Braves refuse Alex Gonzalez arbitration, may look for new shortstop

The Atlanta Braves have declined to offer salary arbitration to free agent shortstop Alex Gonzalez, gambling that they can find a one-year replacement for him until their minor league solution is ready. Gonzalez, a veteran infielder, is coming off a stellar defensive year but one in which he hit just .241. He does not figure into the Braves long term plans.

Atlanta was seeking to avoid paying $3 million or more to Gonzalez simply to serve as a one-season bridge to upcoming prospect Tyler Pastornicky. Pastornicky will likely be ready to take over at shortstop for the Braves after next year.

Braves decline arbitration with Alex Gonzalez

Braves Kimbrel NL Rookie of the Year

Despite the epic collapse that was the end of the Atlanta Braves' season, rookie fireballing closer Craig Kimbrel has been named the National League 2011 Rookie of the Year. Like the rest of the Braves, Kimbrel faltered down the stretch but that didn't stop the Baseball Writers' Association of America from recognizing his outstanding rookie season.

Kimbrel finished one spot ahead of another Atlanta Braves teammate, first baseman Freddie Freeman. Kimbrel got 32 first place votes and Freeman 21. The season-long play of Kimbrel and Freeman is one of the reasons Braves' fans are optimistic about the future. 

Braves Kimbrel NL Rookie of the Year

Could Mark Cuban buy the Barves?

If Liberty Media hung a For Sale sign out front of Turner Field next month, would Mark Cuban be permitted to purchase the Braves if he was the highest bidder? Or at this point, given the way baseball has treated him in the past, would he even bother bidding for the Bravos?

Read David O'Brien's column here:

Of Braves potential sale