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Atlanta Braves’ Moves Already Concerning; Today’s Will Resemble Utter Panic

By Alan Carpenter

Apr 10, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) shown after being left on base against the St. Louis Cardinals during the eighth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) shown after being left on base against the St. Louis Cardinals during the eighth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 29, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves third baseman Daniel Castro (11) throws to first base for a double play after getting Washington Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth (28) out at third in the ninth inning of their game at Turner Field. The Braves won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves third baseman Daniel Castro (11) throws to first base for a double play after getting Washington Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth (28) out at third in the ninth inning of their game at Turner Field. The Braves won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

No One is Immune

But then there’s this:

If you are raising your hand to indicate that you knew this was coming, then you’re lying.  But this – probably – isn’t a move that suggesting a quick return to the majors for Bonifacio.  But it might signal that a change is coming.  Here’s Mark Bowman’s read on the rest of the situation:

"“…if Aybar continues to struggle in the field and provide the daily reminder that he was acquired in the same deal that sent Simmons to the Angels, the Braves might opt to move him to second base and promote the sure-handed Daniel Castro from Triple-A Gwinnett to serve as their primary shortstop. This arrangement could lead the team to send Jace Peterson to Gwinnett to play on a daily basis.”"

Counting the Shuffled Deck Chairs

So with that, here’s what seems to be the summation of the transactions:

  • Gant was sent to Gwinnett.  He may or may not be back today (though likely not).
  • Withrow was called up.  Based on his Sunday, he may or may not be back today.
  • Certainly:  additional bullpen optios are being considered.  I would be surprised if Jose Ramirez is not designated.
  • Erick Aybar has fallen from grace… leading one to wonder about those “20 teams” that had previously been interested in him.  He could be moved to second base as early as tonight.
  • That would mean the callup of Daniel Castro as suggested by Bowman.
  • That would mean the demotion of Jace Peterson, who truly does need to get his bat figured out.

All of that after one tough week against tough competition.

True:  there have been a few lapses – notably in that reinforced bullpen.  Yet some of the issues (Jason Grilli, A.J. Pierzynski) cannot really be addressed.

But with all of this activity going on behind them, it certainly has the look of panic – even as the outlook for the next week+ is not improving.  As you can see from the schedule… the uphill climb continues.

Next: Bullpen Implodes, Cards Benefit

Maybe the Braves will get lucky in Washington and there will be another day off thanks to a chilly day.

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