Simmons dealt to Angels for two top pitchers, Aybar

[thewupk]

I wasnt against trading Simmons but at least get some value for him.

Not a prospect guy but what does Newcomb project towards, #1, #2 or #3?

No idea. But he was #37 on baseball america's mid season top 50.

[NYCBrave]

I don't understand the deal, why not hold onto Andrelton and see if the bat ever develops? He is signed for cheap. Organization must have felt the bat will never take the next step.

[thewupk]

For 2016 purposes, Erick Aybar is not a huge step back from Andrelton. 2016 Steamer comparison:

Simmons: 87 wRC+, 3.1 fWAR
Aybar: 88 wRC+, 1.9 fWAR

For a single year, sure. But the value in Simmons is the length of his deal at way under market value.

[EstebanBugatti]

Guys it's really simple. We are clearing as much salary as we can for next offseason so we can make a big splash going into the new stadium. Also it's the Braves way to have tons of pitching even if the positional players suck.

Liberty won't be willing to up the payroll high enough to make up for all of the holes being dug.

[bravesnumberone]

To a post above, if they were worried that Simmons value wasn't as high as they thought, DO NOT TRADE HIM.

We have nothing to lose by keeping him. He's young, cheap, controllable and a damn good SS with the potential to improve as a hitter.

If we are worried his value would only decline, we better fold the damn team up. Shelby Miller is one pitch away from being Mike Minor....

[dak]

Then why sell him.

I'm with you. I suspect they felt they were selling at the peak of his value due to escalating contract.

[Heyward]

Guys it's really simple. We are clearing as much salary as we can for next offseason so we can make a big splash going into the new stadium. Also it's the Braves way to have tons of pitching even if the positional players suck.

Next years FA class isnt close to as good as this years.

Even if you're being sarcastic.

[zitothebrave]

[NinersSBChamps]

Upping the payroll? This is a cost effective trade as per usual. Only way payroll is moving is down.

[thewupk]

Are we overrating Simmons? I'm not saying I like the deal, but Simmons is basically Ozzie Smith with pop once in a great while. Watching him hit and run the bases is painful. But even if he's the best defensive SS we've ever had, what does that do for us now?

I hope they trade Freeman and our right fielder, then hope to compete in 10 years.

I bet the Braves just didn't rate Simmons properly. There is a pattern emerging here. IMO they didn't rate Heyward properly because they undervalued his defense. The comments they made about Markakis and his defense. Now they apparently undervalued Simmons. I just don't think they value defense the way as others do regardless of what they say.

[Heyward]

No idea. But he was #37 on baseball america's mid season top 50.

He better be a ****ing ace if they traded him this early.

[Hudson2]

Alot of mlb people are saying Newcomb and Ellis are their 2 best prospects and Newcomb is rated the 19th best prospect in baseball for what it's worth. Taking bets on when Teheran is dealt!??

[thewupk]

Next years FA class isnt close to as good as this years.

Even if you're being sarcastic.

Doesn't matter. It's all about making a splash before the new park opens. Even if the talent isn't as good it will still be 'the best of what was available'.

[bravesnumberone]

Guys it's really simple. We are clearing as much salary as we can for next offseason so we can make a big splash going into the new stadium. Also it's the Braves way to have tons of pitching even if the positional players suck.

Good pitching doesn't mean jack **** when your damn infield can't field. Unless it's Randy Johnson.

[thewupk]

Good pitching doesn't mean jack **** when your damn infield can't field. Unless it's Randy Johnson.

Oh I know. We now have 1 quality position player on the team.

[zitothebrave]

Good pitching doesn't mean jack **** when your damn infield can't field. Unless it's Randy Johnson.

I'm really gonna enjoy not watching the Braves again. I was able to work on my other hobbies instead.

THis club's desire not to win is second to none

[bravesnumberone]

I'm really gonna enjoy not watching the Braves again. I was able to work on my other hobbies instead.

THis club's desire not to win is second to none

I was critical of you for that in the NFL thread, but I may have to join you. If we are completely disinterested in being competitive, why should I invest any time?

[Mrs. Meta]

In my almost twenty years of Braves fandom, I've never felt so...empty.

The intense suckage in the 80s came with a viable plan that was put into action and reaped a decade plus of rewards.

The suckage lately (to me), is just...suckage.

[MadduxFanII]

Newcomb has some big numbers: 11.1 K/9 in 136 innings last year, albeit with a rather ugly 5.0 BB/9. He's not notably young (22), but he's a big lefty and he has a nice pedigree, and he should probably move quickly.

Still doesn't make me feel good about this.

[bravesnumberone]

The only justification I've been able to reach is Hart is bent about the Braves taking out the Indians in '95, and this is all deliberate sabotage.