Can the Atlanta Braves build an Inexpensive Winner

Sep 26, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop

(20) grounds out scoring right fielder

(not shown) during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit:

-USA TODAY Sports

Rebuilding the Roster

The idea of giving up anyone of note for two years of Todd Frazier irks me. I like him but if he’s going to walk in two years and out pipeline can’t replace him it’s a waste.

Third Base:

Ian Desmond, four years, $12M plus an option of $15M for year five

Desmond came up looking like a can’t miss shortstop but at 30 years old his defense never quite became what was hoped and probably isn’t going to get better. As  third baseman on the other hand he doesn’t have to make ll those complicated plays up the middle and his arm should be perfect for the role.  His bat still projects to 20 homer power and maybe Kevin Sietzer can get rid of that horrible ground ball rate. The trick would be getting Desmond to agree to the move but there’s no reason why he couldn’t follow in Cal Ripken’s footsteps and be an All Star third baseman.

Right Field Ah-seop Son:

$14M posting fee, four years $40M  the following from MLBTR says everything about the player

"Ah-seop Son is a 27-year-old corner outfield that has consistently posted strong marks in batting average and on-base percentage over the past five seasons in KBO. In that time, he’s batted batted .333/.409/.476, averaging 12 home runs and 16 stolen bases per season. This past season was one of Son’s best, as he .317/.406/.472 with 13 homers and 11 steals. Park makes plenty of contact, striking out in just 15.6 percent of his career plate appearances in Korea and drawing more walks (80) than strikeouts (78) in 2014. He’s walked at a 10.8 percent clip in his KBO career."

Son is essentially a younger, faster version of Nick Markakis. He won’t provide much power but he’ll get on base, go first to third and play solid right field defense.

Center field: Austin Jackson 2 years $22M

Once upon a time Austin Jackson was hot prospect for the Yankees. The Yankees sent him to Detroit as part of a three way deal and for a while it looked like he was about to blossom. In his five years withe the Tigers he slashed 277/.342/ .413/.755, hit 46 homers and stole 78 bases in 106 attempts. He also struck out 6999 times in 670 games; oops.

The Tigers wanted Jackson to be the stereotypical speedy leadoff man/center fielder; the speedy center fielder part was true. In 2011 he had 25 DRS for Detroit but never reached that level again. The Tigers sent him to the Mariners who were searching for the same guy the Tigers didn’t find and no surprise he didn’t turn up there either. His numbers dropped to .257/.297/343/.639 in 161 games over two years and the Mariners gave him to the Cubs for that illusive PTBNL. Now he’s a  free agent.

Seattle is a place where careers go to stumble if not die and I don’t hold that detour against him. Jackson was never happy there but he can still be a plus defender and with Seitzer’s help and no mandate to leadoff the bat may return as well. At the very least he can keep the position warm for Smith.

Next: Catching Up?