Atlanta Braves: Identifying Tradable Organizational Surplus

Apr 11, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Mallex Smith (17) walks off the field after being called out during fourth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Smith was injured on the play and left game. Washington Nationals defeated Atlanta Braves 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Mallex Smith (17) walks off the field after being called out during fourth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Smith was injured on the play and left game. Washington Nationals defeated Atlanta Braves 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
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Atlanta Braves Organizational Depth Chart

Frontline (#1-2 ceiling) RH Starting Pitchers

The term “pipeline” rings true here: where there’s a bulge in the pipe ready to burst, that’s where there’s surplus.

Frontline (#1-2 ceiling) LH Starting Pitchers

Mid-Back Rotation (3-5 ceiling) RH Starting Pitchers

Mid-Back Rotation (3-5 ceiling) LH Starting Pitchers

Catchers

First Base

Second Base

Third Base

Shortstops

Outfield

Just to reiterate: this is not intended to be an exhaustive list, but one that should be sufficiently complete for discussion purposes.

In my opinion, organizational surplus doesn’t just mean “Braves have a ton of prospects so they can trade some of them”.  As suggested by a title given to MLB’s prospect list, the term “pipeline” rings true here:  where there’s a bulge in the pipe ready to burst,  that’s where there’s surplus.

But it’s not just the quantity, rather it’s the developmental level as well. If many are on the same developmental level, then VOILA!  Surplus.

Schedule