The G-Braves made it home

The Future moved about 8 hours closer to Atlanta over the off-season when the Atlanta Braves AAA-affiliate moved from Richmond to Gwinnett County before the 2009 season. Fans of minor league baseball used to have to drive to Rome or Myrtle Beach to catch a glimpse of the Braves farmhands, but now those seeking the future need only to travel to the Buford area. This season, fans heading to out to watch the G-Braves have been treated to several big-time performances from big-time players. Kris Medlin, Tommy Hanson, Brian McCann, Clint Sammons, Brandon Jones, Jo-Jo Reyes, Charlie Morton and Jorge Campillo have all suited up for Gwinnett this season and most have either worn an Atlanta jersey in the past or will soon in the future. Three hundred game-winner Tom Glavine will also suit up for Gwinnett later this month. Even though the G-Braves are hovering around the .500 mark record-wise, the talent is really something to behold.
Tommy Hanson burned up the minors last season and then became the first pitcher to claim MVP honors in the Arizona Fall League. The big righty impressed during spring training and has not disappointed thus far in Class-AAA action. Hanson currently leads the International League with 64 strikeouts and has a .90 WHIP. Though his record stands at 2-3, his ERA registers at 1.70 meaning he isn’t getting much run support. Hanson dominates hitters on the minor league level and it is only a matter of time before he is promoted to the parent club about 35 minutes down Highway 85 South.
When the big club needed another starter recently and dipped into the Gwinnett roster to fill the spot, some eyebrows were raised when Hanson didn’t get the call and Kris Medlin did instead. The doubters should begin to believe. Medlin led the club with a 5-0 record and an IL-best ERA of 1.19. The former reliever-turned-starter had thrown 21 straight scoreless innings and made his Atlanta debut last week. Medlin’s WHIP is even better than Hanson’s at .80 and he has 44 strikeouts so far this season in AAA action. Though his future with Atlanta may not be as a starter, he is certainly providing Gwinnett fans with plenty of excitement and plenty of zeros on the scoreboard during his starts.
Fans of offense haven’t been disappointed passing through the turnstiles at the new stadium either. Four of the regular starters have at least a .303 average on the season. Diory Hernandez leads the team with a .355 average but he might soon be in an Atlanta uniform due to recent injuries. Hernandez plays second base and his quick swing led to 154 hits last season and has so far netted him 39 this year. Hernandez made the Southern League (AA) all-star roster in 2007 and appears to be on his way again this season.
JC Holt and Brooks Conrad are two more names that fans should familiarize themselves with as both are putting up potentially monster years. Conrad is mashing home runs while Holt is hitting .303 while playing in both the leftfield position as well as three others in the infield. Add in the contributions from Barbaro Canizares, Brandon Jones, Gregor Blanco, Van Pope and Clint Sammons and this team has some serious offensive capabilities. Canizares leads the team with seven home runs but Sammons says that he feels like his pop should return this season after his power numbers declined last season. Jones and Blanco both have major league experience and they both bring that big league attitude to the club every day. Fans were also treated to Atlanta catcher Brian McCann’s rehab stint earlier this season as he played for the first time with his new glasses. The three-time all-star was 1-3 with an RBI double and a walk.
Minor league baseball offers more to its fans than just the chance to see future major leaguers and current major leaguers on rehab assignments. Traditionally the marketing staffs of minor league teams go to great lengths to get fans into the stadium seats and Gwinnett will be no different this season. While Ted Williams popsicle night and Divorce night are not on the schedule, Beach Day, Christmas in July and Totally 80s games will be held in Gwinnett. Recently younger fans were treated to a visit from the Zooperstars, a group of animalistic superstars including Harry Canary, Nolan Rhino, Ken Giraffey Jr., Derek Cheetah, Clammy Sosa and Cow Ripken Jr. Later this season the G-Braves mascot Chopper will attempt to break the world record for most hugs in one hour on the National Hug Holiday. Chopper will also be bringing his mascot friends out one game fro Mascot night. The San Diego Chicken will entertain fans and the best promotion might be “I hate to admit it, but I like it” night, which will feature bad music and bad food but good times.
Minor League baseball has made it home to the Gwinnett area and fans looking for a fun family experience are in for a treat as they watch the future right now.