Joe Hamrahi at Chop Talk sat down with John Schuerholz. Part I of the interview is up.

JH: Continuing on the theme of younger players, if Furcal doesn't come back (Editor's Note: We know now that he has signed with the Dodgers), do you feel that Wilson Betemit is ready to step in and play shortstop?

JS: We think so. When we signed Wilson Betamit and he began his development as a professional player, he was electrifying as a shortstop. He played in the Futures All-Star Game in Seattle. He hit a home run left-handed and right-handed in the same game. He was a superb shortstop. As his role morphed into more of a utility role at the major league level, he didn't get the same amount of time to play as he did in the minor leagues. The question is, can he regain those everyday shortstop skills? You know. And he's going to be playing shortstop for the last half of the winter season in the Dominican. He'll come to spring training with the chance to put the shortstop's glove on everyday. He'll prepare himself for that challenge, and we'll see. But we have real positive expectations that he'll do a good job.

JH: Well you're certainly not lacking shortstop prospects in the organization. That seems to be one of the team's stronger areas.

JS: We think it is. Whether Wilson or Tony Pena or Elvis Andrus, or (Yunel) Escobar, Luis Hernandez...you name `em.

That's what I love about the Braves management. They're always ready with a player to move into the major league team. They knew they might lose Furcal this winter, so they've stocked up on shortstops. And I wouldn't be surprised to see one of those prospects move to second if Marcus Giles decides to join his brother in San Diego next year.