There’s a new leader in the clubhouse, and he’s Brian McCann
Brian McCann at work: A homer on Sunday, then another on Monday. (AP photo)
A torch has been passed. It wasn’t supposed to happen quite so soon, but a grab-and-whirl-and-throw one dark night in Houston revved the timetable. We’re seeing the team that for more than a decade has belonged to Larry Wayne Jones Jr. being shouldered by Brian Michael McCann.
On Sunday he hit the walk-off homer against Florida. (OK, actually a stop-at-second-and-wait-a-bit walk-off. Still counted.) On Monday he hoisted another home run, this one a no-doubter, and also dropped an actual bunt single against the Mets. Since the All-Star break, McCann is hitting .311 with 10 homers and 33 RBI’s, as opposed to .267 with 10 and 37 before it. And his team has needed every blessed hit.
The guy who has carried the Braves for more than a decade was lost to a torn knee ligament. The guy who carried them through May and into June, the stopgap Troy Glaus, has been dispatched to Class AAA. Jason Heyward is an undeniable presence — he had four hits and four RBI’s Monday night — but he’s also a rookie. With so much in flux this wild season, the Braves needed someone of both seasoning and gravitas to light the way. On cue, B-Mac has become the beacon.
It just isn’t that he’s the most accomplished Brave still standing; it’s that McCann has grown into his role in a way we weren’t always certain he would. He was considered the lesser of the famous Gwinnett duo when he arrived in 2005, the famous Jeff Francoeur being the shining light and Sports Illustrated star, and the younger McCann seemed disinclined to offer more than boilerplate responses to the media. Put simply, he didn’t act as if he wanted to be The Man.
But now he is, and he’s wearing it well. He’s more forthcoming, more of a spokesperson. Clearly he has learned from being around Chipper, whose locker sits just across the doorway at the far end of the clubhouse, that a player of such portfolio bears certain responsibilities off the field as well. Even before Chipper was lost, McCann had become the junior spokesman, and now he’s the senior man. Indeed, he’s the last healthy everyday Brave (meaning a non-pitcher) of uninterrupted tenure to have played when last this club graced the postseason.
“You’ve got to know your place,” said McCann, speaking after Monday’s walkaway victory. “When I first came up, mine was to show up on the field and keep my mouth shut and play the game … When you’re young, you’re supposed to be seen but keep quiet.”
And now? “As you get older, you feel a little more sure of yourself. And you can be a little more yourself with [the media].”
Evidence to the contrary, McCann isn’t ready to pronounce himself a leader. (He’s still just 26, we must note.) “We’ve got so many great players in here,” he said. “Derrek Lee has won a World Series. Tim Hudson has been a great pitcher. I’m still learning this game from them. I look up to those guys.”
That said, there’s no active Brave who commands more respect among his mates. McCann plays the toughest position, gets some of the biggest hits and stands now as the constant in a lineup that has undergone monthly alterations. Again, he doesn’t see it that way: “We’ve got Martin Prado and Jason Heyward and Omar Infante, who could win a batting title.”
The theme of this happy season has been that the Braves are a team of No Stars. But Brian McCann is a star. If these Braves play their way into the World Series, it’s McCann — whose bases-loaded double made the National League a winner and him the All-Star Game’s MVP — who ensured that it will commence at Turner Field. It’s McCann who stands as the finest catcher in his league, McCann who ranks with Minnesota’s Joe Mauer as the best in the business.
Someday this will be Jason Heyward’s team, perhaps in joint ownership with Freddie Freeman, but for now it belongs to the big man with the blond beard, the man who stepped up when the great Chipper Jones went down. It belongs to Brian McCann.
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297 comments Add your comment
Reggie
August 31st, 2010
4:39 am
If Mccann doesnt hit that homerun to beat the Marlins then this article isnt even written so what does that tell you? Im not even sure he’s the best catcher on the team i.e David Ross. The leader is Prado by far
Coolest in the Clutch
August 31st, 2010
6:39 am
.
————————–
Nesbitt for Heisman
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.
. . . . Tech to unveil Nesbitt Heisman campaign TODAY !
Brandon
August 31st, 2010
7:13 am
Tim Hudson was on that last playoff team as well. You said McCann is the last tenured player to be on that team
jarvis
August 31st, 2010
7:17 am
Good luck with that Nesbitt thing. Might as well have announced that McCann’s campaign for Heisman starts today. He’s about as likely to win it.
