Atlanta Braves: When to Pull the Trigger
My Take on What to Expect
I expect you will hear many rumors of the Atlanta Braves trying to do something “big” this off-season. However, it will be “big” as defined on their terms.
They may very well try and pursue a Verlander or Sale or Gray or someone of that ilk. But they will take a swing only if the pitch made is a fastball in their narrow sweet spot.
To continue the analogy, Coppolella is looking at a 3-0 count right now and truly can afford to take a couple of strikes if he doesn’t think the next pitches are to his liking.
It is indeed an enviable position to be in, but it may make for some frustration as a fan… especially if we perceive that the team is getting close to the Promised Land.
OFF-SEASON ACQUISITION IDEAS – CATCHER
- Catcher Wilson Ramos – 2 year free agent deal with option. It could look like a shrewd ‘trade deadline pickup’ once he becomes ready to play again around July.
- Catcher Tom Murphy – trade with the Rockies. I really like this idea that Fred let us in on earlier in the month. It certainly fits with the Braves’ general philosophy as well. Heck, I wouldn’t mind both catcher deals… Murphy has options.
OFF-SEASON ACQUISITION IDEAS – PITCHER
- Pursue a pitcher who is a higher-dollar ace-level performer – without breaking the prospect bank. At the same time, they would want a pitcher with some years of control – likely at least 3.
- If that ploy succeeds, then also add the best free agent you can lure, for now you’re most probably division-level competitive… at least.
- If that fails, fall back with 2 of the better free agent options that would not command more than a 2-year deal. Doug Fister, Mat Latos, Dickey, C.J. Wilson if healthy. These would be bridges to the “kids”. The team should still exceed .500 in 2017.
The Braves will not go “All In” – that may never happen, in fact: such a philosophy got the team into farm trouble by doing this during the Wren years. You can do that when you have an obvious hole to fill with a team on the cusp… that’s a place we’re not quite at.
That said, it is also quite likely that they will aggressively pursue a balanced approach to still land “impact” players in an effort to at least approach that level… and it could very well work: this year’s Cleveland Indians are one prime example.
The next 2 months are going to really be fun to watch unfold.