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Welcome To Atlanta, Casey
Written by Colin on July 30, 2008 – 7:52 amWelcome to Atlanta, Casey Kotchman. You’re our new first baseman, and I think you’ll like it here in Atlanta, where the sweet tea flows like water and “Coke” applies to any soft drink.
This is the home of Bobby Cox. Chipper Jones. John Smoltz. John Schuerholz.
This is the home of winning. This is a team that’s used to winning and may seem a little disoriented after selling at the trade deadline for the first time in many players’ careers. We’re not used to not making the playoffs – and there’s a hunger for it here.
There’s a lot of young talent on this team, and I think you’ll fit right in. McCann is a great catcher, Francoeur shows flashes of brilliance, Escobar is a promising shortstop (add extra padding to your glove – he has a cannon), and there are tons of outfield prospects heading our way from the minors.
Bobby will always have your back. He’ll get ejected for you once or twice if he has to. He’ll never badmouth you to the media, and he’ll always be yelling encouraging things at you from the dugout.
The fans will like you if you’re friendly. Hitting well helps that process, but frankly, they want another magnetic personality like Francoeur, McCann, Chipper, Smoltzie, or even Escobar. Play your cards right and you’ll soon have your own special fan section named something like “Kotchman’s Yachtmen” or something. We promise it’ll rhyme. We like good young players.
Take some time to look at the people who have played for this organization. Sit down with Smoltz, Glavine, Chipper, and Terry Pendleton, hear about the old times. Watch the video of the most remembered play by a firstbaseman in Atlanta’s history – and try to always remember to run faster than Sid.
The future is bright here. Spirits will be a little dampened when you show up today because this group is used to winning – and that Teixeira guy was a fan and clubhouse favorite. This group is used to seeing wins on that scoreboard and used to being at the top of the division. We have some young pitching prospects that are dynamite, and we have a core to build around. Chipper will always lend help if you ask him – he’s a good guy and fun to be around. And watch out for Tim Hudson – when he gets back from Alabama he’ll probably organize some sort of prank with you in mind. Oh, and let Jeff Francoeur take you to the Varsity. Just don’t get any of the season long slump on you.
Settle in. Walk around Turner Field and take a look at the retired numbers high above left field. By the time the end of the season is here, optimism for next year will spring eternal.
We’re glad to have you – and we’re looking forward to the next few years. Casey Kotchman, welcome to Atlanta – where the players play.
Casey Kotchman was acquired for Mark Teixeira last night from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. In 100 games this year, he’s batting .287 with 12 HRs and 54 RBIs. He has an OBP of .327 and hits a few doubles, but not many triples. He’s excellent defensively – only two errors this year for a .998 fielding percentage. Fans, we think you’ll like him. If you’re at the stadium soon, give him a hearty Atlanta welcome.
Tags: Atlanta Braves, Casey Kotchman
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