Hart: Atlanta Braves Barely Exchanged Names

Hart “We’ve made a couple of calls, that’s all”

In an interview on MLB Network’s Hot Stove (embedded below), President of Baseball Operations, John Hart clarified what the Braves have done in relation to trading for Sale or Chris Archer or any one of their ilk. Contrary to those uber-hyped media reports it’s been much less intense.

"“We are not close to anything. . . barely have exchanged names . . . At some point, we realize we’re going to have to trade some of these (young) guys. But . . . it’s not like this is our time, that we should . . . just start unloading the system with the idea that we’re going to get a two – or three-year fix.” “. . .We’ve made a couple of calls, that’s all. .  A deal for an elite young starter like Chris Sales is apples to oranges. . . (it’s) going to involve a lot of good young players . . . (this is) a pricey deal for a club that is still, I think, taking some steps forward to become a contending club. . .I’m not sure if we’re quite there yet.”"

What To Believe

Somewhere between barely exchanging names and what gets reported in the media lies the truth. If one reads beyond the headlines even the stories generated in order to achieve page views say this. In the Heyman post draws conclusions based on facts that aren’t necessarily relevant.

• Heyman says the Braves are in a group trying hardest but never backs that up- How does he know that? He doesn’t.
• He says the Braves “are exactly the sort of team that has the pieces” to make a deal. Even the most casual fan knows that, nothing new here.
• Finally he concludes by listing fourteen (14)  Braves prospects that “could form the basis of a big deal.”  That isn’t news nor even a good rumor, anyone can look at a top ten list and draw that conclusion.

Nowhere does he suggest any names proffered as a start to negotiations he just says the teams match up.  ESPN’s information on the subject points to the Heyman article as a source and that source is inside Heyman’s head. Anyone could have come up with that but Heyman needs a source and gets paid for it.

The Braves have been in touch with the White Sox, Rays, and every other team. They have asked about the availability of players and what the other team thinking in terms of price. GMs do this all the time and more heavily in the off-season when rosters are in a constant state of flux.