I have no problem with our scouting department pursuing Moncada and making him an offer, even if signing him is a Hail Mary. We need to establish a presence in the market, develop relationships, and show we mean business.
I could see us taking a page from the Rays and The A's to stockpile our bats needed to compete. The Rays have been flipping their pitching when it gets expensive as they have the arms coming up to do so, and the A's have long been signing guys they can flip in July. We'll be sellers this year and the hope is guys like Minor, Grilli, Jim Johnson, and Callaspo are intriguing to other teams and we can start working on stockpiling some bats finally. It's going to take some luck, but we can most definitely compete sooner rather than later if we use our prospects the right way.
jpx7 (01-16-2015)
Shoot, I don't have any problem pursuing him. I'm glad that we are. I just don't think it's realistic for people to post here like we've got the inside track on signing him or that he's Schuerhart's top secret, surefire plan for the Cobb County Braves to win the pennant in 2017.
jpx7 (01-16-2015)
Keep in mind that the Yanks and Sox can't sign Moncada if he doesn't become eligible to sign by mid June. So there is that possibility I guess.
thank you weso1!
Correct. And Kiley McDaniel over at Fangraphs believes Moncada will sign before opening day (and maybe well before)- OFAC is one of those agencies that could move at any time, and once he is cleared, I suspect the bidding will be fast and furious. That's not to say the Braves have any advantage over anyone else- just that I tend to agree with Kiley that I think he'll get his clearance before June
The links are useful, and I thank you for citing them, but they don't really speak to my question. Legitimate—even legitimately serious—interest in not commensurate with likelihood of success. Everything I've read suggests he's headed to one of the big-market, bigger-wallet teams, and considering the likely cost and the Braves' frequent cost-aversion, it doesn't seem reasonable to even talk about counting this chicken unless it hatches.
In other words, until there's an announcement that the Braves have shocked the industry and signed Moncada, we should all operate under the premise that he will not be a part of the Braves' teams any time in the near-future.
"For all his tattooings he was on the whole a clean, comely looking cannibal."
Julio3000 (01-16-2015), MadduxFanII (01-16-2015)
Yeah. I said it in another thread, but it sums up my thinking pretty succinctly: I'll believe that Moncada is going to be a Brave when his signature is on a Braves contract. Otherwise, I'm gonna assume it's a no.
Agreed with JP and Cocaine Dude. I certainly don't begrudge our front office the attempt at Moncada. It seems like a perfectly reasonable use of time, and there's no reason not to make the effort. Just seems like far too much is working against us.
This is how I see it:
Braves go after Dexter Fowler as FA next year for CF. Bethancourt becomes league average behind the plate with the bat and becomes what everyone thinks he can be defensively. Peraza takes over at 2B and becomes a better than average 2B. Johnson rebounds at 3B allowing him to be traded and either Ruiz or Peterson pan out there and provide 20-30 hr power while hitting .260 or better. Markakis doesn't decline too much. The Braves find a right handed thumper for LF going into 2017 as a FA. Moncada might be an answer if the Braves sign him but I just don't see that.
You have to believe that the Braves will try to position themselves to make a splash going into 2017 via the FA market (big time LF bat or ACE level pitcher) or through trade to build excitement.
CF Fowler
2B Peraza
LF Big time RH left field bat or Moncada
1B Freeman
3B Peterson/Ruiz
RF Markakis
SS Simmons
C Bethancourt
SP: Teheran, Wood, Miller, Foltynewicz, FA SP
RP: Kimbrel, Simmons, Vizcaino, Banuelos, Hursh, Sanchez (probably will have a couple of signings for LH and RH reliever in the pen)
I think we end up trading our stockpile (or some of it) for young hitting talent in the next year then hope they all pan out.
I've been rather harsh on the moves, and low on the team. If we struggle, Kimbrel and maybe even Freeman should be traded for a great bounty. 2017 doesn't have to be THE year after all. If 2018 or 19 are it, I'll take it.
We've been spoiled so long, that something in the laws of life was out to get us.
1995
Division titles (always a chance to play in postseason)
Hall of Famer's like John, Tommy, Greg, Cox, and soon Chipper.....
TBS, Skip, Pete, Ernie, they made every game worth listening to.
I was feeling bitter about all this until I found a photo album of my grandfather. There were some photos of us going to games in the 80's. Dale Murphy was the only reason to show up. But, we still had a great time together win or lose. Most of the games I attended were when we owned the cellar, but I don't have one bad memory of that time.
Let's take a step back. Next few years could be bumpy, but life goes on. I'm gonna do my best to enjoy it, win or lose. Call me out if I forget! :D
What would be the point in trading Freeman, moss? He's clearly part of the long-term plan.
Man this thread is premature. See this offseason as to how things can change in a heartbeat.
Anyone that thinks this team or the minors will look anything like they do now come 2017 is on something.
Ivermectin Man
50PoundHead (01-20-2015), Knucksie (01-20-2015)
"Yes, I did think Aldrich was good UNTIL I SAW HIM PLAY. "- thethe