Atlanta Braves Call Up Swanson… Wrong Move?

The fans love it today, but we have to ask about the possible ancillary costs and fallout that might now happen tomorrow by bringing Dansby Swanson to the majors early.

Early in the year, we kind of naturally assumed that the 2016 Atlanta Braves season might end with a trade of Erick Aybar and the call-up of one or both of Dansby Swanson and Ozzie Albies.

Now that this scenario is upon us, it does beg the question on exactly what the future ramifications might be.

The Curiosity of this Call-up

You heard the rules of engagement for new players over the past couple of years – from John Schuerholz, John Hart, and John Coppolella… that the player ‘will tell us when he’s ready.’  So that’s why this quote is fascinating:

Personally, I don’t think he’ll be overwhelmed either, but the statement represents a significant departure from what we’re been told.

Additionally, our friend and minor league watcher here at TomahawkTake has specific concerns that the message Swanson has been sending lately isn’t “I’m ready”:

In fairness, we’ve actually seen some lapses recently at the major league level, too.  See the newly departed Aybar, Erick for example.

Ultimately, the decision of “readiness” is based on observation and opinion, but the decision of that opinion-makers (Hart/Coppy) indicates either: (a) some minor dissent in the house on that “readiness” point; or (b) a conscious choice to ignore their own established precedent.  I expect the latter more than the former.

Apparently, this won’t be the last such breaking of new ground, either:

Next: But that's not the bigger-picture concern