All-Time Atlanta Braves Team: Position Players

The sports editor at The Gainesville Times is doing a "State of the Franchise" piece each week, which looks at the Atlanta Braves current roster and players in the minors and giving each position a grade. This got me thinking, as long as the Braves have been around, who are the greatest to wear the the red and blue? Here is my starting lineup. The pitching staff will be up within the next week.

Catcher- The Braves currently have what will be the best catcher in franchise history. Let us not forget Javy Lopez and Joe Torre were Braves catchers too, but when Brian McCann hangs up his cleats his numbers will match up against some of the best all time. The local Georgia kid just received his first starting spot in the All-Star game but has been 5 times previously, including a walk-off hit for the NL in 2010. Keep watching him. He is the biggest offensive threat on the Braves current roster and at this pace is a shoo-in hall of famer.

1st Base- Not a whole lot of history for the Braves at first base. The sentimental favorite may be Andres Galarraga, who won MLB Comeback Player of the Year after his successful return to baseball after cancer treatments. But before "The Big Cat" there was the "Crime Dog," Fred McGriff. McGriff was a staple on the Braves teams that won division title after division title. He ranks 26th all-time in HRs and has more than 1,500 RBIs.

2nd Base- His numbers may not be the strongest out of all the candidates for this team, but Mark Lemke was there time and time again during the string of division titles. Marcus Giles was the most powerful 2B in Braves history, but "The Lemmer" is a lifetime Brave and played in 4 World Series for the the Braves which means he was bring something in the clubhouse. He now works with the Braves Radio Network, which gives him extra points.

3rd Base- Larry Wayne "Chipper" Jones will go down as the second greatest switch hitter, behind Mickey Mantle, when he retires. Another lifetime Brave, was the first overall pick in the 1993 draft and has not disappointed. The 1999 NL MVP and 7 time all-star has an above .300 lifetime batting average, 2,500 hits and 1,500 RBIs. The late Eddie Matthews was hard to pick against with almost 550 HRs and time spent as Braves manager.

Shortstop- Traditionally, SS is not a power hitting position and this lineup will be no different. Rafael Furcal played 6 years in Atlanta before going to the Dodgers. The 2000 rookie of the year was a contact hitter and one of my favorite players to watch when he played with the Braves. He also could change the game with his speed, averaging 31 stolen bases in Atlanta including two seasons of more than 40.

The choices get much harder when we get to the OF...
Outfield- No question here who is number one. Any all-time team for the Braves has to include one player under any circumstances. The Henry "Hank" Aaron. The all-time home run champ, I remember Barry Bonds and am not quite ready to see the title out of Atlanta. The 25-time all-star (yes, 25) has 3,700 hits and holds MLB records for RBIs, total bases, extra base hits, and 17 consecutive seasons with more than 150 hits. His statistics are truly amazing and he is one of the greatest to ever play. He still active in the Atlanta community and involved in the organization.

Outfield- The best player to not be in the hall of fame comes next, Dale Murphy. Murphy has his #3 retired by the Braves for his contributions, 398 HRs and 1,266 RBIs. The 7-time all-star won two NL MVPs, 5 Gold Gloves and 4 Silver Slugger Awards. It is hard to believe a player of his caliber is not in the HOF yet, but he did make it to my All-Time Atlanta Braves Team, as he should for anyone doing a similar list.

Outfield- I watched my last outfielder bat last night for the Yankees and I was sad to see how much he has fallen since he has left the Dirty South, but during his prime he was one of the greatest power hitters in the game, Andruw Jones. He was also the greatest defensive OF over a 11 year career and won 10 consecutive Gold Gloves while in Atlanta. Jones also homered in his first two at bats in the 1996 World Series. Becoming the youngest player ever to homer in the World Series. (I also have his rookie card so I want his legend status to be HUGE.)

I would take my Braves all-time team against any "all-time franchise" team, including the Yankees, in a 7 game series. If you think the lineup is a solid group wait until you see the pitching staff, which has always been the Braves bread and butter. I am working on that list and again, will have it up within the next week.

Strongest Arms in Arkansas

At The Gainesville Times we do not get too many opportunities to do stories on Arkansas athletes so I thought I would spread the word via my personal outlets.

The strongest right arm in Arkansas

These are pictures of my cousin Michael Smith at the 2011 Arkansas Arm Wrestling State Championships. I am glad he married into the family because I am not sure I could keep this family tradition going. I like to think I am going for a "leaner" look instead of the "massive and cut" look.

He is a multiple time state champ in the Heavyweight (243 lb. & up) and Overall divisions and he continued to have success this year. His right arm is again the strongest in the state and on the other side of his body is the second strongest left arm in Arkansas. Unbelievable. I thought these pictures were pretty impressive too. I can't wait to get back to Arkansas and challenge the big guy.

Taking out the left arm is no small feat (literally)