Atlanta Braves John Coppolella: “These ARE the Droids (Players) You’re Looking For”

Position Players/Offense

It was reported today by Mark Bowman, that Adonis Garcia will be sidelined for about two months after having surgery on his hand/finger. So, there goes my hope to trade him at the deadline in either July or August.

Thank goodness for Rio Ruiz. He’ll get plenty of time to adjust at 3B and so will Johan Camargo. I love what Rio has been doing since coming back up to Atlanta. He very well could play Adonis out of a job, and back to the bench where Garcia belongs. Or, out of Atlanta altogether.

For the most part, the infield is probably safe, save for Matt Adams and Brandon Phillips. I’d imagine two scenarios playing out with Adams.

First, he is traded at either the July or August deadlines. With Freddie Freeman expected back by early August, Adams may not want to accept a bench role.

That’s OK. He’s been raising his trade value since the moment he arrived in the ATL. The other scenario could be that he DOES accept a bench role, and finishes the season with the Braves and they deal him during the offseason.

As for Phillips, the obvious choice is Ozzie Albies. The kid is ready, and I think moving BP will be easier than some think.

Since the emergence of Ronald Acuna and a little more time given to Dustin Peterson, the time for trading Nick Markakis and Matt Kemp is getting closer.

Yes, it pains me to think of Kakes wearing a different uniform. However, I also understand he was never meant to be a long-term, future member of this team.

I would imagine, that if Acuna continues at his current rate, we’ll be saying adios to Markakis at the end of the year.

Peterson may need a bit longer to develop, so I don’t expect Kemp to get moved as quickly as Markakis could be.