House That Hank Built
Fansided

Atlanta Braves Catching: Four Trade Targets

By Fred Owens

Sep 7, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Catchers mask and glove sits in dugout before the game between the Detroit Tigers and the San Francisco Giants at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Catchers mask and glove sits in dugout before the game between the Detroit Tigers and the San Francisco Giants at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Sep 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Mallex Smith (17) hits an RBI single as Philadelphia Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp (29) is shown on the play in the eighth inning at Turner Field. The Braves won 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Mallex Smith (17) hits an RBI single as Philadelphia Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp (29) is shown on the play in the eighth inning at Turner Field. The Braves won 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

The Phillies Triumvirate

The Phillies are very deep in catching right now. In addition to incumbent and solid player on both sides of the ball Cameron Rupp they have MLBPipeline’s number seven catching prospect (Phillies number 11) Andrew Knapp knocking on the door beside MLBPipeline’s number one catching prospect (Phillies number four) Jorge Alfaro kicking down the door to get in.

They don’t have to move any of them of course. Alfaro got a cup of coffee this year and seemed to move past Knapp.. BA’s scouting report from last season spoke highly of his bat and rebuilt arm – he had TJ surgery in 2013.

"Knapp’s bat will be his carrying tool. He’s a switch-hitter with a balanced swing from both sides of the plate and power to each pull side. He hits better against right handers . . .but his numbers against southpaws improved greatly(at AA in 2015). . . He also shows enough plate discipline and doesn’t chase many pitches out of the zone. . .(he need to improve) blocking and receiving, but scouts praise Knapp’s ability to call a game as well as his quick release. He used a solid-average arm to throw out 36 percent of base stealers (2015)"

This year at AAA Knapp threw out 38% of runners (18 of 48) and posted a .266/.330/.390/.719 line in 443 PA. His drop off at the plate (he had a  OPS at AA in 2015) allowed Alfaro to move past him.

Trading in division is not as taboo as it once was but the Phillies would want to extract some extra from us for any of their prospects.

That’s A Wrap

I know you’ll all have your favorite under the radar guy that I left out. I passed over players like Austin Barnes, Blake Swihart, Miguel Montero, Austin Romine and others as either too expensive, too old or not a sufficient improvement.

This is of course a way too early look at a market that hasn’t developed except that Coppy’s said he’s already been in discussions with teams about trades.

Next: But what about free agents?

Of the three I highlighted I like Perez, Murphy and Norris in that order but all would work well enough. I tried not to get too specific in the trades other than highlighting known needs for a couple of teams. I’m sure you’ll have ideas and let me know what they are. I look forward to reading them.

Home/Braves News