ATLANTA — Since Brian McCann's first full season in the majors back in 2006, he's proven to be one of the best offensive catchers in baseball. He leads all catchers in with 158 home runs and 598 RBI over that span, becoming a focal point of his hometown team's offense while hitting.279/.352/.481. In terms of value, only Twins catcher Joe Mauer bests him in wins above replacement.
So, after a 2012 season diminished by injuries (and the emergence of Evan Gattis, who could very well be his future replacement), it's refreshing to see McCann has returned to form through the first 87 big-league plate appearances following shoulder surgery.
McCann's power is back (9.3 home runs per at-bat) and he is hitting .280/.368/.573 — all better than his career numbers. He's starting to look like a five-time Silver Slugger again.
And Monday night, he capped his fast start with his second major career "counting" milestone: 1,000 hits. Afterwards, he acknowledged both the magnitude of the accomplishment and the fact that he did it with his hometown team. In turn, the Chopcast team discusses McCann's career, potential Braves All-Stars and more. Here are the highlights:
-- Cory McCartney, who was on the scene Monday at Turner Field, talks about the lasting images from the night that was for McCann. Were there enough people on hand for the milestone?
-- Should McCann embrace the "next step" in his career, even look forward to being a potential designated hitter in the American League next season?
-- What could his final numbers end up looking like?
-- Mathematically speaking, how difficult will it be for the Washington Nationals and Philadelphia Phillies to catch the Braves in the NL East?
-- Could one of the most dominant teams in baseball end up with only two or three All-Stars? Is that the M.O. of Atlanta this season, anyways? Who is in and who is out on an All-Star ballot consisting of Brian McCann, Evan Gattis, Andrelton Simmons, Freddie Freeman, Chris Johnson, Justin Upton, Mike Minor and Craig Kimbrel?
