Atlanta Braves: Meanwhile, in Gwinnett…

The Atlanta Braves (40-41) have a deserved day off and travel day today after sweeping Oakland at their joint. Meanwhile, something unheard of is afoot in Gwinnett.

After a (16-12) June, and an undefeated first few days of July, the Atlanta Braves are getting a day of rest. Good. They’ll need it with the next slate of series at the plate. Basically, a bunch of playoff teams over the next month fill out the schedule.

While all of that is going on with the “big club”, the Gwinnett Braves (also 40-41), managed to salvage a rain induced Double-Header on Sunday, using power hitting. Future “A” Braves put on a show, and hopefully, are forecasting their production down the line.

But, naturally, all eyes were on big Freddie Freeman and his move to 3rd Base. In short, Freeman had a strikeout and a walk, and fielded one routine ball to 3rd cleanly. Video shows the crowd applauded and Freeman obliged with a tip of the cap.

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On the face of it, this is not significant information. What is significant is that there isn’t any reporting of pain in the injured wrist. That’s significant for those who second guess his return this soon.

It’s also significant that this isn’t just a PR ploy. When news broke of Freeman moving to 3rd, Barrett Sallee, CFB guru for Bleacher Report, and someone who shares a cautious cynicism, I think, posited that the move could be to up Matt Adams’ trade value. Not only was it funny due to a cynicism from someone who covers sports nationally, but it also was incredibly plausible.

I was inclined to agree with him. Now, I’m not so sure. Freeman really is going to give it a go at 3rd. And I’m starting to think that through all of the “aww-shucks” and “take it one day at a time” stuff, Freeman really thinks he can do it.

If Freddie Freeman really is healthy, and if Freeman really is intent on moving to 3rd, and if Freddie Freeman is even average covering that line, with his bat, this move will pay dividends. Those are a lot of “ifs”, though.

With the stiffening of the schedule coming up, starting with the two game set with Houston, every little thing that can help is needed. But Freeman’s bat and presence aren’t small things. Both are game changers. Literally and figuratively.

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Again, that’s a lot of “ifs”…but, no matter how this turns out, we’ll be watching eagerly. And it’s been a long time since that could be said about the Atlanta Braves in July.