We traded Mallex because we did have the 4th out fielder we wanted in DPete. The reason our bench sucks is DPete and SRod we're both hurt (I think they also know Albies will be up at some point). After knowing that, they didn't do much to correct it, BUT again I think they are only trying to "appear" to win games this year to sell tickets. They won't dump more money in the bench when they know...there is no point.
Good for Gohara. It's one game...let's see him do that consistently. Blair might pitch a shut out next time and Gohara get shelled who knows.
One thing you can say for the Braves strategy with pitching. They are hedging their bets. ANYTIME they can pick up a pitcher with high upside...they knab him. At this point, I would be surprised if we don't have 3-5 pitchers that will turn into #1-3 type starters. If we are lucky we have 4-6 with another draft coming.
I also realize how we talk about poor catching in our system, but looking at the rosters they have so many catchers it's crazy. They might not have any that are producing as of yet, but it's not from lack of effort. With the trades and high draft picks....I am not really happy with who we have, but it is not like they haven't tried to address the problem. As many as we have, there should be one of those guys that turn out to be at least a decent catcher.
I guess the question I have for you guys....Did you really "expect" to win this year?? This team is flawed. Most everyone knows that. A lot of big names that are way past their prime, a lot of low WAR players (granted I am not a WAR is everything guy). Most of us agree this team will win 70 something games, but then act surprised when we loose 😂. This team has the talent to have stretches of really good baseball, but in no way will they be able to do that consistantly.
The worst thing that could happen to us is winning enough games that we don't trade anyone at the deadline. I don't really want to see us win this year, because at BEST....the BEST possible scenario would be us almost making the playoffs with all these over the hill guys.
We still need ALOT of talent. I would be looking to trade anyone at the deadline not in their 20's, and any other high ceiling and inconsistent players (like Viz). So, I don't get upset watching us loose...that's the plan this year (no matter what they say). The target is 2019...they won't tell you that, but that's what it is. Would should be over .500 next year if things go right. This will be the last year for hopefully a decade we will have a loosing record, but fellas...we will have a loosing record this year...we just might look a "little" better doing it.