House That Hank Built
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Atlanta Braves ‘pepper’: questions, answers about the upcoming season

By Alan Carpenter

ATLANTA, GA - SEP 20: Charlie Culberson of the Atlanta Braves reacts at the conclusion of an MLB game against the San Francisco Giants in which they clinched the NL East at SunTrust Park on September 20, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEP 20: Charlie Culberson of the Atlanta Braves reacts at the conclusion of an MLB game against the San Francisco Giants in which they clinched the NL East at SunTrust Park on September 20, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA – FEBRUARY 02: Groundhog handler John Griffiths holds Punxsutawney Phil, who did not see his shadow, predicting an early or late spring during the 134th annual Groundhog Day festivities on February 2, 2020. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA – FEBRUARY 02: Groundhog handler John Griffiths holds Punxsutawney Phil, who did not see his shadow, predicting an early or late spring during the 134th annual Groundhog Day festivities on February 2, 2020. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images) /

Any Recoil?

QUESTION 1:  Atlanta had a busy offseason, culminating (at least so far) with the signing of Marcell Ozuna.  What move did you like the most and which move were you a bit leery of?

As it turns out, the Atlanta Braves had options all over the map this Winter – way more than we had probably figured on.

That came about because first the first time in recent memory, the team was spending money – and doing so fairly freely.

In terms of what they did, I have only a couple of hesitations… but neither quite rises to the level of regret.

At the very beginning of the off-season, option years for Tyler Flowers and Nick Markakis were technically declined and the buyout prices paid off.  Each was then re-signed to the an amount giving them the same monies for 2020 they’d have had if the options had been picked up ‘normally’.

Why?  This had the effect of taking $4 million of 2020 money and pushing it back onto the 2019 ledger.

At the time, I figured this was for Liberty Media’s corporate accounting purposes, but now I recognize that it saved the Braves $4 million and change (in terms of player benefits) against the 2020 luxury tax threshold… a figure that almost no one guessed might be in play.

But it actually is… and this will be something to keep in mind come Summertime.  Brilliant… though admittedly, in bringing back Flowers and Markakis… they could end up being the weakest links on the club.

I fully understand the moves:

  • Without Flowers, you need two catchers and would have none that know the pitching staff
  • Without Markakis, you cut out a significant leader, clubhouse presence, and father figure… and this team does need a scout leader  (Freeman is one, but 2-3 more would be helpful).

Still, after the way things played out, Ozuna’s presence gives Markakis a definite bench role.

After the events of this week (the Betts trade and the failed Angels trade), you might also wonder if someone like Joc Pederson might be more appropriate for the extra OF/lefty bat position… you’d have to think he’s very available (anyone calling from the Cardinals, perhaps?).

Donaldson

Josh Donaldson is clearly the fish that got away.  He wanted to come back.  The Braves wanted him back.  Unfortunately neither side could see eye-to-eye on the subject of the money.  And the years.  And the money.

That is a point of regret, but it’s a decision that will be very difficult to grade until another 3-5 years has passed.  It’s probably a coin flip on how that non-move will be perceived at that time.

Otherwise, seeing Alex Anthopoulos getting the bullpen arms that he did was excellent.  The only “new” addition is Will Smith, but he was arguably the best reliever available.

Smith is also the only one that will have to acclimate himself to new surroundings.  The rest made that transition at the end of the 2019 season, so there should be enough familiarity (other than the new Spring digs in North Port, FL) to allow them to get right to work.

Don’t underestimate ‘comfort level’ when acquiring new players… it’s hard to be acquired, change cities, change uniforms, find out where to go and then be expected to perform at a high level immediately.  Shane Greene found that out.

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