Atlanta Braves trade talk: Alex Anthopoulos sticks to the plan
By Fred Owens
Trades winds swirl around the Atlanta Braves, third base remains unresolved and the bullpen needs help, but the GM isn’t going to go crazy at the deadline.
.John Hart said it simply on MLB Central Friday morning. The Braves will look to improve the roster while protecting the assets.
The Atlanta Braves’ system relies on pitching depth providing enough quality to mitigate the need to add pieces and currency to add players if needed.
Managing those conflicting goals while dealing with daily injuries give GMs gray hair and ulcers.
Atlanta Braves will stay the course
Alex Anthopoulos spoke on the record about mid-year acquisitions, in an interview for an LA times article with Bill Shaikin.
When he took over in Atlanta, Terry McGuirk and crew told AA not sign players simply to increase attendance at STP.
"“I’ve seen (teams) say they’re going to commit to a rebuild and then . . . don’t have the stomach for it, (the Braves) stayed the course. They did the right thing from a baseball standpoint."
Shaikin asked him what would happen if the Braves continued to challenge for the division. AA told him he would stick with the plan no matter the situation.
"“We’re. . .extremely committed to staying the course, to giving playing time and innings to our young core.” He offers no assurance that the Braves will make the postseason . . . That translates into no blockbuster trades that strip the farm system designed to push the Braves over the finish line."
On the other hand, it’s unlikely he’ll stand absolutely pat with the current roster. Anthopoulos knows making even a small upgrade shows the players leadership believes in them.
Trade traits and market forces
Anthopoulos’ indicated in the past, he sees defense and control as essential in any significant. That, coupled with his statement, makes a prospect-expensive big-name player joining the team mid-year a fantasy. Yes, that includes Manny Machado and Josh Donaldson.
I don’t see this as a marketing ploy, to date Anthopoulos’ moves far match his words. I see no reason to doubt he means exactly what he said.
Further thinning the market are injuries and roster moves from potential trade partners and regression from a few Braves’ prospects.
Factoring in all of those factors shrinks the list of potential targets.