#20 Freddie Freeman – Atlanta Braves

1B

DOB: 9-12-89

ETA: 2011

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#22 Mike Minor – Braves

LHP

DOB:12-26-87

ETA: 2011

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• This week Braves’ manager Fredi Gonzalez stated that youngsters Jonny Venters and Craig Kimbrel could split the closing duties in 2011, just as Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez did in 2009.  Last season, Kimbrel burst on the scene and to say the least, was absolutely filthy.  In just 20 2/3 innings, Kimbrel recorded 40 strikeouts, which for those of you keeping score at home is a ridiculous 17.4 K/9.  He also racked up four wins and a save along the way, and allowed just a single earned run.  If he can repeat his success, Kimbrel could very well become a household name in 2011.

• The Cleveland Indians cleared catcher Carlos Santana to resume all baseball activities, and he will be ready for the start of Spring Training next week.  In 2010, Santana’s eye-opening rookie campaign came to an abrupt halt after he suffered a hideous knee injury on August 2.  Considering that the switch-hitting catcher posted slashes of .260/.401/.467 last year in 192 plate appearances, the fact that he’s been cleared significantly increase his fantasy value.  I’m really excited to see what this guy can do over the course of a full, healthy season.

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• Even though the San Francisco Giants re-signed 1B/OF Aubrey Huff, they will consider breaking camp with prospect Brandon Belt, who simply refuses to stop raking.

• A topic that Clint and I discussed on The Baseball Show on Saturday, how will the signing of Carl Crawford affect the Boston Red Sox outfield? Who will be the odd man out come the 2011 season: Jacoby Ellsbury, J.D. Drew, Mike Cameron or Ryan Kalish?

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• The Mourning Journal is reporting that the baseball world lost yet another legend on late Wednesday night/early Thursday morning, as Bob Feller has passed away at the age of 92.  Earlier in the day it was reported that Feller had been moved into hospice care in Cleveland, and now comes the potentially heartbreaking news of the Hall of Famer’s death several hours later. *I am still seeking further confirmation on this story, check back for updates* [Mourning Journal]

• I’m sure that Atlanta Braves’ fans had a good laugh yesterday after learning that the Kansas City Royals had signed both Jeff Francoeur and Melky Cabrera.  If the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox made a splash in the free agent market, then one would have to assume that the Royals are floating face down. [MLB Trade Rumors]

• The always bat-shit-crazy Luke Scott took the time to give David Brown another candid interview on Wednesday at the Winter Meetings.  It turns out that the gun-toting, buck hunter is also a “birther.” I know, shocker. [Big League Stew]

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