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
blh
August 31st, 2010
10:49 am
Thanks, Mark. This article gave me cold chills. GO BRAVES!!!!!
ahs24
August 31st, 2010
10:51 am
Prado as team leader?! I love the guy, don’t get me wrong. He’s done great things. But think about it, people. Prado speaks “pretty good” English, but how is that going to cut it everyday with the media? Sure B-Mac doesn’t always make stellar defensive plays, but David Ross can’t match McCann at the plate. Production is only part of being a leader. Chipper didn’t win a batting title every year but he was a leader.
McCann is a leader because he is a presence on and off the field. Guys look up to him and look to him. He’s great with interacting with the media. From all accounts I’ve heard, he’s a pretty nice guy. I don’t want to see Chipper go. He’s been my favorite player for years. If and when he leaves, McCann is certainly the guy I want to try to fill his shoes.
McFann ♥ ;Ô; ♥ ;Ô; ♥
August 31st, 2010
10:52 am
Great article, Mr. Bradley! BMac is definitely a fine leader—I remember last year MattE was quoted as saying that there was no doubt that Brian was to be the new leader of the team.
Great quotes, too…love the humility of guys like McCann, Prado, and Heyward. It’s not that phony modesty—it’s genuine.
McFann ♥ ;Ô; ♥ ;Ô; ♥
August 31st, 2010
10:58 am
I’m not even gonna acknowledge the negativeness of some people…I get so friggin’ tired of that group of people that rags him for anything they cann get their grubby little hands on. Bet if he didn’t tie his shoes with a double-knot they’d call him out…
LOVED McClellend’s reaction to the Home Run Call! That was great…I could watch that replay all day long, and it would never get old. Replay’s not such a bad thing after all.
Ross
August 31st, 2010
11:05 am
Jeezus H McFann, have some self respect, this is baseball, not Tiger Beat Magazine.
glove51
August 31st, 2010
11:09 am
Very nice piece today, Mark.
McFann ♥ ;Ô; ♥ ;Ô; ♥
August 31st, 2010
11:09 am
Tiger Beat Magazine…that’s funny. My Mom used to get that when it had articles about the Partridge Family.
Ross
August 31st, 2010
11:18 am
Well OK – I know you just LUUUUUV McCann but the numbers are cruel. He’s not a good defensive catcher. Since this just requires practice and concentration, it’s hard to see any leadership qualities emerging there.
What's Important
August 31st, 2010
11:47 am
Hey Ross, try going to bed earlier, maybe then you won’t be such an a–h-le.
Trey
August 31st, 2010
11:48 am
McFann!!!! Wow, she is on another article than DOB for once!!!
jayvee
August 31st, 2010
11:51 am
I don’t think we should read TOO much into the platitudes these guys spew about how great their teammates are. It looks good in print, and probably helps maintain morale, but, c’mon, they sound like broken records, spouting the same attaboys. They get it from Bobby, from whom is seldom heard a discouraging word. It’s far better than what you see or hear from a fractious team, but there are 25 guys on the team, and a lot of coaches and ancillary personnel. You know some of them can’t stand some of the others. I think McCann is a great leader, an overachieving Everyman, someone who truly makes the most of his talents. I think Prado and Infante are fabulously underrated. It’s a joy to watch them play. I think the real man in this clubhouse is Billy Wagner. Wish he weren’t going to retire.
B-Mac
August 31st, 2010
11:53 am
I want to thank my friend Frenchy for making this all possible. Because he went from being the Poster Boy to the goat!
somebody
August 31st, 2010
11:54 am
No, no no! It will ALWAYS be Chipper’s team!
Rey
August 31st, 2010
12:01 pm
Sorry…I think Prado is the real leader on this team. He’s not only a gamer, but challenges everyone around him to elevate their game.
Christopher Chance
August 31st, 2010
12:15 pm
Jesse Stone…….your 9:45am post failed to mention that Carlos Beltran’s knee is still giving him problems. Also, Jason Bay’s status for the beginning of 2011 is far from certain.
