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Atlanta Braves Jim Johnson and Catchers

By Fred Owens

Jul 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Jim Johnson (53) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning at Turner Field. The Braves defeated the Phillies 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Jim Johnson (53) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning at Turner Field. The Braves defeated the Phillies 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Catching Conundrum

We’ve beat this horse pretty well here but an outside opinion is always a good thing. In the chat linked earlier Adams opined in response to three questions.

1) Are Braves really in play for Brian McCann?

Adams: If the Yankees eat enough money, I’m sure there’d be some interest in a reunion. They’ll be looking at catcher upgrades this offseason if not this month.

Me: That’s a no really, the Yankees aren’t eating any money and McCann has that no trade clause

2) Chance Ramos makes it to free agency?

Adams: Wilson? 99.999999%? He’s two months away and in the midst of a career year at age 28. He’s going to get paid enormously this winter, and the only way to prevent that from happening at this point would be for the Nats to just pay him market value right now. Doubt that happens.

3) I think the union between Wilson Ramos and the Braves makes a lot of sense. . . (they have money)

Adams: It does, but the fit between Ramos and a lot of teams makes sense. He’s the top free agent at a premium position. You could list 8-10 other teams that make a lot of sense for Ramos. Braves (clearly) have the prospects to trade for a catcher if they so choose, as well.

Me: First he says Ramos is “going to get paid enormously this winter” backing up my estimate and supporting the possibility that he gets a QO. Then he said that the Braves won’t bust the budget to get Ramos, they’ll stick with Tyler Flowers and look for a trade candidate.

That’s A Wrap

The catching situation is moot for the moment. McCann isn’t returning and I expect Ramos gets a deal that will make the Braves pass.

Next: They start when?

If indeed the claim the Mets made was for Johnson we will know pretty quickly as the 48.5 hour clock should run out tonight sometime. If it was him – and we won’t know soon – then he’s with us until the end of the season. If it wasn’t we’ll go around the circle again when he is put through waivers.

The rumors keep on coming and we keep running out the updates to keep you informed here at the Take,

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