Braves News World

The Braves organization is once again eagerly working to win city approval to build a new $330-million stadium for the Richmond Braves in the Shockoe Bottom of downtown Richmond, Virginia. The team and development partner Global Development Partners LLC hope to secure approval within four to six months, begin construction in 2006 and open the park in 2008. Concerns remain over drainage problems in Shockoe Bottom that came to bear after flooding caused by Tropical Storm Gaston last August. However, the team and developer believe a drainage system solution can be formulated before construction begins.

After just two days of instruction, the Braves mysteriously abandoned their plan to transition super prospect Andy Marte to the outfield this winter. With Marte expected to be ready to make big contributions to the Braves in 2006, where does that leave Chipper Jones? He has stated publicly his desire to stay at third base. But it’s apparent that it’s more an issue of disliking the outfield than liking third base (perhaps the Braves could shift him to first base as was rumored last year before the switch back to third base; that would open up a whole other can of worms).

Chipper Jones will likely be under contract through 2008 as options in 2007 and 2008 automatically vest if he makes 450 plate appearances the prior season. Other options include moving Marte to first base or shortstop, trading Chipper (though he has a no-trade clause), or trading Marte (yikes!).