Atlanta Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos talks Keuchel Kimbrel and rotation
By Fred Owens
Keuchel always had his eye on Atlanta
Like most of us in the 80s and 90s, Keuchel watched the Braves on TBS and dreamed about playing for them. As many suggested in the past, Brian McCann’s return to the Braves played a part in his decision.
He told O’Brien that as he entered free-agency, the Braves were on his list, because of their energy and style of play. He appreciated how the Braves handled all discussions and wants to follow in the footsteps of the three horsemen of the 90s,
He wants another ring and sees this year as a chance. Turning down the Yankees tells me he serious about that dream. He also recognizes getting in game shape is a priority.
Alex Anthopoulos just told us a few things regarding Keuchel - 1.they were in on both kimbrel and Keuchel. 2. They felt the starter was obvi the biggest priority. 3. They were “open to a multi year deal” on DK. 4. They have “No medical concerns” @MLBNetworkRadio
— Jim Duquette (@Jim_Duquette) June 9, 2019
Why a starter?
Russo asked why, with all the starting pitching talent in the system, they chose a starter instead of Kimbrel.
Anthopoulos said he and his staff discussed it in-depth and felt that they could use both a starter and closer, but “saw more of a need in the rotation” than the pen. There’s no link as the interview happened live. My notes his reply contain this quote.
"We have young arms in the minors who haven’t had the chance to come in and establish themselves to the point where, if we felt we needed them for five starts in a row, we could be confident of them to come in and be expected to perform."
Are the Atlanta Braves worried about rust?
Russo pointed out the often mentioned struggles that resulted when pitchers missed spring training and asked if that concerned the Braves at all.
The GM said the Keuchel signing – like any other acquisition – came without any guarantees. He pointed out that the newest Brave pitcher threw strikes and pitched to contact, unlike pitchers who struggled in the past who depended on fastball velocity.
Atlanta Braves
He acknowledged that Keuchel led the league in hits allowed last season, but pointed out that he also made 34 starts, threw 200+ innings, and consistently ranks at or near the top in groundball percentage.
He told Russo there is no specific date for Keuchel’s first start even though the Braves must recall him by June 18. He’s pitched (very well) at Rome last night and will make one at least before arriving in Atlanta and had a lot of work at the Boras training facility in Florida.
O’Brien said in his piece that the batters faced in his every-fifth-day simulated games consisted of college or independent league players, or other Boras clients.
Anthopoulos ended by saying the Braves and Keuchel had the same goal; he won’t put us in a position where neither has the opportunity for success.