, but the Braves will probably be very cautious with Brian over the next week. If you have a better option, bench McCann this week.

Chipper’s .400 Chase

Atlanta Braves’ third basemen Chipper Jones is trying to be the first player in quite some time to hit over .400. He is currently sitting at .369, and he left Wednesday’s game with a strained hamstring. I don’t think it is going to happen, but if anyone in today’s game could do it, it’s Chipper Jones.

Chipper plays in just enough games to qualify and misses just enough to keep the average up. If Chipper gets scorching hot soon, and then tweaks something again, he could reach .400. For me, I just don’t see it. Last season was his career high in average at .337. he hasn’t played over 140 games since 20003.

The Braves fans have to hope for Chipper to be their savior, because Jeff Francoeur is doing nothing, and their pitching staff is doing nothing. The most likely scenario for Chipper is to hit somewhere around .340, which would still qualify as an excellent season.

 

–MICHAEL GANCI

BRAVES: Prospect Throws No-No

Atlanta Braves pitching prospect Tommy Hanson pitched a no-hitter and fanned 14 for Double-A Mississippi on Wednesday.

BOTTOM LINE: Hanson is already viewed as one of the best prospects in the game, and this performance does nothing to hurt those reviews. He should be in the majors in two years.

BRAVES: Teixiera Goes Yard Thrice

Atlanta Braves first basemen Mark Teixiera went deep three times on Sunday en route to a Braves victory. Tim Hudson pitched seven scoreless in the effort.

BOTTOM LINE: Teixiera, who is set to test unrestricted free agency after the season, is having a solid campaign. The home run stroke that wasn’t there in the beginning is certainly back.

BRAVES: Chipper is Below .400

Atlanta Braves third basemen Chipper Jones’ average dropped below .400 for the first time since April 12 on Thursday, thanks to his 0-4 performance from the plate.

BOTTOM LINE: Chipper is still hitting an unbelievable .394 on the season, and is leading the closest competitor by 30 points. Chipper is the guy who would have a chance at being the next person to hit .400, because he gets injured enough to miss enough time, but he still qualifies by having enough at bats.