Though a few of the Braves‘ relief targets have signed elsewhere, GM Alex Anthopoulos has an interesting contingency plan. An article by David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reveals that Atlanta is apparently willing to utilize some of their young upside starters as relievers early on in their careers, if the team can’t add the type of bullpen arms they’re looking for through free agency. “We’ve explored it. A long time ago, starters would break in as relievers,” Anthopoulos says. “It’s something that’s come up internally in our conversations. It’s not something we’re planning on doing right now, but at least it’s been discussed, in light of the market for relievers and the price points right now.” Anthopoulos also notes that the relief market has been “continually strong the last two or three years.” The piece also details the GM’s thoughts on calling up Ronald Acuna. It’s great insight for Braves fans.
Some other items from across the NL East…
- Mark Bowman of MLB.com writes that the Braves could seek short-term rotation help this offseason in order to “satisfy their desire to add experience to their inexperienced rotation.” While there might be a desire in the future to “strike a big deal for a legit ace,” Anthopoulos hints that he’d like to take some of the workload off their younger arms. Bowman mentions Wade Miley as one example of a pitcher who could be had on a one-year contract.
- While the Mets have been linked to Jay Bruce, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports (via Twitter) that the club doesn’t appear to be “warm” on any player in the outfield or first base market. Rather, they seem to be focused on second base as their top priority. One notable Mets target at that position already came off the market when the Angels acquired Ian Kinsler from the Tigers. The second base market does have other options, and the Mets have been linked to of Jason Kipnis of the Indians recently.
- Though it’s not clear what position Nationals outfielder Victor Robles will play in 2018, GM Mike Rizzo says he’ll be an everyday player (via Pete Kerzel of MASNsports.com). Rizzo further specifies that if there isn’t a spot for him in the Majors, the Nats’ top prospect will begin the season at Triple-A. It would seem as though the latter is the most likely scenario, considering Washington has Bryce Harper, Adam Eaton and Michael A. Taylor ticketed for the outfield grass. On the other hand, perhaps Taylor could end up in a part-time role.
- Before the Nationals agreed to terms with Brandon Kintzler on a two-year contract, the team was exploring the possibility of bringing back Matt Albers on a two-year deal, according to Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post (Twitter link). Ultimately, nothing ended up coming together. Albers was fantastic for Washington last season; the righty posted a sterling 1.62 ERA and 0.85 WHIP. He struck out 9.30 batters per nine innings against just 2.51 walks.
I could see The Braves signing Andrew Cashner. It wouldn’t cost them much, and he’d be a solid innings eater.
No on Cashner. Splurge (overpay) for Cobb AND Lynn. Trade surplus for a viable 3B for plate protection for Freeman.
That sounds like the gameplay of a team that expects to win a lot of games next year. Why would the Braves use up their free money on overpaid starters? Doesn’t make any sense.
The White Sox have had recent success utilizing young starters out of the pen.
Great way to give the young guys some innings without the stress of pushing for a quality start and it keeps the pitch counts/innings low. The bigger picture here is the Braves have so many arms on the way it would behoove them to keep the wheel turning instead of blowing millions on veteran bp arms for what will likely be another sub .500 season.
Do they really? I honestly don’t know I can only remember sale. And Carson fulmer briefly but I think that was more of a performance thing.
The Mets have nothing to Trade the Marlins. Jeter may be a rookie however he is not foolish to take any of their damaged goods’ pitchers!
They have enough in the farm to trade for Castro he is no superstar.
Don’t bother with this guy, he just trolls the Mets for no reason. Probably spends his day waiting for a Mets post to come on just to be a keyboard warrior. Spoiled brat Yankee bandwagoner.
It may just be another salary dump for the fish.
The marlins should pick up Albert
Albers
Alex, your team can surprise this year, if you will make just two moves. Trade for Yelich, and trade for Archer. Give up a Teheran package to Miami, and a Foltynevicz-Kemp-millions package for Archer. The Acuna-Inciarte-Yelich outfield is likely the best in baseball defensively and will enhance even a young pitching staff, especially given a tight Freeman-Albies-Swanson-Carmago infield and Flowers-Suzuki catching duo. Even allowing for a break-in period for Acuna before he slides in between Freeman and Yelich the lineup will hit well until it warms up in May and June and the power becomes apparent as the hitters feed off each others’ success. If Austin Riley does as well as some expect (as I do) it will be tempting to bring him up in early June or at the break.
Acknowledging that you’ll have to give up more pitching talent in the Yelich and Archer deals, the Archer-led starting staff will likely include plenty of talented arms like Newcomb, Gohara, Fried, Sims, Wisler, Blair, Saroka, and Allard, with Kyle Wright as a sleeper who is ready early (like Alex Wood and Mike Minor were.) The pen is solid, good, anchored by Vizcaino and Minter and other strong arms like Ramirez, Freeman and even more options. And there’s even more depth on the way, especially if you manage to keep the scouts going the way they have been for the past three years..
Your team is very close, Alex. It has the potential to be the surprise team of all of baseball in 2018. Good Luck! GO BRAVES!
The rays and marlins will be happy to give up their best trade chips for marginal players.
To land Archer and Yelich, it would decimate Atl farm system.. Archer alone would cost Allard, Soroka, Wentz, Pache and prob. another 10-20 prospect. Yelich would then (at least) cost Wright, Freid and Waters with another throw in.. Braves should def. kick the tires on Yelich, but let’s see what the young pitching can do.
I’d be very surprised if the Braves couldn’t negotiate better packages than yours, but even at that very high cost, you’ve got a team that’s in position to play baseball in October 2018 and for years to come. For example, would the Marlins be interested in Nick Markakis as either a solid veteran leadership presence in their rebuilding outfield or as a potential trading chip at the deadline? And how would Carmago, or even Swanson affect either package? Rio Ruiz? Adonis Garcia? Lane Adams? Kurt Suzuki or Alex Jackson?
I don’t believe those will be the caliber of players to bring back either. Neither Swanson or Camargo have high value at this point. Rays have set a high price for Archer (elite pitching prospects) and Miami wants pitching in its trade returns and they are shedding payroll so I don’t think taking Markakis is something they would be willing to do. Trust me, I wish the Braves could get these players for steals but i don’t see it happening.
In gaining Yelich and Archer, if the Braves are successful, they gain two young All Stars with reasonable contracts. It is a given that the price will be steep.
Thats why I stated your original post was not enough to land those 2 players.. then you asked about adding Markakis, Adam, Garcia or Camargo into a trade.. non of which would be considered high value trade targets.?
The price you originally quoted for both trades was pitching prospects and one outfield prospect in each deal. I suggested that other players, established major leaguers (except Alex Jackson, a catcher) might also be included in one or the other trades instead of so many valuable pitching prospects. I’m not defining either package but do think that Atlanta has several good players who will be attractive to the Marlins and the Rays in an acceptable package the Braves might negotiate.
We just gotta get Yelich. Crime Dog Sheffield Maddox. I would do it.Just not Albies or Acuna!That would be a move!!
Or Freeman or Inciarte. Or Riley.
Got no problems with using the kids out of the bullpen to start their careers. Back years ago that’s the way it used to be done. Guys had to earn their shot at starting.