The Braves are in agreement with outfielder Ryan LaMarre on a minor league contract, tweets MassLive.com’s Chris Cotillo. The Octagon client will head to Spring Training and compete for a bench role after spending the 2018 campaign with the Twins and White Sox.
LaMarre, who turns 30 tomorrow, hit .279/.322/.382 in 180 plate appearances between Minnesota and Chicago, adding a pair of homers, 11 doubles and two stolen bases along the way. That offense, though, was buoyed by a .389 BABIP that looks ripe for regression. LaMarre also whiffed in nearly 30 percent of his plate appearances, further adding some reason for skepticism.
That said, the journeyman can handle all three outfield spots and does have a .268/.336/.389 slash in parts of six Triple-A seasons. He’ll head to camp and look to crack the roster as a reserve option for manager Brian Snitker.
Depth for AAA? Bench spot?
Possible Bench spot. I’d think more likely depth. Then again almost anyone is better than Duvall.. He needs to be non tendered.
Duvall has 3 full major league seasons. In 16′ and 17′ he hit 30 homers and drove in 100 runs. Last year he pretty much platooned on Cincy and had no regular at bats in Atl. I’d be happy with him in the lineup getting regular ab’s to start the year
And he is a +defender which is lost on most people. He is a platoon option at worst. If the Braves can boost the BA to .245 and keep a bulk of the power, he is a solid option.
I agree with getting Duvall more AB’s. He can be value off the bench w/ regular playing time. Put Acuna in RF and Duvall in LF to start the year and see how goes.
I really wish the Braves would have sent Austin Riley to winter ball to get him some work in LF. Riley has the arm and athleticism to play a fairly solid LF, but with Camargo exceeding everyone’s expectations at 3B, LF might be the only way for Riley to get some regular at-bats at the ML level.
So, the Braves could sign Michael Brantley, have him face RHPs, and then turn around and start Riley in LF when the Braves have to face LHPs.
Or, when facing LHPs, the Braves could slide Camargo over to SS, and Riley could start at 3B.
Either way, Riley is a potentially solid option for the Braves in-house, but it would benefit them greatly to have him expand his versatility by getting him some reps in LF. Camargo could also play LF, but why mess with a good thing while he’s exceeding expectations.
Riley is a potential impact bat for the Braves, and they could certainly use his bat in LF, even if they acquire a player like Brantley.
Riley could be a consistent starter against LHPs, and he could also give some of the Braves starters some rest, as he is just as solid against RHPs.
Ideally, Riley can take the first month or so to get in some work at LF in AAA, then the Braves can call him up, after the deadline for him to gain another year, adding his bat to their bench/line-up.
Having watched Riley a good deal last year, he is overmatched by most of the better arms in AAA. Another half/full season in AAA would be beneficial, imo.
Alex probably felt all that money burning a hole in his pocket. Had to waste some of it… I mean spend. Clearly a move for AAA roster spot. No way this guy breaks camp in the bigs. Something will be terribly wrong if he does.
Braves should do a check on the availability of Brad Keller and Jorge Soler from Kansas City. It was not long ago that Soler from Cuba was highly coveted by the Braves. The reserve outfielder appears to be on the verge of a breakout in 2019 following several battles with injuries. Brad Keller from Flowery Branch, carried an ERA of 3.08 in 2018 for 140 innings and 20 starts after coming out of the bullpen. Could probably get both for a solid pitching prospect plus Rio Ruiz and/or Adam Duvall.
Probably replacement for Markakis…… cheap wads.
This is the 1st time in a long time it has even made sense for the Braves to spend money. Now, if they choose to pass up on some of their obvious needs, refusing to spend the money it takes to improve, then and only then can we call them tight wads..
However, now under AA’s guidance, now with their albatross of a TV contract somewhat marginally improved, now with more revenue coming from their new stadium and from their successful 2018 season and playoff run, and now with them fielding a competitive team again, and a ton of excitement surrounding their young core and this team in Atlanta…I would be extremely suprised if we did not see the Braves spend on at least 2-3 solid free agents, or taking on salary through a trade or two.
I’m guessing the Braves sign an OF’er like a Michael Brantley or Cutch. They’ll likely sign a high profile reliever for the backe-end of their bullpen, and it is extremely likely they will end up either signing a new starting catcher or trading for one. They could also try to acquire a front-line starter through free agency or via a trade, but I’m not so sure they’ll get their man. It’s more likely that they could end up signing a veteran, middle of the rotation, innings eater.
Four years the pen has been just short of a disaster, no excuses for that.
Need a backup catcher at least , JTR is a pipe dream.
Won’t be shocked if Duval takes a place in a corner of OF. { need a right handed power bat )
Sanchez probably gone…. need a decent starter to help mold kids around in rotation.
I still feel management is cheap…. lets see if they use the supposed 60 million they have to add talent. My guess is not even close, maybe half.
The Philly’s and Nationals will spend and make trades…… Braves can’t just stand still.
3 weeks into the off-season. Calm yourself.
LaMarre isn’t a very good outfielder
His #’s are solid enough for the role he is likely gonna fit for this team. But if I had to make an educated guess, he’ll be released by during Spring Training or by June. Calling it now