Braves: OF of both extremes?

[Enscheff]

FG just did some work with the OF defensiuve numbers:

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/lets-...efensive-data/

The data shows Inciarte as one of the Top 10 OFers defensively over the last 2 seasons (no surprise), while both Kemp and Markakis are Bottom 5 in total plays not made. Kemp is quite possibly the worst defensive OFer currently in the game (Hanley and Trumbo won't be given as many chances to hurt the team in the OF), while Markakis is merely bad (not Bottom 10 in Plays/1200) but gets a lot of innings out there to rack up missed plays.

So knowing this, where are the defensive replacements for Kemp and Markakis? How is a genius GM planning to let these butchers hurt the team defensively to such a huge extent? Why are the Braves going with a 3 man bench with no good OF defender when they have 2 of the worst OF defenders in MLB in everyday roles?

What in the HELL is the Genius doing? Why weren't any of the many RHed 4th OF types brought in to fill this glaring need?

[ramadon101]

I don't purport to know what Coppy is thinking of at the moment, but I do think they thought they would be able to nab Pagan on the cheap. He's reportedly asking for a MLB deal with $5M in guaranteed dollars (or incentives to reach $5M). He also reportedly failed a physical with the Orioles so who knows what the issue may be on that front.

[Enscheff]

I don't purport to know what Coppy is thinking of at the moment, but I do think they thought they would be able to nab Pagan on the cheap. He's reportedly asking for a MLB deal with $5M in guaranteed dollars (or incentives to reach $5M). He also reportedly failed a physical with the Orioles so who knows what the issue may be on that front.

They need to just offer Pagan a $2M MLB deal with incentives. Why offer him a MiLB deal? Is there really any doubt he would make the MLB roster of a team that employs only 1 good OFer?

[ramadon101]

Reports are that the Braves are willing to offer Pagan a MLB contract; I think the issue is the dollars now (and perhaps a physical issue ... of course we're also talking about the Os, who have had a less than stellar reputation within the industry with respect to their "physicals" - see, e.g., Gallardo, Balfour, Colvin, Burnitz, Sele, etc. the list goes on and on... so take it for what it's worth).

[bravesfanMatt]

Kemp and Markickass will have the team up by 6 runs every night to negate any runs lost. Genius~~

[chop2chip]

What in the HELL is the Genius doing? Why weren't any of the many RHed 4th OF types brought in to fill this glaring need?

I think this certainly qualifies as screaming into the void.

[thethe]

The plan was that this player would be Rodriguez.

[Enscheff]

The plan was that this player would be Rodriguez.

So SRod was going to be the defensive replacement at 3B for Garcia while also covering for RF and LF? This roster has 3 of the worst defenders in the game, and SRod was going to fix all 3 at once?

He was a tremendous signing indeed!

[thethe]

So SRod was going to be the defensive replacement at 3B for Garcia while also covering for RF and LF? This roster has 3 of the worst defenders in the game, and SRod was going to fix all 3 at once?

He was a tremendous signing indeed!

No - Jace Peterson/Chase Darnaud could fill in at 3B. Its still very possible that they sign a player. Nothing to get heated about yet sir.

[smootness]

Sup Niners.

[chop2chip]

I can't think of a single type of player easier to find in baseball than a late-innings defensive replacement outfielder, so excuse me as I thumb my nose at this "glaring" (!) need.

[thethe]

I can't think of a single type of player easier to find in baseball than a late-innings defensive replacement outfielder, so excuse me as I thumb my nose at this "glaring" (!) need.

Exactly.

[Enscheff]

I can't think of a single type of player easier to find in baseball than a late-innings defensive replacement outfielder, so excuse me as I thumb my nose at this "glaring" (!) need.

Kindly point out a few that are available then. Should be easy, right?

[chop2chip]

Kindly point out a few that are available then. Should be easy, right?

I don't usually have my ears to the ground on the defensive replacement OF market, so feel free to bump this thread at the end of spring training cuts and I'll take my pick of the myriad of fast players that are literally available every single year.

[thewupk]

I think the real issue is that Coppy doesn't believe in the publicly available defensive stats.

[chop2chip]

Kindly point out a few that are available then. Should be easy, right?

Oh hey look - end of spring training and teams are looking to trade extra outfielders. From Rosenthal...

Sources: #Cubs’ Matt Szczur among trade candidates #Braves considering for extra OFer. Szczur out of options; Cubs expected to keep him.

Obviously nothing is imminent and Rosenthal himself said Cubs want to hold onto him, but this is the exact type of player I expect the Braves to sniff around on as teams try to trim their rosters.

[bravesfanMatt]

Oh hey look - end of spring training and teams are looking to trade extra outfielders. From Rosenthal...



Obviously nothing is imminent and Rosenthal himself said Cubs want to hold onto him, but this is the exact type of player I expect the Braves to sniff around on as teams try to trim their rosters.

Cubs have no need for him and need to trade him. He would be a waste on the 25 man roster imo. what Rosey was saying was that they would keep him over just waiving him. Basically telling any teams interested that they better come with a real offer.. Really a win/win for both clubs and I would not be surprised if it gets done.

[Enscheff]

Oh hey look - end of spring training and teams are looking to trade extra outfielders. From Rosenthal...



Obviously nothing is imminent and Rosenthal himself said Cubs want to hold onto him, but this is the exact type of player I expect the Braves to sniff around on as teams try to trim their rosters.

Again, I was hoping for a competent 4th OFer. Szczur, or any other guy that can't make a 25 man roster, doesn't qualify.

Are you capable of understanding a nuanced point? I could be added to the 25 man roster as the 4th OFer, but that's not what I meant when I claimed the Braves need to address the situation.

[thethe]

I think the real issue is that Coppy doesn't believe in the publicly available defensive stats.

Has he said this or even hinted as much?

[thewupk]

Has he said this or even hinted as much?

Not at all. But looking at some of the moves recently makes me raise my eyebrow about it. Mainly Kemp and Simmons.