“If Mccann doesnt hit that homerun to beat the Marlins “……if the queen had balls she’d be the king. What’s your point?
Larry
August 31st, 2010
7:20 am
Chipper is not and was NEVER the team leader! First there was Terry Pendleton and David Justice, then Brian Jordan and Andres Gallaraga, and frankly other than perhaps Smoltz this team hasn’t had a true clubhouse leader in 10 seasons. McCann is not a natural leader but does lead by being productive and always in the lineup–something Chipper hasn’t been able to do for many years due to ingrown toenails, acid indigestion and and several hundred sore (fill in the blank)’s.
I believe both Marteen Prado and Brian McCann lead best by example. Both are solid, play hurt every day, and genuinely humble and grateful to be in the bigs.
jeffrey d
August 31st, 2010
7:48 am
Larry – how do you know what goes on in the Braves clubhouse? How do you know McCann is “not a natural leader”?
I’ve heard he’s quite the leader.
cattledawg
August 31st, 2010
8:05 am
I kinda feel like this is Infantes team.
Elliptical Logician
August 31st, 2010
8:06 am
Lowe’s elbow is barking; Braves called up KK yesterday. I’m betting that Bobby’s going to throw Tora Torakami in Lowe’s place in the rotation.
Brownie
August 31st, 2010
8:11 am
Many of you are missing the primary point of this article, which is that Mac is the new “leader” of this team. Too many negative comments about his weight, his defense, swinging too hard, etc.
Having said that, I do think he overswings too often, doesn’t have a really accurate arm throwing runners out, and is somewhat overweight….but….he is providing GREAT leadership where it counts: attitude and hard work.
He has been become more vocal, and his personality is perfect for what the Braves typically have looked for. They don’t want blow-hards or ego-maniacs.
Right now, you’d have to say Prado, Infante and Heyward are better ballplayers, but they aren’t team leaders…..YET. Future looks very strong for this team.
Dean
August 31st, 2010
8:19 am
Larry @ 0720:
Team “Leaders” don’t trot off the field in the middle of an inning because they disagreed with a manager’s decision NOT to throw at a batter. Ask T.P about that day. Bobby Cox obviously forgave him. I’ve never forgotten it.
Bailer
August 31st, 2010
8:20 am
This is suppose to be a fun page, and first thing some dumb a$$ is correcting the spelling of someones name. PLEASE!!!
Christopher Chance
August 31st, 2010
8:24 am
Mike…….your 2:08am post misses the point. To you and I……a $1 mil difference in salary over a 2 year period is a big difference. However when it comes to compensating Major Leaguers like McCann and Francoeur…..$1 mil isnt much of a difference at all.
My point all along is that for all the ripping that Francoeur got for turning down the Braves long term contract offer back in 2007…..he’s not that far behind McCann in compensation….despite not even coming close to being the hitter that McCann is.
In 2009 and 2010, McCann made $9.4 mil, while Francoeur made $8.375 mil. Is McCann only $1 mil the better ball player than Francoeur has been COMBINED over the past 2 years? Of course not. However, Francoeur is being compensated like he’s close to being on McCann’s level.
And like I said in my last post, McCann is due to make $6.5 mil in 2011. Given the Mets outfield situation…..if Francoeur has a decent September (which he could very well because he’ll be playing a lot and hitting against a bunch of September call-ups on non-contending teams)…..then he could very well be in line to surpass the $6.5 mil through arbitration that McCann is scheduled to make in 2011.
Now how fair is that? It just shows that when it came down to it, despite not coming close to being in McCann’s league as a player……..Francoeur’s gamble has turned out to not hurt him too much. He gambled on his ability showing that he’s worth a mega contract……instead, he’s getting Brian McCann money (even though he isnt producing like McCann).
Joey
August 31st, 2010
8:26 am
I agree, Larry, in that to be a leader, one must lead by example. Chipper has not set a good example in several ways. John Smoltz called him out in public about his penchant for sitting out games with his incredibly numerous “strains” and “pulls.”
His off-season (non-) conditioning has also been suspect by many, which is a shame when you consider that it is MLB that has enriched him beyond belief, not hunting and golfing.
I can think of no better leader of the Braves for the next decade than Mac. He’s not the best catcher in the majors, but he’s is one of the top 4 or 5. He’s tough. He’s got one sweet swing. And he comes across as a kid who is thankful to be playing a game for a living.
Christopher Chance
August 31st, 2010
8:31 am
As long as Brian McCann continues to rake at the plate……..then I can live with his defensive defencies.
