Braves interested in CK and DK

[striker42]

So find every bargain possible, save money, tell the fans we're giving ourselves financial flexibility, draft players with the thought we can save money there as well to continue giving us financial flexibility, then at the end of the season announce we didn't see any value in any potential moves, and then have Liberty Media pocket the surplus. Gotcha.

Pretty much. There has been talk about the team wanting to pay down debt they incurred because of building the new stadium. That might play into it.

[striker42]

I think it’s far too early in his tenure for this take.

The not trusting what AA says is not just from his tenure here. He's notorious for running a quiet ship and never tipping his hand. That goes back to his time in Toronto.

As for expecting the most economical moves, that's more because of ownership. The Braves are corporate asset so those running it are going to be judged accordingly. Spreadsheets are far more important than box scores in this situation.

I'm not saying AA doesn't care about winning. Winning is important to keeping revenues up and increasing the value of the corporate asset (franchise). I'm just saying his job performance is likely judged more on finances than titles. So looking for the financially sound move will keep you from being surprised.

[clvclv]

Two points:

1) It has been reported that the meeting you refer to was scheduled well ahead and AA had committed to going to it.

2) Subsequent to the meeting the Braves are reported to have made an offer to Brantley similar to the one he accepted from the Astros.

Which simply furthers the belief that the corporate suits don't give a *hit about the team and its on-field success, that it's all about the real estate development and other assets. Why else would you schedule a meeting like that that the guy in charge of baseball operations is expected to attend when the Winter Meetings are going on?

[bravesfanMatt]

I still don’t get why people think Liberty gives a crap one way or another about the budget or team or record in regards to the Braves. We are a stock to them. They want their asset to grow in value. How that happens they don’t care. Terry McDork is the guy who sets the budget and his job is to make sure the Braves are profitable and growing. He knows that debt for his commercial development is a potential disaster and has to commit money to it. Hopefully the team can continue to play well and huge commercial feel to suntrust doesn’t keep fans away. If the battery stays full then the team will start to reap the rewards. Eventually.

[nsacpi]

Which simply furthers the belief that the corporate suits don't give a *hit about the team and its on-field success, that it's all about the real estate development and other assets. Why else would you schedule a meeting like that that the guy in charge of baseball operations is expected to attend when the Winter Meetings are going on?

The front office had an entire team at the winter meetings. AA has also commented that the GM meeting and Winter Meeting are not the greatest times to make deals. He prefers to operate from the office where the information and analysis can be accessed fully. I think too much is being read into the fact he left the Winter Meeting to go to the corporate meeting.

[bravesfanforlife88]

David O'Brien Retweeted

Ken Rosenthal
@Ken_Rosenthal
#Cubs pushing hard for Kimbrel, sources tell The Athletic.

[UNCBlue012]

David O'Brien Retweeted

Ken Rosenthal
@Ken_Rosenthal
#Cubs pushing hard for Kimbrel, sources tell The Athletic.

Better than the Phillies, Mets or Nats. lol

[nsacpi]

Better than the Phillies, Mets or Nats. lol

I really want the fillies to spend stupid money on him

[UNCBlue012]

I really want the fillies to spend stupid money on him

Not me. If he's even close to the dude he's been his entire career, we're screwed.

[Enscheff]

David O'Brien Retweeted

Ken Rosenthal
@Ken_Rosenthal
#Cubs pushing hard for Kimbrel, sources tell The Athletic.

If the Braves can't get him for the rest of this season only, I hope some non-Braves team gives him something like $50M over the next 2.5 years and sinks their payroll because of it.

[nsacpi]

Not me. If he's even close to the dude he's been his entire career, we're screwed.

decline years + big $$ = stupid money

[UNCBlue012]

decline years + big $$ = stupid money

I fully understand the logic. lol

[msstate7]

So if Kimbrel is off the board, who then? AA didn't want rentals last season, so doubt we go after will smith

[bravesfanMatt]

So if Kimbrel is off the board, who then? AA didn't want rentals last season, so doubt we go after will smith

TD is looking mighty fine as potential trade bait. Especially for a rental. I think this year is different if we can use a guy like that.

[nsacpi]

I fully understand the logic. lol

u will be assimilated

[UNCBlue012]

u will be assimilated

[nsacpi]

I'm guessing Giles, Kennedy and Smith will be our top targets

[UNCBlue012]

I'm guessing Giles, Kennedy and Smith will be our top targets

I want Stromas/Giles pretty badly.

[bravesfanforlife88]

AA did say on the radio last week that we do have money to spend but we also have “a budget” ....translation meaning, don’t expect me to do anything of note

[Carp]

decline years + big $$ = stupid money

This is overrated imo. His decline years, barring health, will likely still be among the best closers in baseball, even he isn't quite the elite closer he was 2 years ago.