Family at forefront of Coppolella’s Christmas

Having completed a significant portion of his offseason shopping in November, Braves general manager John Coppolella has had a little extra time to prepare for the holiday season, which he will spend with his wife Cheryl; daughter, Reese; and sons Edric and Dean. Coppolella recently talked to MLB.com about some of his favorite memories and traditions of the holiday season.

MLB.com: Two years ago, you reached an agreement with Jason Grilli on Dec. 23 and then on Dec. 24 you learned former manager Fredi Gonzalez had innocently leaked your agreement with A.J. Pierzynski. What would be your wife’s reaction if she saw you working a deal on Christmas this year?

Coppolella: It wouldn’t surprise her because she has seen it happen so many times. She will make me turn my phone off when the kids are opening gifts or we are at church, but any other time is fair game and if I get desperate enough I can always fake a trip to the bathroom.

MLB.com: Speaking of Pierzynski, can you drive past a Honeybaked Ham store around this time of year without laughing and thinking of how Gonzalez created #HamRumors?

Coppolella: No. That was pretty wild. It makes you wonder why more rumors don’t come from ham stores, burger joints or ice …

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