MLB’s investigation into the Atlanta Braves front office dealings continues. Rumors swirl around the future of John Hart, John Schuerholz and even Terry McGuirk.
MLB isn’t going to say anything about the Atlanta Braves investigation until the World Series ends and the jubilation subsides. More information slowly leaks out about the boil on the butt of the Braves lanced on October second when John Coppolella resigned.
MLB believed to be near completion in investigation of #Braves assorted malfeasance; results probably not announced till after World Series
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) October 15, 2017
As usual various sources report similar things but there were a few interesting tidbits included.
Weekend scandal update
On Thursday, Ken Rosenthal wrote for The Athletic (subscription required and recommended) that sources expect the penalties to be harsh.
"The Braves’ violations are unprecedented in scope, sources say, and baseball’s penalties almost certainly will reflect the extent of the team’s wrongdoing."
Like many of us, Rosenthal notes insiders don’t understand how something so apparently blatant happened without Hart’s knowledge. He suggests that Rob Manfred could add a penalty for “lack of institutional control.”
Such a finding would surely end Hart’s career and possibly that of John Schuerholz who hired him. An earlier story in The Athletic names Schuerholz as Coppolella’s “sponsor.” When they names Coppolella GM Schuerholz heaped praise on his protégé.
"“We didn’t map out a plan, but we figured this is a really, really smart man. . .really sharp and works really hard . . .loves the Braves more than anything. That’s the guy you want to keep your eyes on.”"
In the second linked post a rival executive said what many of us believe.
"… Hart was either complicit in Coppolella’s actions or oblivious to them, and either description is damning."
Perhaps they should have actually kept their eyes on him?
— Chief_Fred (@FredEOwens) October 16, 2017
LMC is listening too
In an article for the Macon Telegraph, Bill shanks gives details on who was interviewed in a sort of timeline. I wrote earlier that John Coppolella spoke with MLB investigators in New York during the last week in the season regarding possible under the table arrangements to encourage Drew Waters to sign. Coppolella and Waters’ agent both denied those accusations.
More from Braves News
- Atlanta Braves 2012 Prospect Review: Joey Terdoslavich
- Braves News: Braves sign Fuentes, Andruw’s HOF candidacy, more
- The Weakest Braves Homers Since 2015
- Atlanta Braves Sign Joshua Fuentes to Minor League Deal
- Braves News: New Year’s Eve comes with several questions about the 2023 Braves
We know now investigators interviewed him at his house of September 30. Two days later investigators presented the allegations to Hart and Schuerholz and Coppolella was asked to resign.
Other revelations from Shanks”:
- Gordon Blakeley, Billy Ryan, Dave Trembley, Chad McDonald and Brian Bridges were also questioned
- Liberty Media had a lawyer present during every interview
- MLB investigators are surprised at the number of incidents and received “Numerous calls, from agents, scouts and other teams . . .”
- Coppolella was offered a financial buyout of severance but said no.
- Coppolella apparently lawyered up so we’ll really see the mud flying in a lawsuit starts
- Hart, McGuirk and Manfred played golf the week before the news broke.
That’s a Wrap . . . for now
It’s not surprising that MLB is interviewing every scout present and past that might be involved. What is eye-opening is numerous complaints quoted. This is really sad.
I understand the buyout offer to mean that they would pay him a lump sum as if he were fired, even though he technically resigned. That is not standard procedure in any career field that I know of and baseball insiders to Shanks the same thing; unheard of.
I doubt anything other than a golf game happened between Hart, McGuirk and Manfred. Manfred’s a lawyer and it would seem unethical to talk about an investigation before one formally starts.
Had they been given any kind of notice, surely they would have started adjusting before the investigators walked in. Particularly when LMC’s lawyers know about it.
I’m as tired of presenting this kind of news as you are of reading it. We will continue to provide highlights – lowlights in this case – and link you to sources for the detail.