Can the Atlanta Braves build an Inexpensive Winner
By Fred Owens
Jul 5, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Indians catcher
Roberto Perez(55) hits an RBI single against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the second inning in an inter-league game at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Catcher: Roberto Perez league minimum and A.J. Pierzynski one year $3M
The Braves would send Maurico Cabrera and another low level arm if necessary to Cleveland for Perez
I wrote about Perez before, he’s a solid defender, good at framing pitches and blocking balls in the dirt. He has enough bat and power to be a starter. Pierzynski is back for veteran presence and the forlorn hope that he can catch lightning in a bottle again.
Second base:
I love Jace Peterson but his bat didn’t hold up last year and he offers little in the way of power. Daniel Castro is no kid at 30+ and his bat isn’t better than Peterson’s while Ozhaino Albies is at least two years away
Jurickson Profar from Texas for Tyrell Jenkins, Lucus Sims and Dian Toscano or Rio Ruiz (or more if needed)
Profar is a former number one prospect who missed the last two seasons with shoulder injuries. Although originally a shortstop second base is probably a better option for him now. One thing there is no doubt about is his bat. Profar hits the ball with authority, walks at league average and strikes out below the league average. He may not hit 30 home runs but he’ll hit 10 to 15 homers a year and play superb second base. The Rangers are fielding questions about him and his price is going up. I think he’s worth an investment because of all he does for the team.
In position order that would be Perez, Freeman, Profar, Desmond, Simmons, Olivera,
Gardner
Jackson, Son.
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Starting Pitching:
I don’t believe the Braves will offer Mike Minor arbitration. He’s had a “setback” in his rehab and as I’ve said here several times, shoulders are unpredictable. That being the case I don’t expect to see him in Atlanta next year. If he is and he’s good hooray.
Doug Fister one year $5M + option year
Fister had a bad year in Washington but then the team as a whole was in in a funk. Fister would benefit from pairing with Roger McDowell and needs a pillow contract to regain market value. A year with an option or options allows the Braves to keep him if he’s good or let him go if they have something better lined up. When he’s right Fister eats innings and throw strikes that turn into ground balls. The infield I project won’t let many of those go through.
Zack Wheeler from the Mets for , Andrew McKirahan and Jason Hursh
The Mets need bullpen help that Hursh and McKirahan offer and will want an arm with upside for Wheeler. Wheeler is a Georgia native and projects to be a solid middle of the rotation arm but will be restricted to 100 innings or less next year. He’s closer than Sims and has major league experience.
Next: Bullpen Blues