Talking Chop

This week we recieved the unfortunate news that Freddie Freeman's thumb injury would prevent him from continuing to compete in the Arizona Fall League. But, Freddie should be healded up in time for 2011 Spring Training and ready to earn a job as Atlanta's starting first baseman. The Braves had some other hot hitters out in the AFL, as outfielder Cory Harrilchak (who turns 23 today) collected a hit in all 5 games he played in, going 10-19 with a doulbe, a homer, 3 RBI, 3 walks, and 2 stolen bases. Second baseman Tyler Pastornicky only played in 3 games, going 3-13 with a triple and 2 RBI. Gory Gearrin conitnues to be successful out of the Desert Dogs bullpen, tossing 5 scoreless innings over 2 appearances this week, allowing just 1 hit and 2 walks while striking out 3. He has yet to allow a run in the AFL. In 1 start, Erik Cordier tossed 2.2 shutout innings, striking out 3 while walking 4 and allowing 3 hits. Michael Broadway didn't fare as well in his 2 relief appearances, allowing 3 runs over 2.1 innings, giving up 7 hits in the process.

Down in Mexico, outfielder Matt Young stayed hot for Navojoa, going 11-20 with 2 homers, 4 RBI and a stolen base. Teammate Tim Gustafson was roughed up in his lone start this week, allowing 7 runs in 7 innings, giving up 10 hits and 2 walks while striking out 4. Jason Lowey allowed 1 run in 2.2 innings over 2 appearances for the Mayos, giving up 3 hits and striking out 4. First baseman Barbaro Canizares joined rival team Yaquis de Obregon and picked up where he left off in Gwinnett, going 5-9 with 3 RBI in 2 games.

The Dominican Winter League started up and Jairo Asencio, formerly known as Luis Valdez, got his first work all season, picking up a save in 1 appearance for Este, allowing 1 unearned run while giving up a hit and a walk. First baseman Mauro Gomez is also playing for Este, and went 4-6 with a double, a homer, and 2 RBI in his first 3 games. Diory Hernandez is trying to make up for missed at bats this season by playing for Escogido, and the rust hasn't shown as he's going 3-8 with a doulbe in his first 2 games. Mariano Gomez gave up 1 run in 0.2 innings for Cibao in his lone appearance.

In Venezuela, Luis Avilan made 2 appearances for Lara, allowing 2 runs in 1.2 innings, giving up 2 hits and 1 walk while striking out 2. In Puerto Rico, catcher Orlando Mercado went 1-6 in 2 games for Carolina.