So knowing that, the Mets will more than likely offer Francoeur arbitration. Despite Francoeur’s short comings…….he plays everyday, has a strong throwing arm. and is a fan favorite with the NY fans…..as well as stays out of trouble (which has been an issue with other Met players).
Not only will Francoeur get arbitration, he’ll be in line to make AT LEAST $7 mil in 2011………..which will be more than McCann’s $6.5 mil 2011 salary.
If anything, it shows that McCann was foolish to take that contract. As a Braves fan, I’m glad that he did because it’s a payroll friendly contract that will allow the Braves to help offset the tens of millions wasted on Chipper, Lowe, McLouth and Kawakami.
McFann ♥ ;Ô; ♥ ;Ô; ♥
August 31st, 2010
12:16 pm
Trey–
I thought it was time to branch out.
Trey
August 31st, 2010
12:20 pm
McFann, good job, or is this just because it is a McCann article?
papadawg
August 31st, 2010
12:20 pm
Have we ever had a leader in the clubhouse. Chipper has said before he wasn’t a leader and I can’t really recall anybody stepping up
Trey
August 31st, 2010
12:22 pm
papadawg, Glavine was a clubhouse leader, so was Smoltz. Chipper never claimed leadership, because he is so modest, but I considered him as a leader.
Christopher Chance
August 31st, 2010
12:26 pm
McFann……….I’m a fan of McCann. However that does not preclude me (or any other fan) from being critical of him. Being critical of someone doesnt have to be a bad thing.
Upon hearing criticism, a person will either get mad or feel insecure……..or he’ll use it as motivation and insight to improve his short comings.
McCann simply rakes at the plate. He bats for a decent average and has a good walk/strikeout ration. He hits for power and has a knack for clutch hits.
What concerns me is his defense. Games tighten up in the play-offs. Errors on defense become more magnified. McCann has a propensity to air mail throws into the outfield, whether throwing it to second or third. Also, relying on the back hand scoop…..instead of shifting his body over to block wild pitches……could very well cost the Braves a close game in the play-offs.
Still, other than Joe Mauer, there isnt a catcher I’d rather have than McCann. I just would love to see him improve his defense where he can be the undisputed best catcher in baseball…….which would help make the Braves an even better team.
Fischerking04
August 31st, 2010
12:30 pm
“He’s not a good defensive catcher. Since this just requires practice and concentration, it’s hard to see any leadership qualities emerging there.”—Ross
Unless DAVID ROSS wrote this, then it has to be one of the most outlandish assumptions I have seen for quite some time. My guess is this Ross more along the athletic ability of Ross the Intern.
Jesse Stone
August 31st, 2010
12:36 pm
Christopher Chance- 2011 baseball season is seven months away. Beltran is on the field now and Bay will be ready in SEVEN MONTHS. Given the bad contracts that Minaya has doled out (Castillo, Perez, Bay, K-Rod) I think the Wilpons will scrutinize any deal they give to an outfielder that is not starting quality.
Jason Bay won’t be ready in 7 months? That’s ridiculous.
Steve-o
August 31st, 2010
12:42 pm
Prado might be co-leader- a fiery competitor who seems like a great teammate. Whether or not he’s having a good game, he ethusiastically cheers on and supports his teammates. As for the person above who knocked him for only speaking “pretty good” English… well, I think his English is fine. I think it says a lot about his character that he was willing to be a translator for Infante in a post-game interview a while back. The doofus interviewer kept asking painfully long questions, which Prado spent about a minute conscientiously translating for his teammate.
Jesse Stone
August 31st, 2010
12:45 pm
Christopher Chance- I don’t think that even Omar Minaya will give a contract extension to Francouer. Omar gave out some bad contracts (Bay, Castillo, Perez, K-Rod) and I’m betting the Wilpons do not want to see what has become a 4th outfielder given that kind of money. The Mets would rather go with Chris Carter as a fill-in.
2011 baseball season is SEVEN MONTHS AWAY and you don’t think Bay will be ready by then? Beltran is clearly not 100%, but he is on the field. You don’t think he will be ready in SEVEN MONTHS? You are reaching.
Trey
August 31st, 2010
12:46 pm
Troy Palomalu’s hair is worth one million dollars.
