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By Jeff Todd | at
Email a copy of 'Offseason In Review: Atlanta Braves' to a friend
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No Soup For Yu!
Given all the new talent the Braves infused their already promising farm system with, while still acquiring players to help them win now like Aybar and Enciarte, and for holding on to Freddie Freeman, I give them an A. They also signed some veterans to cheap one year deals that could be flipped for prospects at the deadline if they perform well, so this was a very good offseason for them.
A'sfaninUK
I didn’t think anyone could write about the Braves offseason without mentioning they got the #1 pick of last years draft for basically a mid-rotation SP but here we are.
They won pretty much every trade they made and only spent $18M in FA getting a bunch of guys who might have value to someone at the deadline – this is how you rebuild, folks.
The Braves went from looking at 2019 as regaining relevance, to 2017. Braves are about to be really, really good again really really soon.
Jeff Todd
Maybe I’m mis-reading this, but the post obviously does mention the addition of Swanson in the Miller trade. In fact, I noted his importance several times.
Gogerty
Needs Addressed and Deal of Note sections pretty much covered that point.
michaelw
I knew you were a Braves fan lol haha stay on your own bord not go troll on the Cubs lol at Just Another Fan
RunDMC
Seeing Mallex Smith, Swanson, Albies already look mature in spring training action is a sign of confidence in the rebuild, while it would come a long way if we can get anything from Wren’s prospects: Lucas Sims, Jason Hursh (fading fast), Braxton Davidson and the like. I’d give them a B+ for their offseason with the possibility of a higher grade if Aybar/Inciarte are productive and/or flipped for prospects. I can imagine one, if not both, will be eventually, if Mallex Smith continues is ascension and Markakis keeps producing.
A'sfaninUK
Off getting Swanson alone they get an A grade. I still cannot believe someone topped the Donaldson trade in terms of 1-sided trades from the jumpoff so quickly.
RunDMC
I don’t know, that Ken Giles trade was pretty crazy too. Not to mention the Craig Kimbrel one. It’ll be interesting to see how those pan out, especially if Appel does anything and Velasquez continues to look good.
A'sfaninUK
Also, Jeff, this is the Ricardo Rodriguez you need to link:
baseball-reference.com/register/player.cgi?id=rodr…
A'sfaninUK
And this is the Jose Ramirez: baseball-reference.com/players/r/ramirjo02.shtml
You gotta stop self-populating these links!!
Jeff Todd
Thanks, I will fix those. It takes forever to do that manually, and it’s hard to catch some lesser names.
adshadbolt
Trade Tehran to the Red Sox or Astros for some hitters
RunDMC
Trade Andrew Benintendi to ATL for some pitchers.
fireboss
Saying “. . . Peterson, who wasn’t quite up for everyday duty when he joined Atlanta . . .” is a bit harsh. Before injuring his hand – April through June – he posted a .266/.346/.375/.720 line while the league as a whole last year posted a line of .266/.319./.384/.703.
No one is claiming he’s the next Roberto Alomar but a healthy Peterson is a solid defender and a league average hitter for his position.
Jeff Todd
I think I’ll stand by that characterization. Not saying he isn’t an interesting player who is a solid piece and could be more. But he wasn’t really an everyday caliber guy last year, and I don’t think it’s too harsh to say that. It’s a pretty high standard for anyone, especially a rookie.
NL_East_Rivalry
There was an interesting write-up and comments made about Peterson that when he hit a few Home Runs he changed his swing to try to duplicate that and that caused him to fail the rest of the season. I agree with your assessment and the plan the Braves seem to be employing. He needs to be a super utility guy if he can’t break out.
Gogerty
Well written piece Jeff. As a life long Braves fan, a mere 33 years, I give the FO an A- for the offseason. Yes some of the trades were hard to swallow (Simmons) as they came about, but the end results (Swanson replacing Simmons) were astounding.
