Braves pulling right strings with Heyward, J-Up deals
You should ignore the hand-wringing around Atlanta over the offensively challenged Braves trading Jason Heyward and Justin Upton within days of one another. In the long run — if not the medium run, or even the short run — the Choppers and the Chanters will get over it. They’ll discover the Braves did the right thing for so many reasons.
Actually, for those who still are days, weeks, months or maybe years away from understanding what the Braves are accomplishing with these moves and others, I’ll save them time.
For one, the Braves have a depleted farm system, but it is less so now after they received some promising pieces in the Upton and the Heyward deals. For another, the Braves still wish to stay competitive between now and the opening of their new suburban stadium in 2017. No worries there, especially since pitching remains baseball’s not-so-secret key to capturing World Series championships (see everybody from Whitey Ford to Bob Gibson to Madison Bumgarner). The Braves still have enough arms to scare their brethren in the National League East and beyond.
… [ Editor’s note: here’s the money quote from a lengthy article: ] …
Here’s what I am saying — you know, with an asterisk next to Rickey’s quote: The Braves can finish shy of advancing in the playoffs again with or without Upton and Heyward. That’s because, barring any more changes to their everyday lineup before Spring Training, their offense will struggle with or without Heyward and Upton. There will be more changes for the Braves, though. There has to be, and Braves officials know it. The way their roster has been structured in recent years, their offensive situation wasn’t going to improve.
[ Ed: His meaning is this. The offense was going to struggle with or without these players. So re-filling the farm system is a better long-term plan rather than barely making the playoffs year after year. ]
MLBTradeRumors: Back of Rotation Starters Poll
Since we were discussing “5th Starters” a couple of days ago, this poll conducted by MLBTradeRumors was of interest. The results were close to my own evaluation, except for two names: Kyle Kendrick (who was inadvertently omitted from my list) and Ryan Vogelsong.
Next: 5th Starter Candidates for Atlanta
Haren not intending on joining Marlins
MIAMI — Dan Haren has informed the Marlins that his preference remains to pitch out West, and for a team that has Spring Training in Arizona. The 34-year-old California native had been weighing his options sinced he was traded to Miami from the Dodgers on Dec. 10.
If Miami cannot work out a trade, it is not clear yet if the 12-year big league veteran will retire.
Haren’s decision does not change the terms of the deal.