Trey
August 31st, 2010
12:47 pm
Woops, spelled his last name wrong.
Jesse Stone
August 31st, 2010
12:54 pm
Jeff Francoeur- BA 236///OBP 293///SLG% 369///OPS 663. You think he will get a raise in NY?
McFann ♥ ;Ô; ♥ ;Ô; ♥
August 31st, 2010
1:02 pm
Trey or is this just because it is a McCann article?
Um…well…that’s a big part of it.
Christopher Chance–
I didn’t say anything (did I?)! People always seem to feel like they have to explain BMac’s defense to me…I know about his shortcomings! Just get sick of reading about them all the time…sheesh…
McCann has a propensity to air mail throws into the outfield, whether throwing it to second or third. Also, relying on the back hand scoop…..instead of shifting his body over to block wild pitches……could very well cost the Braves a close game in the play-offs.
His been way more accurate with his throwing this year…and yes yes, the backhand thing cann get annoying, but did you see those two blocks last night? Beautiful…and he’s had many more, but unfortunately they don’t give a stat for actual blocks.
Christopher Chance
August 31st, 2010
1:04 pm
Jesse Stone………….Chris Carter is nothing but a 4th outfielder at best. Also, if Beltran continues to struggle, then Angel Pagan will have to play center. Of the Mets outfielders, other than Pagan, only Jeff Francoeur has the arm to play right field.
Also, I never said that the Mets were going to give Francoeur an extension. I said that they would offer him salary arbitration (meaning that he gets a 1 year contract). The Mets are not going to non-tender him……….which if anything is not so much a reflection of Francoeur’s abilities………as it is on the sad state that the Mets’ roster is in.
McFann ♥ ;Ô; ♥ ;Ô; ♥
August 31st, 2010
1:07 pm
Why do people always feel the need to explain BMac defensive shortcomings to me? I know they’re there for the love of Pete! I just get sick of reading about them all the time…and some people take the thing WAY too far…
CC McCann has a propensity to air mail throws into the outfield, whether throwing it to second or third. Also, relying on the back hand scoop…..instead of shifting his body over to block wild pitches……could very well cost the Braves a close game in the play-offs.
He’s been much more accurate with his throwing this year. And yes, yes, the backhand thing cann be annoying, but did you see those blocks last night? Beautiful…and he’s had many more! Unfortunately, they don’t give a stat for actual blocks.
McFann ♥ ;Ô; ♥ ;Ô; ♥
August 31st, 2010
1:07 pm
CC McCann has a propensity to air mail throws into the outfield, whether throwing it to second or third. Also, relying on the back hand scoop…..instead of shifting his body over to block wild pitches……could very well cost the Braves a close game in the play-offs.
He’s been much more accurate with his throwing this year. And yes, yes, the backhand thing cann be annoying, but did you see those blocks last night? Beautiful…and he’s had many more! Unfortunately, they don’t give a stat for actual blocks.
McFann ♥ ;Ô; ♥ ;Ô; ♥
August 31st, 2010
1:08 pm
Why do people always feel the need to explain BMac defensive shortcomings to me? I know they’re there for the love of Pete! I just get sick of reading about them all the time…and some people take the thing WAY too far…
McFann ♥ ;Ô; ♥ ;Ô; ♥
August 31st, 2010
1:08 pm
CC–
He’s been much more accurate with his throwing this year. And yes, yes, the backhand thing cann be annoying, but did you see those blocks last night? Beautiful…and he’s had many more! Unfortunately, they don’t give a stat for actual blocks.
McFann ♥ ;Ô; ♥ ;Ô; ♥
August 31st, 2010
1:09 pm
CC–
He’s been much more accurate with his throwing this year. And yes, yes, the backhand thing cann be annoying, but made many good blocks this year. Unfortunately, they don’t give a stat for actual blocks.
McFann ♥ ;Ô; ♥ ;Ô; ♥
August 31st, 2010
1:10 pm
There…it posted…good lord…
Trey–
Well, that was part of it.
Trey
August 31st, 2010
1:10 pm
McFann, don’t worry about everyone getting to you, he is a good player with flaws like everyone else.
