House That Hank Built
Fansided

The Atlanta Braves’ Rumor That Refuses to Die

By Alan Carpenter

Jun 25, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Boston Red Sox senior vice president of baseball operations and former Atlanta Braves general manager Frank Wren watches a game between the Braves and New York Mets in the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Boston Red Sox senior vice president of baseball operations and former Atlanta Braves general manager Frank Wren watches a game between the Braves and New York Mets in the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Wren-Dombrowski Method

I had a conversation recently with a Braves scout, and while he (probably intentionally) did not mention Frank Wren by name, he did discuss the kinds of scenarios that put the Braves into the bad situation they faced with the farm system just 2 years ago.

At that time, many rankings placed Atlanta in the 25-30 range among MLB teams thanks to the lack of quality depth in the system.  He mentioned that “3-for-1”, “4-for-1” trades to fill holes at the major league level had depleted Atlanta of significant prospect talent… though still with good (short-term) intentions overall:  the goal of maintaining that series of banners at Turner Field.

More from Tomahawk Take

It would seem that Boston President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski has the same philosophy as Wren:  let’s rob Peter to pay Paul.

We know this happened under Wren.  Turns out Dombrowski’s former club, the Detroit Tigers, also has a farm system that’s depleted.  Their rankings?

You get the idea, though MiLB.com notes some recent improvement… after Dombrowski left.

Would They Do It Again in Boston?

Wren certainly likes Julio Teheran – and probably wants Arodys Vizcaino as well.  Teheran is certainly the best pitcher acquired by the Braves on Wren’s watch, and Vizzy is one of the better relievers (aside from Craig Kimbrel, who Wren already has in Boston – see a pattern developing?).

Meanwhile, Dombrowski and Wren inherited a stout farm system – ranked in the Top 6 by those sources above.  So from their point of view, those prospects represent “currency” – coins in this trade game.

Their change purse now holds…

I am not here to suggest that either Wren or Dombrowski are bad traders.  But they both have a history of doing whatever they feel is necessary to fill holes and try to get their team to the next level.  Now in Boston, both have enough budget to likely believe they can continue down this path and get away with selling the farm.

If, for instance, they could peer into a crystal ball within the next 4 weeks and see a future holding an early November downtown Boston parade, then I believe they would offer Moncada and Benintendi for Teheran and Vizcaino.

Just good luck filling out those DSL/GCL teams this year, and your A/AA teams down the road.

Would that be enough for Coppy?  Here’s somebody who loves to acquire prospects…though he’s said to want major league talent now.  This pair of Boston prospects are getting close, though, and should be ready in 2017.  Both also fill areas of need… if somebody can play third base, that is.

Another possible angle:  even if Coppy isn’t offered the major league bats he wants, having excess premium prospects could lead to Atlanta being better equipped to fill holes via trades in the upcoming off-season… without depleting the farm.

Next: The Morning After

Honestly, I hate to keep beating this horse, but it continues to show a pulse.

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