Atlanta Braves News: Morning Chop Winter Meetings Day 2

Pinstripe Pepundits

Examining free agent alternatives for closer

Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note:  When Bob Nightengale mentioned last night that the Atlanta Braves were interested in Jason Grilli I started doing some research on free agent pitchers.  Most sites called Grilli one of the top three closers on the market.  The Braves obviously don’t need a closer…right?  Since we have Craig Kimbrel…Grilli would be a solid veteran relief pitcher in late innings that could help the Braves if the price is right.

"1. David Robertson — I don’t think I need to explain myself here.2. Jason Grilli — His age (38) is a bit of a concern, but I like that his fastball velocity has remained pretty steady the past three seasons (93 MPH). His projection is the most optimistic of the non-Robertson division, and I also think that he can be had on a one-year contract given his age.3. Sergio Romo — Romo has a nasty slider and doesn’t walk guys, which are two things that allowed him to dominate as the Giants closer in 2013. He took a step back in 2014, allowing far too many homers, which cost him the 9th inning job. It’s worth noting, though, that his second half (1.80 ERA) was far better than his first half (4.74 ERA). Romo is behind Grilli only because I think Romo can probably command a two-year contract."

Baltimore Sun

Orioles haven’t discussed Justin Upton in San Diego, Dan Duquette says

Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note:  Right now at the Winter Meetings it sounds like Justin Upton is a piece of meat just dangling in front of hungry lions.  Many teams have made the call about Upton but nothing so far has met the Braves needs…and yes, they are asking for a lot in return.  The Orioles are definitely a trade piece that could happen with the Braves.  Both John Hart and Dan Duquette are saying no talks are going on right now…that usually means talks are.

"The Orioles have reached out to several teams for possible trades at the winter meetings here in San Diego, but they have not engaged the Atlanta Braves regarding outfielder Justin Upton, executive vice president Dan Duquette said Monday.The Orioles are in search of additional outfield help after the losses of Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis last week. Duquette said he ideally would like to acquire one left-handed hitter and one right-handed hitter and added that, at this point, that’s more likely to come in free agency than by trade."

AJC

Braves agree to terms with Cuban outfielder

Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note:  When news broke last night that the Braves have signed Cuban outfielder Dian Toscano we all questioned it and thought it was a done deal.  Well pump the breaks just a little.  When Mark Bowman and David O’Brien spoke with the Braves President of Baseball Operations last night, Hart said the deal isn’t done just yet.  The Braves are looking to sign the 25-year-old to a rumored major league contact and adding him to the 40 man roster.

"“We’re getting close to getting a deal done,” said Braves president of baseball operations John Hart, who didn’t want to elaborate before the agreement became official.Toscan hasn’t hit for much power in the past, but has reportedly gotten stronger and in better overall shape since leaving Cuba. Since he never played for the Cuban National team, he was seen by relatively few scouts compared to some recent Cuban free-agent signees."

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