Trey
August 31st, 2010
1:11 pm
McFann, this is the blog that Sonny loves to write. Well this blog and Jeff Schultz.
Christopher Chance
August 31st, 2010
1:13 pm
Jesse Stone……….because of the plethora of September call-ups who’ll be pitching for teams out of contention………there’s a good chance that Francoeur will have a good September…which could very well make some of his power numbers look “decent”.
The raise that Francouer will be due has little to do with how well his 2010 went. Arbitration will determine his salary. Why do you think that the Braves cut Kelly Johnson last year? Because even though he SUCKED A$$ in 2009, he was in line to get awarded well over $3 mil for 2010.
The thing that many of you forget is that arbitration factors in the fact that players are underpaid during their first 3 years in the league.
Christopher Chance
August 31st, 2010
1:17 pm
The reason why I’m critical of McCann when it comes to his defensive short comings because I feel that those are things that he can work on. The backhanded stop that he does instead of shifting his body over is something that he can correct with effort.
I believe that McCann has the ability to become a better catcher. However, just because I’m a fan does not mean that I can be critical of him when it is justly deserved.
Trey
August 31st, 2010
1:21 pm
McFann, you should come on these blogs more often. Bradley and Schultz are very good with this and they do know the game.
McFann ♥ ;Ô; ♥ ;Ô; ♥
August 31st, 2010
1:30 pm
CC just because I’m a fan does not mean that I can be critical of him when it is justly deserved.
You do realize that I could take that and run with it, don’t you?
He does work on his defense. Hey, I understand people being critical of some things, but what I get tired of is people just going on and on about how awful he is without acknowledging when he does make good plays or that he has improved over past years. And they always talk to me as if I know nothing about his defensive pitfalls…I know they’re there, OK? He works on it, and Ross and the coaches work with him, too. Don’t accuse him of not making an effort.
Trey–
I’ll try to pop in more frequently.
I do read their stuff every now and then, I just don’t post that much.
McFann ♥ ;Ô; ♥ ;Ô; ♥
August 31st, 2010
1:31 pm
Trey don’t worry about everyone getting to you, he is a good player with flaws like everyone else.
I know…I tried to let it slide. That lasted all of 10 minutes, eh?
LuvdaBraves
August 31st, 2010
1:35 pm
FIRST! Oh wait, more like 51st! Mark B what did I win?? Awesome game last night. I wish broadcasters would shut up about the lacking attendance at Tropicana Field (have you ever been there? I have, and T-Field makes that place look like a Truck Stop Men’s room) and Turner Field. In this economic recession, I can’t drive 4 hours round trip to attend a 7pm game and be at work the next morning at 7am. I’ve been to 6 Braves games already this year, and will be attending two more. We can’t all be wealthy socailites that live in Atlanta. See you in the Upper Box section for Cards and Phillies! Go Braves!
Trey
August 31st, 2010
1:35 pm
McFann, I come on here a lot, so I can see the banter of Bradley and Clusters banters. I also enjoy the articles!! People were asking Bradley if he was going to transfer and I hope that does not happen. Bradley, Schultz and DOB are what make AJC great. So did Bischer, but sadly he retired, then went somewhere else.
Trey
August 31st, 2010
1:36 pm
Well I didn’t need to say so I can see the banter, as I said baters at the end!
McFann ♥ ;Ô; ♥ ;Ô; ♥
August 31st, 2010
1:40 pm
Trey–
Yeah, the baseball section is about all this paper has going for it!
Trey
August 31st, 2010
1:41 pm
McFann, the AJC is amazing, even the other sections! I used to love getting the Sunday papers just to read the comics.
McFann ♥ ;Ô; ♥ ;Ô; ♥
August 31st, 2010
1:43 pm
Trey–
Ah, yes, the comics are good, too!
Phillies, Class of the NL
August 31st, 2010
1:44 pm
McCann is not the best catcher in the NL East, let alone the NL – when you understand a catcher’s role in the baseball game, and don’t just blindly look at stats, you realize that Chooch Ruiz is, by far, the best catcher in the NL
Trey
August 31st, 2010
1:45 pm
Now they just need a Clusters blog.