Atlanta Braves: Should They Move Brian McCann from Catcher to Prevent Injury?

If the Atlanta Braves ever want to recapture the NL East crown from the Philadelphia Phillies any time soon, Brian McCann must be in the long-term picture for their organization.

With Chipper Jones on the last leg of an illustrious career, and their core pitchers over the age of 35, McCann will the most important part of the Braves team. Without Brian contributing for years to come, the Braves have no chance to compete long-term in the National League.

McCann is much more important to this team's success than Freddy Freeman. His move to first base would keep him out of the dangerous catching position—we all saw what happened to Buster Posey.

If they wish to keep Freeman in the big leagues, he or McCann could work out in LF and the better of the two could be the eventual replacement to Chipper. Martin could then come in to play everyday third base.

If the Braves lost Brian to injury, it would decimate their offense. He leads the Braves in HR, RBI and BA. I can't even tell you how many times the Braves have won game solely behind the bat of McCann.

Why haven't they started to relieve Brian from the catching duties and acclimate him to another position?

I have no idea.

You should not build a team long term around an MVP catcher; it is just too big of a risk. 

Go ahead and ask the front office of the San Francisco Giants if they wished they'd moved Buster Posey out of the catcher position.

If they remove him from the catching position, the Braves will extend his career and make him a more valuable long-term asset to the franchise. 

Move him or lose him. It's as simple as that.