News came along earlier today that the Atlanta Braves were interested in outfielder Nick Markakis. Alan told us all about it early this afternoon.
The 31-year-old had a slash line of .276/.358/.386 in 2014 with 14 home runs and 50 RBIs for the Baltimore Orioles. In his nine year career his slash line is .290/.358/.435 with 141 homers. He is a very durable player has played over 155 games in seven of his nine years…his first year in the league in 2006 (147) and in 2012 (104).
After the Atlanta Braves traded away Jason Heyward to the St. Louis Cardinals a few weeks ago, they have continued to do more shopping with dangling Justin Upton and Evan Gattis to teams. In doing so, the Braves have been searching for a replacement in the outfield.
Insert the name Nick Markakis.
RFer Nick Markakis had dinner last night in Monkton w an Atlanta Braves contingent that included manager Fredi Gonzalez, accdg to a source
— Dan Connolly (@danconnolly2016) December 3, 2014
The Braves are obviously making a real push for Markakis, who went to high school and college in Georgia.
— Dan Connolly (@danconnolly2016) December 3, 2014
Don't believe John Hart was there -- more of a meet-and-greet with Markakis and @Braves
— Dan Connolly (@danconnolly2016) December 3, 2014
So Markakis had dinner with Fredi, assistant General Manager John Coppolella and possibly more Braves front office folks…where was John Hart? Well, probably dealing with the Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy situation.
With Christian Bethancourt most likely in Atlanta at the start of the 2015 season behind the plate, Evan Gattis needs a position. If Gattis doesn’t get traded and moves to left field, Justin Upton needs a position. If we sign Markakis his could further indue an Upton trade.
Even Mark Bowman has a good feeling about the Braves signing Markakis…
@jase1129 I'd say this on has a good chance of getting done. Never felt that way about any of the previous guys
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) December 3, 2014
Right now this is just a rumor but by tomorrow morning, we may be saying they Atlanta Braves outfielder Nick Markakis.