Mets ready to go fishing for bullpen help on trade market
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: Fire sale! Braves pitchers, position players are available! Who will come-a-callin’?? I can see the Braves flipping players like they did last year with Juan Uribe, Kelly Johnson, Jim Johnson, etc. If we can get something of value for the future, I’m okay with struggling a couple more months. I’m a patient guy and have been through this entire “rebuild” — a few more months/days of struggles/turnover will be worth it.
"The Mets will consider most options heading toward the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline, but their primary target is another bullpen arm.Of course, the Mets still may need another bat, and the rotation is missing a piece — at least in the short term — with Matt Harvey finished for the season with thoracic outlet syndrome, but team brass views another dependable reliever as the most obvious need at the moment.That reliever, according to a club source, doesn’t necessarily have to be a higher-end option in the mold of Tyler Clippard, whom the Mets acquired for the stretch run last year. But names such as San Diego’s Ryan Buchter and Brad Hand could appeal to the Mets, along with Oakland’s John Axford and Atlanta’s Chris Withrow."
Tom Verducci previews the second half for each National League team
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: The Atlanta Braves played pretty well in July as they went 4-6 so far this month and the games they lost, they were competitive. In June, Atlanta was 12-16. It was those damn months of April and May that killed us! Atlanta will be fun to watch in the second half of the 2016 season. With trades, prospects coming up to ATL, prospects in the minors and ever our newest draftees making their first appearances as professionals.
"Atlanta BravesRecord: 31–58 (.348)Fifth place in NL East (22 1/2 games behind WAS)16 1/2 games behind second place in NL wild card (NYM/MIA)"
Strong pro debut for Shenendehowa grad Ian Anderson
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: The Braves first pick in the 2016 MLB draft and the 3rd overall pick debuted in Florida on Wednesday. He lasted 3 innings, gave up 3 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks and two strikeouts. This was against the Tigers lineup which actually have pretty decent stats (three hitters are batting over .300). If you’re not already, keep an eye on the GCL because a lot of our young stars are throwing.
"In front of a sparse at Tigertown in Lakeland, Fla., the future of the Atlanta Braves took his first step toward reaching the Major Leagues.No. 3 overall draft pick Ian Anderson, out of Shenendehowa High School, made an impressive professional debut Wednesday helping the Gulf Coast League Braves to a 6-0 win over the GCL Tigers. The 6’3″ righthander pitched three scoreless innings before being removed due to a strict pitch limit.Anderson allowed three hits without issuing a walk, while striking out a pair of Class A Rookie League opponents. He was not involved in the decision."