GDT: Pirates vs Braves 5/22/17

[nsacpi]

It was always a potential WC team with Freddie. The Adams pickup might still get us to 500.

not might....will...not potential....likely....enough of this doubting and hedging

[Southcack77]

Coppy says we are done trading players for prospects....so....unless it's a MLB hitter or SP...then no lol.

I don't believe we are done with that though.

[msstate7]

This team is better than given credit for. Without FF and KEMvP and markakis going 0-9, they hung 5 on Cole in 4.2

[thewupk]

This team is better than given credit for. Without FF and KEMvP and markakis going 0-9, they hung 5 on Cole in 4.2

I think their record accurately depicts their ability.

[msstate7]

I think their record accurately depicts their ability.

After a tough 2-6 start to the year in 3 different cities, this team is 17-16

ETA -- it's actually 17-17. Math tough on us miss boys

[thewupk]

Liking this Rio kid more and more.

Too bad Snit already said Adonis will be back soon to displace Rio with his .626 OPS (.586 vs. the majority - right handers).

In 5 games Ruiz is +0.1 in WAR. Garcia is -0.5 on the year. But yeah we are likely going with the SVOD.

[thewupk]

After a tough 2-6 start to the year in 3 different cities, this team is 17-16

Should I let you know what their record is when taking out their best 8 game stretch?

[msstate7]

Should I let you know what their record is when taking out their best 8 game stretch?

I'm a little more forgiving for the first 2 series. After opening day, the weather was awful. Marte playing despite failing drug test was incredibly unfair too

[nsacpi]

like their star catcher this is a late blooming team that is saving its best for September

[TheBravos]

I don't believe we are done with that though.

I hope not. Coppy is quickly putting himself in a corner though with all this "We want to contend now" and "We are done trading MLB players for prospects".

We still need all the prospects we can get. MLB players would be great also, but we need to make the trade if the talent is there for either.

I fear if we are anywhere near a wildcard, we will not move ONE vet, and actually we will give up prospects and add players.

This is a kick in the teeth in two ways.
1. In no way will we contend this year, so anyone acquired does not help in the least unless it's a long term peice and those are VERY pricey and the most expensive at the deadline.

2. Most of the vets are on one year deals, so if we don't move them...we literally get nothing.

[50PoundHead]

I hope not. Coppy is quickly putting himself in a corner though with all this "We want to contend now" and "We are done trading MLB players for prospects".

We still need all the prospects we can get. MLB players would be great also, but we need to make the trade if the talent is there for either.

I fear if we are anywhere near a wildcard, we will not move ONE vet, and actually we will give up prospects and add players.

This is a kick in the teeth in two ways.
1. In no way will we contend this year, so anyone acquired does not help in the least unless it's a long term peice and those are VERY pricey and the most expensive at the deadline.

2. Most of the vets are on one year deals, so if we don't move them...we literally get nothing.

Good analysis. I think Coppolella should flip the flippable (guys like Motte for instance) even if the return is a so-so prospect.

Like you, I worry that Coppolella has put the team in this netherworld where we're neither young and developing nor older and solidly contending.

[Southcack77]

I hope not. Coppy is quickly putting himself in a corner though with all this "We want to contend now" and "We are done trading MLB players for prospects".

We still need all the prospects we can get. MLB players would be great also, but we need to make the trade if the talent is there for either.

I fear if we are anywhere near a wildcard, we will not move ONE vet, and actually we will give up prospects and add players.

This is a kick in the teeth in two ways.
1. In no way will we contend this year, so anyone acquired does not help in the least unless it's a long term peice and those are VERY pricey and the most expensive at the deadline.

2. Most of the vets are on one year deals, so if we don't move them...we literally get nothing.

I can't imagine that Coppy wouldn't move a veteran on a one year deal if he got a solid offer unless the Braves were actually in the wild card race. There is some dissonance in what he says and what he has done as far as constructing the "contender."

Now, what constitutes in the wild card race is an open question. If the are a game or two out, then sure stay in. IF they are five out and contemplating, please sell.

[TheBravos]

Good analysis. I think Coppolella should flip the flippable (guys like Motte for instance) even if the return is a so-so prospect.

Like you, I worry that Coppolella has put the team in this netherworld where we're neither young and developing or older and solidly contending.

Usually when you try doing two things at once, you end up being average (at best) on both fronts.

[Dalyn]

Like you, I worry that Coppolella has put the team in this netherworld where we're neither young and developing nor older and solidly contending.

Usually when you try doing two things at once, you end up being average (at best) on both fronts.

It's the Mukaki Rebuild.

[nsacpi]

We should be both sellers and buyers at the deadline. Pick up a third baseman. Trade a veteran pitcher to make room for Sims or Newcomb. Someone might be desperate for a catcher. Suzuki might net a decent return.

[Hawk]

It's the Mukaki Rebuild.

Just like another gift that keeps on giving.

[TheBravos]

We should be both sellers and buyers at the deadline. Pick up a third baseman. Trade a veteran pitcher to make room for Sims or Newcomb. Someone might be desperate for a catcher. Suzuki might net a decent return.

I totally agree with that. My fear is that if we are anywhere within reach of a wildcard....Coppy might not move anyone. My fear is also we could make a dumb trade to "prove" their "We believe we are contenders" bit.

We REALLY need Sims and Newcomb tested at the MLB level this year. Assuming the AA guys keep coming hard....we could have a log jam next year at the MLB level for starters to actually get experience.

I also believe Medlen could be the first guy to replace a pitcher on our rotation (not Sims or Newcomb).

[Southcack77]

Usually when you try doing two things at once, you end up being average (at best) on both fronts.

They are showing pretty clearly they will promote young players when they think they are ready -- arguably to the point of rushing them according to some.

The older players on the roster aren't really blocking anyone is my point.

so while it may affect some draft positioning, I'm not sure how big a deal that really is. I moan about the hot streaks at the end of the last two seasons as much as anyone, and it did potentially cost the braves their long term answer at 3B last season, but from a distance the MLB draft is such a crap shoot.

I would have preferred to have picked first as opposed to 3rd and 5th, but playing for the #1 pick this year doesn't make a ton of sense as there is no patience for what the Astros went through around here.

[Southcack77]

I totally agree with that. My fear is that if we are anywhere within reach of a wildcard....Coppy might not move anyone. My fear is also we could make a dumb trade to "prove" their "We believe we are contenders" bit.

We REALLY need Sims and Newcomb tested at the MLB level this year. Assuming the AA guys keep coming hard....we could have a log jam next year at the MLB level for starters to actually get experience.

I also believe Medlen could be the first guy to replace a pitcher on our rotation (not Sims or Newcomb).

I could see that with Medlin. There is no harm to pushing him and little sense in leaving him down there.

[TheBravos]

They are showing pretty clearly they will promote young players when they think they are ready -- arguably to the point of rushing them according to some.

The older players on the roster aren't really blocking anyone is my point.

so while it may affect some draft positioning, I'm not sure how big a deal that really is. I moan about the hot streaks at the end of the last two seasons as much as anyone, and it did potentially cost the braves their long term answer at 3B last season, but from a distance the MLB draft is such a crap shoot.

I would have preferred to have picked first as opposed to 3rd and 5th, but playing for the #1 pick this year doesn't make a ton of sense as there is no patience for what the Astros went through around here.

I agree with signing vets and giving the young guys time to develop. I just hope they follow through with their own plan. They have been guilty of switching horses mid-steam before.