Starting rotation

[dak]

Barring trades and injuries, here's how the rotation hierarchy looks to me at the moment. The Chacin trade has added to my belief that the Braves are anxious (maybe too anxious) to see if any from that middle group can graduate to the top group. Helps them to answer a few key 2017 questions: (1) Is there enough depth to trade Teheran?, (2) Will it be imperative to acquire a veteran mid-rotation SP?, (3) Is there enough depth to trade MLB-ready SPs for positional players?.

2017 Rotation Spot Locked Down (3): Teheran, Wisler, Blair

In Competition for 2017 OD Rotation (6): Foltynewicz, Gant, Jenkins, Sims, Perez, Banuelos

Ready for MLB During 2017 Season (5): Ellis, Newcomb, Whalen, Povse, Barker

[nsacpi]

If the return is good enough I'm open to trading any player. It really has to do mainly with value. The only position where I would compromise on value slightly this off-season is catcher, where we have both a short-term and long-term need. If we can find a good catcher I'm willing to slightly overpay.

[GovClintonTyree]

If the return is good enough I'm open to trading any player. It really has to do mainly with value. The only position where I would compromise on value slightly this off-season is catcher, where we have both a short-term and long-term need. If we can find a good catcher I'm willing to slightly overpay.

Why do that when we have AJ?

[Knucksie]

They'll get a vet starter for 2017 to help mentor the kids and try to sell tickets at the new digs.

[dak]

If the return is good enough I'm open to trading any player. It really has to do mainly with value. The only position where I would compromise on value slightly this off-season is catcher, where we have both a short-term and long-term need. If we can find a good catcher I'm willing to slightly overpay.

Agreed. Would prefer we don't make a trade that hurts us in 2017, but would be open to trading for low-minors players if we end up winning the trade by a wide enough margin. I think we're in a position where a trade from SP depth is likely, whether it's a big move like Teheran or a small move like Banuelos / Jenkins.