The unthinkable began to become a reality last season as the face of the Atlanta Braves for 12 years began to contemplate life in another team with Atlanta just not showing the interest he desired.
When the season ended, there were no talks so you figured this was what would happen.
Atlanta's interest didn't increase when he got there. Both times they were heard from, they were not with any urgent need, at least as Freeman saw it.
The communication was not all there in the off-season. I got more from Andrew in a couple hours.
I didn't know what was happening. I got one call from the Braves the day before the Lockout, and another the day after, just checking in. I did not know how to interpret that.
The deck overlooking the new spring stadium was sun-drenched. He asked for a bottle of water after a dozen years of living in Florida, which was dry and humid. That kind of change became possible when Atlanta traded for Oakland's first baseman.
I had no idea that was going to happen. Right then and there, you can see that chapter close. I couldn't speak for a while, trying to figure it all out.
The Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos was said to have shed tears after trading for a new player.
I saw them, that's all I can say.
After the trade, the negative emotions were replaced by excitement about the chance to play for the Dodgers. The idea of playing in front of his family was something that was warm to him.
I don't think I would ever get to free agency if we were being honest about it. It was down to wanting to come home. This was going to be the best decision if it wasn't the Braves.
The courting began in a call with the Dodgers and their managers. Friedman thought it was a long shot to sign the five-time All-Star, but he was able to place one more call before the start of the labor dispute.
Friedman said that they respected the ties he had with Atlanta and appreciated it. We told them not to forget about us before everything went dark.
We left a live music performance of Nelly to walk out. It took us a long time to do that.
I was feeding my baby. We have to help him. His name popped up on my phone.
The dream for the Dodgers became a reality on Wednesday night when they signed a player for $162 million over six years. He joins a potent lineup for a team that keeps producing talent from their farm system and marketplace.
Friedman said that ownership gave them a chance to win the last game of the year.
Fans chanted his name during his news conference and cheered every move he made on Friday, from his first batting practice to working on bunting.
It is a different uniform, city and spring home, but it is where the man wants to be after saying goodbye to the past.
The last week has been a bit of a blur.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
