Atlanta Braves to be Aggressive But Frugal

Oct 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Michael Bourn (2) scores a run against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

How?

In general terms they’ll look for under valued players. Yes I know that isn’t new and everyone does it but I didn’t say it would be easy or that the players would be names the fans will immediately recognize or greet with applause. The Braves have however beefed up the analytics department and brought back the best scouts to help turn over the right rocks to find these guys.

Having built up the minor league system they won’t strip it to retool; any trades will be players they feel are duplicates; they have the same sort of upside and are thus expendable. They could also trade players who have reached their peak value, other teams have a real need for and are inexpensive in terms of the marketplace.

I expect John Hart to move either Michael Bourn or Nick Swisher in some sort of package.  Swisher in particular looked to be capable of playing a corner and providing some bench pop and they may want to move the cheerleader before he wears out his welcome.They may also take a bad contract or two in the process. I don’t have any in mind but the names will popup as time moves on.

The one move they should make but apparently won’t is firing Fredi Gonzalez. The brain trust is in Orlando pondering next year and Fredi is there amongst them. If he was going to be sent packing he’d already be gone so at least part of another year of his bumbling leadership is ahead.