Running to Atlanta

Finally, some significant free agent movement on Monday. And it came from an unexpected source, as the Braves signed 3rd baseman Josh Donaldson to a eye-catching contract.
Coming off an injury-plagued season where he played just 52 games, the 2015 American League MVP agreed on a one-year deal. A limited commitment for him and the Braves, who'll get a player eager to prove he's still one of the game's best hitters.
Heading into his age 33 season, Donaldson believes he can still play at the level that made him the 2015 AL MVP with the division winning Blue Jays. And while it's a hefty price tag for the Braves, there's not the risk involved with a long-term deal.
Donaldson, should things go as planned, will also serve as the savvy veteran alongside Freddie Freeman to help rising young stars Acuna, Albies and Enciarte make it deeper into October.
The Braves other Monday signing was a homecoming -- catcher Brian McCann spent the first nine years of his career with the Braves, before jumping to the Yankees as a free agent. After two seasons in Houston -- including a 2017 Championship, the Athens, Georgia native will share his position with the younger Tyler Flowers. He brings experience and Atlanta history, but the years always take a toll on catchers. The $2 million Alex Anthopoulos dropped on him might be even more of a gamble than the bigger check he wrote for Donaldson.

(My image of Donaldson is from a Blue Jays/Yankees game in the Bronx on May 24th, 2016;
McCann was playing for the Yankees against the Astros on August 20th, 2014.)

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