He’s not the best “overall” catcher in baseball. However, he’s serviceable enough behind the plate where he can occasionally throw out a runner and from all reports, calls a good game behind the plate.
He is one of the worst catchers in baseball at blocking balls in the dirt (he relies on the back hand stop too much, instead of shifting his fat A$$ over to block the ball with his body). Plus his accuracy on nailing runners can be atrocious at times.
Still, he more than makes up for his bad defense with his ability to knock in runs and deliver the clutch hit. Knowing that, I can live with his defensive blunders from time to time. Other than Joe Mauer, I cant think of any other catch I’d rather have than Brian McCann.
Christopher Chance
August 31st, 2010
8:34 am
Also, too much is put on “being a leader”. Isnt that what the freaking manager is supposed to do?
I want players who can knock in runs and help the Braves win games. The 1977-1978 Yankees didnt exactly have great clubhouse chemistry, lol. However they managed to win the World Series both years.
Bottom line, production is what matters.
Scott W.
August 31st, 2010
8:35 am
I love how Braves fans can be critical about something no matter what.
Ozzy
August 31st, 2010
8:47 am
It is all new faces in the braves lineup even if you go back only 3 years. Brian Mccann is the most senior hitter in the lineup, so yes he should be a leader.
Shannon
August 31st, 2010
8:53 am
Well said.
coach smith
August 31st, 2010
8:55 am
This team is going to belong to McCann, Heyward, and Freeman for the next TEN YEARS!
Throw in Hanson, Medlen, Minor, Jurjens and man oh man what a core of players you have!!!!!!!!!
papadawg
August 31st, 2010
8:56 am
I’m just glad the Braves didn’t leave their Heart in Colorado. Friday night was scary bur then they buffed up and got back on track
Mark Bradley
August 31st, 2010
8:57 am
You’re right, Brandon. I was wrong about that.
Carlton
August 31st, 2010
9:05 am
Can we kick out the people that say “first” or that don’t have anything relevant to say like Willy up top….Thanks.
Steve-o
August 31st, 2010
9:10 am
Mark,
Any chance that you could convince the powers-that-be to allow comments on the game recap articles? One of the reasons you receive so many comments (besides the fact that your columns are so interesting, of course!) is that we can’t comment on the game articles… which is kind of aggravating, especially on those days when we fans want to vent/comment and there’s not a corresponding column, so we have to just gripe to ourselves!
Navigator
August 31st, 2010
9:16 am
McCann came here with much less fan fare that his best friend, who was the talk of the town. The pros exact a different kind requirement, both preparation and effort, but never let the opposition find a flaw that can be exploited. Frenchy couldn’t get beyond his natural athletic ability and McCann went to work make himself a better hitter and better catcher (5 straight all star appearances). Frenchy has never gotten to the point where he learns to change and adapt, a lesson in two approaches, one successful and the other not.
Mike Jay
August 31st, 2010
9:18 am
Very few catchers handle pitchers and call a game as well is Mac. If you are going to mention his defensive shortcomings (which i think are overblown) than you have to mention that as well. They are equally important. About him being Fat….? Really? He’s a catcher!
rudy
August 31st, 2010
9:21 am
the phillies lost!!!!!hehe
Ralph
August 31st, 2010
9:27 am
How about a rotation next year of: Hudson
JJ
Minor
Hanson
Scott Redman
Ryan
August 31st, 2010
9:32 am
I don’t think anyone has mentioned one of McCann’s best qualities, and something that does show leadership is his interaction with the umpires and opposing players. I think personality wise he is very likeable and handles items that need to be addressed with rsepect. This can only help when it comes to umpires calling a game, even if it’s subiminal. Just look at how McClellan smirked before he twirled his finger.
Dean doesn't know
August 31st, 2010
9:36 am
Yes, Dean, team leaders do walk off the field. If someone is not going to have your back why should you have theirs.
Jesse Stone
August 31st, 2010
9:39 am
Team leaders play, they don’t quit. If they have a beef with a teammate, they take care of it in private.
rekingball
August 31st, 2010
9:40 am
What was the name of the umpire, that would not give McCann a timeout when he was batting last year, and McCann stood outside of the batter’s box after the ump told him to get back in? The pitcher threw a pitch and it was called strike 2, while McCann was still standing outside of the box, looking at the umpire.
Keith
August 31st, 2010
9:43 am
Not a nicer guy that Mccann, and he and Jhey seem to be heating up at the right time.
