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Morning Chop: Atlanta Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos with news, hirings, rumors

By Fred Owens

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 04: General manager Alex Anthopoulos and manager Brian Snitker #43 of the Atlanta Braves talk during batting practice prior to Game One of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 4, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 04: General manager Alex Anthopoulos and manager Brian Snitker #43 of the Atlanta Braves talk during batting practice prior to Game One of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 4, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Braves pitcher Luiz Gohara continues to work out at the Braves spring training complex. He's lost 35 pounds and looks on targhet for a strong 2019. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Atlanta Braves pitcher Luiz Gohara continues to work out at the Braves spring training complex. He’s lost 35 pounds and looks on target for a strong 2019. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Anthopoulos on other subjects

The Braves’ GM spoke at length to reporters yesterday on a number of subjects. He reiterated his previous comments about trading prospects.  He’s willing to do so but the trick is knowing when to trade and for whom. He understands fans want the team to make some moves but emphasized the team’s goal of sustained winning.

"“The reason we have all these prospects is to win . . when winning is right in front of you, it’s easy to lose sight of that. We talk about . . .sustained success . . .  you need to have success first. We focus so much on the sustainable side that we never get to the success . .  you have to get to the success part first.”"

That translates into we are going for it next year so we can continue to go for it every year. In other words, trades will happen in order to win.

The Braves interviewed pitching coaches – no names given or leaked – but told reporters “We’re not in a rush.”

What about pitching and catching?

Luiz Gohara lost 35 pounds by working out in Orlando instead of going home to Brazil. While it’s still early Anthopoulos expects to see him “In shape, ready to go. . .” in the spring.

Mike Soroka is progressing on schedule and, without specificity, Anthopoulos said his velocity was as expected.

Jon Morosi Tweeted yesterday that The Braves off-season would include looking for a closer. That’s not news nor is the talk of a return to Atlanta for Craig Kimbrel. MLBTR projects Kimbrel expects to get a four-year contract with a $17MM AAV.

Asked about J.T. Realmuto, he reminded reporters that the Braves’ # 13 prospect William Contreras has all the tools to be a first-class receiver.

In another Tweet afternoon, O’Brien passed on Anthopoulos’ desire to add bench depth; maybe not now but before the season starts. That immediately makes most fans say, Marwin Gonzalez.

Gonzalez meets all criteria but who the Braves sign might well depend on who they add in the outfield.

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