I still think there are a few moves that can be made, but none that have to be made. Many “lifelong” fans say this is the worst that the FO has ever been. But prior to the dynasty that we all remember, the Braves had 4 straight seasons in which they didn’t win 70 games. And that dynasty was built in the same fashion this team is being built now. 14 years without a playoff winning series is all the more reason to start a massive overhaul.
Credit to Hart for the start and Coppy continuing the process. Yes it has been a hard couple seasons, but excited to see where the team is headed. A midsession blockbuster trade for a controllable ace or 2 man in the rotation would be great to see. Otherwise the FA crop of pitchers looks like Gio, Strasburg, Danks, Volquez, Fister, and so on.
Hope the Olivera experiment in LF is not as bad as the Chipper experiment was. With the OF, would like to see the team hold onto Bourn and Swish to feel out the first month of the season. Wouldn’t mind seeing Bourn shipped back to Cleveland with a few million or a prospect. And if Markakis can build on last year, I think he still holds great trade value.
GO BRAVES. Have a good day all.
Jeff Todd
Thanks!
RunDMC
Hold onto Bourn/Swish…? With those contracts and taking up the roster spot, they have no choice. If anyone, including a Japanese team, offers them their weight in Mardi Gras beads – ATL would pay one-way shipping faster than Swisher chants the Ohio State fight song.
Gogerty
They do have a choice, it is called releasing them, which most have suggested. My thoughts are CLE and PHI at this point have need for OF and others may soon as well.
RunDMC
Sure, they do. But there are still some teams around MLB that need OF depth (i.e. PHI) and they still haven’t finalized their roster with hope to Francoeur and/or Bourn filling in roles. Obviously, once they release them there’s no way to return any more value on their deals – and it’s not exactly at that point just yet. Though, we’re getting close.
If Freeman continues to look healthy and Brignac looks decent, among others (i.e. Adonis Garcia at 1B to spell Freeman), then they should cut bait of Swisher. Highly unlikely he returns any value, unless they value his social media accounts.
Gogerty
I think we just agreed without stating it. I mentioned PHI along with CLE. And good call on the social media/Swish comment, that had me at a laugh. I think they can trade Bourn with $3M or a prospect and not have to eat the ~$7-8M owed entirely.
For Swish, cannot see why a farm baron team would not take him with a decent prospect to add to their farm. But I am not a GM.
stl_cards16 2
Why would you want the Braves to give up a decent prospect just to save the owner some money?
Gogerty
I wasn’t saying give them Newcomb, Blair, or Jenkins. But the ownership is not giving up the cash easily, hints Coppy being creative.
Kayrall
Besides the group of people that believe that every team should attempt to win every single year, how can ANYONE vote F on their offseason? It’s an A as far as I am concerned, maybe some squabbling can be done in different areas, but F or even D? Why?
RunDMC
They purchased an Andrelton Simmons Braves jersey in October.
scottaz
Under “Notable Losses”, you might want to add Shelby Miller–AT THE TOP OF THE LIST! This is a slipshod article at best.
Jeff Todd
Okay. He is mentioned throughout, including in that breakdown segment (see: “Trades and Claims”), but I did forget to add his name to that particular portion. Doesn’t seem to me a substantive flaw, but to each his own.
Oh, and those guys are in alphabetical order.
mike156
Just a general comment that the “offseason in review” series is some of MLBTR’s best work–especially because so much of local baseball writing is, well, local.
Jeff Todd
Much appreciated. We do work hard on these, and they are quite time intensive. Still manage to miss quite a few things, naturally.
Salionski
It’s a good write up, Jeff. The only thing that I might argue is the whole notion of the Braves pursuing better pitching. The price on pitching absolutely was high…and that includes financially and trade wise. I don’t see the Braves really entertaining that direction then, since they’ve been pretty clear on their ambitions within the upcoming international market. And it’s not like they have much left to bargain with regarding a trade.
It’s not like they actually intend on being competitive this year. The limited comments made by the front office about them being competitive seem to be nothing more than pillow talk to the fanbase. They’ve been fairly consistent on focusing on 2017 and on.
