It’s about time for the national media to start recognizing 26-year old lefty swinging Brian McCann as one of the best catchers in all of baseball. He has played in 115 games for the Braves this year and he is 108 of 384 (.281 avg, .873 OPS) with 54 runs scored, 19 homers, 70 RBIs and 5 stolen bases. McCann has now played in 726 games in his six years with the Braves and he is 731 of 2,507 (.292 avg, .857 OPS) with 317 runs scored, 110 homers, 459 RBIs and 17 stolen bases. If the Braves are going to hold off the Philadelphia Phillies a big reason will be the play of Brian McCann.

26-year old righty swinging 2B Martin Prado has returned from the D.L. but he’s moving to 2B with Omar Infante staying at 2B. Prado has played in 102 games for the Braves this year and he is 141 of 443 (.318 avg, .847 OPS) with 78 runs scored, 13 homers, 45 RBIs and 4 stolen bases. It is very smart of the Braves to move Prado to 3B as he should be able to replace Chipper Jones without much of an issue. This also allows the Braves to play Omar Infante, a N.L. all-star everyday at 2B.

The Braves are sending OF Jason Heyward, 2B Martin Prado, C Brian McCann, IF/OF Omar Infante and P Tim Hudson to the All-Star Game. Rookie outfielder Jason Heyward was elected by the fans so he will be one of the starting outfielders if his thumb is o.k. He has played in 71 games for the Braves this season and he is 64 of 255 (.251 avg, .821 OPS) with 41 runs scored, 11 homers, 45 RBIs and 5 stolen bases. 26-year old righty swinging 2B Martin Prado will replace Utley in the starting lineup. Prado has played in 81 games for the Braves so far this season and he is 116 of 346 (.335 avg, .854 OPS) with 57 runs scored, 7 homers, 36 RBIs and 4 stolen bases. This is Prado’s first All-Star Game and he definitely deserves to start the game. 26-year old lefty swinging catcher Brian McCann will be a reserve this season despite playing far better than the guy the fans picked (Yadier Molina). McCann has played in 70 games this season for the Braves and he is 62 of 234 (.265 avg, .830 OPS) with 38 runs scored, 10 homers, 34 RBIs and 3 stolen bases. McCann will be making his fifth All-Star appearance. Omar Infante was a shocking pick for the All-Star Game as he’s not a full time starter for the Braves. Infante has played in 57 games for the Braves this year and he is 51 of 165 (.309 avg, .717 OPS) with 23 runs scored, 1 homer, 22 RBIs and 3 stolen bases. Infante can play everywhere but pitcher, catcher and 1B and that versatility likely is what got him on the All-Star Team for the first time in his career. 34-year old righty starting pitcher Tim Hudson is rewarding the Braves for their faith in him. He has started 17 games for the Braves this year and he is 8-4 with a 2.44 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP. He has only given up 90 hits in 114 1/3 innings this season as he has come back strong from injury. This is Hudson’s third All-Star Game appearance. Look for the Braves to have a big say in which team has home field advantage in the World Series.

C David Ross, infielders Omar Infante & Brooks Conrad and outfielder Eric Hinske have each been a big part of the Braves’ succes this season. They have given starting players a rest without Bobby Cox having to worry about much, if any, drop in production at the plate. Hinske has been providing a lot of punch filling in at the corner outfield spots for the Braves this year. He has played in 57 games for the Braves this year and he is 40 of 130 (.308 avg, .923 OPS) with 23 runs scored, 5 homers and 25 RBIs. Omar Infante can play any position on the infield except 1B and he can also handle CF in a pinch. He has also been thumping the baseball whenever his name is on the lineup card. He has played in 46 games for the Braves this year and he is 43 of 138 (.312 avg, .733 OPS) with 20 runs scored, 1 homer, 16 RBIs and 3 stolen bases. Brooks Conrad has really provided a power stick at 3B whenever Chipper Jones needs a day off. He has played in 44 games for the Braves this year and he is 14 of 55 (.255 avg, .814 OPS) with 13 runs scored, 3 homers, 12 RBIs and 3 stolen bases. David Ross continues to produce behind Brian McCann at catcher. He has played in 25 games for the Braves this season and he is 17 of 58 (.293 avg, .794 OPS) with 8 runs scored and 15 RBIs. The bench has been a key to the recent success of the Braves and they hope this gang keeps up the good work.

33-year old righty swinging catcher David Ross is turning into one of the better backup catchers in baseball. He has played in 24 games for the Braves this year and he is 17 of 57 (.298 avg, .806 OPS) with 8 runs scored and 15 RBIs. Ross has also walked 11 times while whiffing 10 times this season so far showing a much improved eye at the plate. Ross has now played in 78 games in his two years with the Braves and he is 52 of 185 (.281 avg, .863 OPS) with 26 runs scored, 7 homers and 35 RBIs. With Ross playing so well for the Braves again this year they don’t get worried when Brian McCann needs a day off.