Go BRAVES!
kjonz
August 31st, 2010
9:43 am
Good article, Mark…how about a follow-up sometime comparing McCann with Johnny Bench and other HoF catchers at similar points in their careers? And another suggestion…how about an article on how likely the Braves are to have another multi-year playoff run, given the strength of the present lineup, plus the good prospects?
Ralph
August 31st, 2010
9:43 am
Can someone tell me what is the maximum number of players can be added to the roster tomorrow?
Bat Masterson
August 31st, 2010
9:44 am
Francoeur’s gamble has turned out to not hurt him too much. He gambled on his ability showing that he’s worth a mega contract……instead, he’s getting Brian McCann money (even though he isnt producing like McCann).
The Mets may be stupid but they are not that stupid. Jeff will me DFA’d and will be lucky to make half as much next year. Turning down the Braves offer will almost certainly cost Jeff F 20 million dollars.
Keith
August 31st, 2010
9:44 am
Re: Ryan.
Great point, Ryan!! When is the last time you’ve seen an umpire act giddy when giving the homerun call? I guess that was a special case, so the ump was excited to be in the first ever game-ending homerun via instant replay.
But I say it’s more about BMAC than about the historical nature of the call.
What say you Bradley?
Jesse Stone
August 31st, 2010
9:45 am
The Mets have their 3 outfielders for next year. Why would they keep Frenchie???
rekingball
August 31st, 2010
9:45 am
I don’t remember, ever seeing a player getting mad, and walking off the field, away from his position, in the middle of an inning, like Pendelton did, and I have watched a lot of ball games.
This week's theme in college football: Seeing who's suspended | Mark Bradley
August 31st, 2010
9:47 am
[...] than the rack rate, at the Whitney. Steve Spurrier told Neil White of The State on Tuesday: “We haven’t heard anything [from the NCAA]. We should hear something this week. They usually tell you before the first [...]
collegeballfan
August 31st, 2010
9:50 am
Re Heyward. I said from day one that if Heyward could match Chipper’s 1995 rookie year he would be a rousing success.
Here is the report card to date:
Name…Games…Aver…RBI…Runs…HR
Jones…140…..265…86….87….23..
H’ward..111…..278…67….72….16..
So far looks like a rousing success.
Mark Bradley
August 31st, 2010
9:51 am
Teams can suit up as many as 40 men in September, Ralph, although no team ever does.
Headley Lamar
August 31st, 2010
10:01 am
Scully was in good form last night. Sure wish the kid would have got the no-hitter.
GT Alum
August 31st, 2010
10:02 am
Where’s McFann? She would love this article.
DirtyByrd ATL
August 31st, 2010
10:07 am
Awesome Mark, & GO BRAVES!!!!
Ryan
August 31st, 2010
10:08 am
Career Stats
McCann Vs. Mauer
AB’s 2500 3000
Average .291 .327
OPS .855 .891
RBI’s 458 466
HR’s 109 80
Didn’t realize Mac had him beat in HR’s and almost tied in RBI’s with 500 fewer career AB’s.
ATLfan15
August 31st, 2010
10:15 am
Mark Bradley, that was a GREAT article! McCann deserves the kudos. As for you naysayers, I have one name for you: Corky Miller. Let that sink in….still wanna complain about B-Mac?
I
August 31st, 2010
10:40 am
Finally, BMc is getting some respect. Sadly, this morning on MLB on XM, Dibble said this was Heyward’s team. Of course, consider the source, but no mention of Mc. Maybe we need a PR campaign like the Heisman to get the word out that he’s the real deal.
Ross
August 31st, 2010
10:43 am
kjonz – Bench was around 50 percent throwing out runners if you subtract his last two years. Pudge Rod did 60 one year in the late 90s. McCann is at 30 (Ross is 35). Braves are dead last in the NL at catcher errors made and catcher fielding percentage.
As someone pointed out, this could be absorbed if he produced at the plate (hit .300/25/100) but he’s inconsistent there because he thinks he’s Gary Carter when he’s really just McCann. When he deforms his natural swing trying to hit jacks, he looks awful and it shows in the numbers.
Choppin' 4 Life
August 31st, 2010
10:48 am
Great article MB.
“I” Dibble is a moron.
Scoots
August 31st, 2010
10:49 am
MB – Is McCann really a ‘new’ leader? I seem to remember one of you AJC guys – not sure if it was you or O’Brien – writing about this same thing last year.
Not being critical – I just assumed he’d been the clubhouse leader the last 2 seasons.