Predicting the coming Atlanta Braves off-season
By Fred Owens
The strategy
The core of teams in the World Series is homegrown. They have balanced lineups with above-average players surrounding the young stars. The big-ticket items on both teams are starters. If pressed to name a player signed to a big contract who didn’t grow up in the system, you’ll end up with those starters, because that was the area the team failed to fill from within.
That’s the areas the Braves front office will address this winter, positions where our in-house talent isn’t ready now. If a player breaks out in spring training and the Braves brought an outside player on board to fill a void, it’s a bonus, not a problem. Since Alex Anthopoulos took over, the team hasn’t held any player back who proved ready for the show.
Our Atlanta Braves GM will try to make enough small, but positive, deals to create a stronger roster. It isn’t a new solution, John Schuerholz used it for years in Atlanta, and about 12 years ago the Rays made news by calling it the “The Extra 2%.” A team of superstars isn’t essential for winning. It’s more important to have a team of talented players on a well-balanced roster that insists on sound defense and good pitching.
What could that mean?
I believe Anthopoulos tried to make deals last off-season but had no intention of giving away the future superstars being sought by other teams in exchange for players without long term control
Alex Anthopoulos will do that this year as well; callers asking for Cristian Pache, Drew Waters, or Ian Anderson will either backup the truck or go home.
That doesn’t mean you won’t see good players – players you like and insist are essential – for two percent better players, or perhaps a few good players for a very good player. Some of your favorite players may leave; you have my sympathies in advance.