Atlanta Braves Morning Chop: Cabrera, GM Meetings, Hot Stove on Fire
Nov 8, 2015; Chandler, AZ, USA; Top fuel hydro driver Todd Plate explodes the engine on fire to his boat “Problem Child” during the Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series World Finals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Gas was Thrown on the Hot Stove
Well now. If you thought the off-season was boring already, then let’s kick ‘er up a notch. Fred added this bolt-out-of-the-blue to his news piece from last night. People have noticed. Here’s how it got started:
Yes – the Atlanta Braves are apparently seriously listening to trade offers for Andrelton Simmons.
I’ll let that sink in for a sec.
Jonah Keri is a Grantland writer (or at least was until last week or so when social media told him that he and all of his coleagues had been dumped by ESPN) so this isn’t an idle rumor. In fact, it kinda gained steam – and breadth – as the night progressed.
Sources: #Braves are talking to teams about Simmons. Does not sound like any deal is imminent. @jonahkeri first reported possibility.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 12, 2015
As we were trying to sort this out, we learned that the Giants were not involved… makes sense, as they have a Gold Glove shortstop (yes, that still stings). Also, the Dodgers would seem to be good with their infielders, though Justin Turner apparently had a micro-fracture surgery procedure performed on his left knee. The claim is that he’ll be ready for Spring Training… but every one of these surgeries I’m heard of has required more time to return than planned. In any case, forget the Dodgers in this mess.
That leaves the Rockies (who have a shortstop that beat up his wife) and the Padres. Both could have SS needs – the Padres definitely do.
But Wait, There’s More!
- ANGELS… and DODGERS?
Column https://t.co/VNbI3MnYGa #Braves talking Simmons. #Angels #Dodgers #Padres are in. Why aren't #Mets.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) November 12, 2015
Okay, so maybe the Dodgers aren’t crazy about what they have assembled after all – which includes Turner, Corey Seager, Alex Guerrero, Enrique Hernandez and Jose Peraza. Or they recognize that Andrelton Simmons is the GOAT and that he’s an upgrade from… everybody.
Oh… yes… about the Mets…
- METS
#Mets inquired on Simmons this morn and told ask price is Harvey or deGrom, so no way. Also shows how #Braves initially valuing Simmons
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) November 12, 2015
In point of fact, it might be easier to list teams not interested in Simba: Blue Jays (maybe), Cubs, Indians, Giants, Astros, and Marlins. Short of these few, you’d have to think that if Atlanta has truly opened the door on this particular piece of prime real estate – and I think they have – many visitors might walk in and check out the view.
More on this during the day as things develop… it’s clearly not over.