Jeff Todd
Thanks. I don’t mean to overstate the point on pitching, and obviously the idea of putting a good product on the field now is largely PR-related (though I do think they mean it to some extent). But I do think it’s fair to point out – since they have said what they’ve said – that there might’ve been more aggressive options out there if they had been willing to spend more.
ntgardiner
After the Miller trade I was really hoping to see the Braves acquire a back end of the rotation guy to lessen the dependence on young / unproven pitching.
That didn’t happen. Instead they sighed a bunch of retread hoping at least one would pitch well enough to stick in the rotation. (There’s a reason why Chacin and Norris were cheap.)
At this point it looks like the team will have trouble filling out the rotation to start the year with healthy MLB quality players.
AUTiger7222
Jhoulys Chacin is a solid pitcher. He’s posted fWAR’s of 2.7 (2010), 2.0 (2011), 3.9 (2013) in his career.which pitching home games in Colorado. For his career he’s got a fWAR of 9.2.
RunDMC
We’ve done well enough with retreads to keep that route, especially during a non-contention depth where we can add future depth if we do happen to strike gold (not unlike the acquisitions of Kelly Johnson/Juan Uribe to later trade to NYM; only to have Kelly Johnson return…). Bud Norris will pitch better in 2016, so I can understand his addition, especially for his price.
theo2016
Pitching war is already park adjusted. Those same e.r.a’s mean lower wars elsewhere
Salionski
I think the only way they would’ve been willing to spend more is if they were able to rid themselves of a couple of the albatross contracts they acquired (Bourne & Swisher mainly). If the rumours are true about what they’re thinking of spending on the international market (approx 20 million) then they’re a lot more cash strapped than people think.
If I’m them I’d likely go the same route. Especially with a rebuilding club in the final year in their current park. There isn’t a ton of incentive to spend money on the major league club right now.
Nick Lastname
Since the Braves are having a logjam issue with their reserves, this is what i’d suggest.
1) Since Peterson is having such a bad spring, maybe send him down to start the season in Gwinnett (i’m assuming he still has options left)
2) Let Brignac/Beckham platoon at second
3) Kelly Johnson/Garcia platoon at third
4) Give Frenchy & Bourn the backup OF spots
5) Trade Boni to someone who needs a backup OF (Cleveland comes to mind).
6) Release Swisher because everyone reading this knows the Braves won’t get squat for him (in regards to prospects or $$)
Nick Lastname
One other thing I forgot to mention. Going with Frenchy over Boni makes sense.
Bourn gives you the speed factor. Frenchy can play all 3 OF spots. You have three guys (four if you count Peterson who I suggested be optioned to AAA) that can play 2nd, 3rd, SS). Boni isn’t the best fielder anyhow, so the edge goes to Frenchy (plus he has the leadership, fans on his side). If they can’t find a trade suitor, it’s only $1.5M (nothing in today’s game).
ntgardiner
When looking at Atlanta’s offseason its impossible to not focus on the Miller/Swanson trade. This trade along accelerated the rebuild by a least a year.
But once you look past that trade things are less certain. Many of pitching acquisitions over the past year or so have been very risky prospects. And the farm system still lacks impact bats. The outfield is especially thin. While catcher and third base will also be problem spots in coming years.
Its not realistic to expect the front office to fix everything overnight, but its hard not to feel like the organization loaded up on pitching while neglecting position players.
NL_East_Rivalry
Very nice write-up. I gave them a B, mostly because I would have loved to see how the team would progress with a Freese, the bullpen addition we were promised and a starter or two. I’m okay with giving Garcia a shot and using the money for the IFA market, but it would have been nice to stay somewhat competitive to alleviate frustration and get the fans at the Ted. Which is needed before SunTrust opens.
hojostache
Solid write-up. I thought ATL did a nice job re-tooling, as they could have easily had a 3-4+ yr rebuild ahead of them. The Miller trade almost single=handedly given them a chance to compete sooner; I still scratch my head at what they got for a solid #3 with a chance at being a #2 guy. As a Met fan I want ATL to be good bc it’ll mean more if they can beat them.
coachfred64
My worry continues to be lots of talented players,very bad major league manager
RunDMC
They will be fine with a group of more than capable coaches including Bo Porter, Eddie Perez, Roger McDowell, and more. There’s a reason they surround Gonzalez with more qualified candidates – to remind him of the ticking clock. Bring in Chipper as a “consultant” and Gonzalez better not plant any trees in his front yard.
jjdunckley
I had hoped they would have gone after Maddon when it seemed like he may leave Tampa but Cubbies got there first. Would like to see someone like Gardenhire or Valentine brought in. I am tired of the same ole ” we lost and will tip our caps” philosophy that seems to be okay in the clubhouse. Bring in someone like Guillen to fire these kids up. Fragile Fredi seems like he is perfect for little league coaching. “Its okay that we lost kids. Tip your cap and line up for your participation trophy”
Gogerty
Any word on where and what is going on with Dian Toscano?
Nick Lastname
Why are people so hung up on Toscano? The guy isn’t on the 40-man any longer. If he does make it to ATL at some point, he will be a bench/4th OF type guy. I’d be more excited about guys in rookie ball than keep talking about Toscano.
NL_East_Rivalry
Dian has been in pre season games this year. He is here, but as you said is not important at all.
Gogerty
Because he is still a player the Braves saw a future in and signed him to a ML contract.
Nick Lastname
and has since been dropped off their 40-man roster. I think Coppy/Hart regret making that signing last year, now that they have better options.
Gogerty
Ok, he was signed to ML contract, is that money just lost? Granted it was only $6M, but still.
steelerbravenation
Yankees have no back up to Headley and Headley is Tex backup so they could use a back up there do let me ask you this would Teahran, Jace, Vizcaino & Jenkins pry Sanchez and Heathcott from the Yankees.
raykraft88
Teheran himself is worth more than both of these guys. If the Yankees considered Judge in a trade for Teheran they may talk but I don’t see that happening. Also just wondering who the backup for Headley and Texeira is in this deal (Peterson at 3B?, maybe a possibility but doesn’t seem like a good fit and definitely not at first). If you want a backup 3B I’m sure they would consider Adonis Garcia or Kelly Johnson.
Gogerty
I agree that the trade is unbalanced. Granted I do think we need a new “Catcher of the future” after the Christian letdown.
Any suggestion I made in Yankee forums is responded “Hal is not breaking up core 4 (Judge, Mateo, Bird, and Sanchez).
I am sure as the season shakes out we will have opportunities for good trades.
cjones1348
Astudillo?
metsoptimist
“At least, not until [Coppolella] parted with his own right arm; no word whether such a move was ever discussed.”
Love it. 🙂 Anyway, I’m really surprised that half of the voters gave the Braves’ offseason an A; while I know that the team is widely considered to have “won” the Shelby Miller trade, the rest of its moves were just okay, which is why I gave them a C.
hanks1hammer
“..is widely considered to have ” won” the Shelby Miller trade, the rest of the moves were just okay…” So what would you call it? It was a win from any analytical perspective.
There were really only two big moves. Shelby Miller and Andrelton Simmons. Shelby was an A and Simmons was a C. The rest of the moves are negligible. Moves that any rebuilding team does. Moves like Bonifacio and Flowers are what rebuilding teams do to save money, fill positions with gap fillers until the future of that position comes in. So it seems more reasonable to give the Braves a B.
So do you have a difficult time giving a divisional rival credit? Or maybe you are simply over reactingreacting in the opposite direction that Atlanta fans are over reacting?
Gogerty
Only problem is, we have no future at catcher right now. But agree to your points mainly. Would give Braves a B on the Simmons trade though, he wasn’t exactly a cornerstone piece in my opinion. But was great to watch in the Braves uni.
cjones1348
Astudillo
rowlandsoffice
As a Braves fan I’d give Dave Stewart an A and Coppy/Hart a B-minus. Stewart has done more to benefit the Braves than Frank Wren ever did. Hopeful we’ll get Brito or O’Brien for Aybar at the All-Star break.