Official Offseason Thread

[thewupk]

So which one of Swanson, Ender, Riley, Camargo, Markakis, Duval, Flowers, or TD do you want batting in the top 4? None of them fit that bill imo. They aren’t moving Acuna out of the leadoff spot so that option is out. They have to acquire a big bat that can hit cleanup bc we don’t have an in house option. The bullpen wasn’t an issue but spent over 20 million on it and the biggest hole going into the offseason (3b/cleanup hitter) hasn’t been filled with a month to ST. Hopefully AA is just waiting for the Bryant grievance to be settled.

Neck at #2 against righties is not a bad option. He just doesnt need to see the field against lefties.

[nsacpi]

Right. 3B and a cOF are an issue. I don't think anyone would disagree with that.

However, if the team is to take some risks those are the spots you do it at given the distribution of talent in the upper minors.

[VirginiaBrave]

??
he went to who gave him the most money...as he should...i'm sure he did love playing for Atlanta last season. the Braves "weren't close" to the highest offer. he wasn't going to take a far smaller contract to stay.

There was a time when guys would take less in winning situations. And now it's going to take a Tex like desperation trade to fill the spot. I have always been vocal about those three for ones or four for ones how they never turn out. I would ride with Riley/Camargo for 2019 even if it means missing post-season and enjoy Anderson, Pache, and Waters in Braves unis in the near future.

[Super]

There was a time when guys would take less in winning situations. And now it's going to take a Tex like desperation trade to fill the spot. I have always been vocal about those three for ones or four for ones how they never turn out. I would ride with Riley/Camargo for 2019 even if it means missing post-season and enjoy Anderson, Pache, and Waters in Braves unis in the near future.

i think some guys still do take less....but probably not THAT much less, and the Twins are a playoff team who just got a lot better. expecting him to take 1-2 less years and $25M+ guaranteed is silly. i don't think it says a thing about not wanting to play for the Braves.

[Southcack77]

Right. 3B and a cOF are an issue. I don't think anyone would disagree with that.

As is having a 4-8 batting order that may not contain an above league average hitter.

[thewupk]

As is having a 4-8 batting order that may not contain an above league average hitter.

So get a platoon partner for Neck and find a quality 3B. Problem solved.

[Southcack77]

However, if the team is to take some risks those are the spots you do it at given the distribution of talent in the upper minors.

I think you're downplaying the total problem by focusing on the smaller parts.

nothing wrong with taking risks in some places. That's a consequence of finite resources.

Taking risks at many positions is a problem.

Generally teams aren't that lucky.

[Southcack77]

So get a platoon partner for Neck and find a quality 3B. Problem solved.

Like Todd Frazier? That's where you barged in.

[Super]

I think you're downplaying the total problem by focusing on the smaller parts.

nothing wrong with taking risks in some places. That's a consequence of finite resources.

Taking risks at many positions is a problem.

Generally teams aren't that lucky.

they aren't taking risks at "many" positions tho.
you not feeling fine with catcher spot doesn't make you right..the numbers don't support your feelings.

[thewupk]

Like Todd Frazier? That's where you barged in.

I barged in at the idea that the last half of our lineup is crap. Nothing has changed from today than yesterday other than 1 of the options to fix 3B is now off the table.

[Southcack77]

I barged in at the idea that the last half of our lineup is crap. Nothing has changed from today than yesterday other than 1 of the options to fix 3B is now off the table.

It's crap if Todd Frazier, Nick Markakis, and Travis D'Arnaud are hitting 4-6.

[nsacpi]

Like Todd Frazier? That's where you barged in.

actually Frazier doesn't make sense as part of the third base platoon...we already have the right-handed side covered with Camargo and Riley...someone like Wendle makes more sense if a platoon is what we're shooting for

[Super]

It's crap if Todd Frazier, Nick Markakis, and Travis D'Arnaud are hitting 4-6.

not necessarily, if platoons are used correctly.
just last season you didn't even want to platoon Markakis...

[BeanieAntics]

actually Frazier doesn't make sense as part of the third base platoon...we already have the right-handed side covered with Camargo and Riley...someone like Wendle makes more sense if a platoon is what we're shooting for

The more I look at him, the more I really like the idea of signing Brock Holt. He can serve as a strong side platoon option for 3rd base and can serve in other roles in a pinch. Shouldn't cost too much. If our offseason finished with Castellanos/Ozuna plus Holt, I'd be pretty happy with that result.

[Carp]

So which one of Swanson, Ender, Riley, Camargo, Markakis, Duval, Flowers, or TD do you want batting in the top 4? None of them fit that bill imo. They aren’t moving Acuna out of the leadoff spot so that option is out. They have to acquire a big bat that can hit cleanup bc we don’t have an in house option. The bullpen wasn’t an issue but spent over 20 million on it and the biggest hole going into the offseason (3b/cleanup hitter) hasn’t been filled with a month to ST. Hopefully AA is just waiting for the Bryant grievance to be settled.

A leadoff platoon of Swanson and Muk/Ender/Ozzie should OBP well north of .340. That should be the plan. Acuna should bat 2nd or 4th.

[nsacpi]

The more I look at him, the more I really like the idea of signing Brock Holt. He can serve as a strong side platoon option for 3rd base and can serve in other roles in a pinch. Shouldn't cost too much. If our offseason finished with Castellanos/Ozuna plus Holt, I'd be pretty happy with that result.

He would be a solid placeholder.

[Southcack77]

not necessarily, if platoons are used correctly.
just last season you didn't even want to platoon Markakis...

To be precise, I did want Markakis to get regular rest, with that regular rest occurring on days when he didn't have the platoon advantage.

I also would have preferred not to bring Markakis back this season.

[bravesfanMatt]

Why are the Rays trading one of their starting 3B while trying to compete. Just curious.

[Southcack77]

actually Frazier doesn't make sense as part of the third base platoon...we already have the right-handed side covered with Camargo and Riley...someone like Wendle makes more sense if a platoon is what we're shooting for

Yes, Todd Frazier makes little sense on the Braves given that the Braves have two internal options in Camargo and Riley with similar splits. At best he raises the floor. Maybe.

Travis Shaw signed for 4m. I think regretting that one is a lot more reasonable.

[tululush]

While we all aimlessly wait around for something to happen, let’s talk about Carlos Beltran. Do you think he keeps his job with the Mets? I understand he was just hired, but if MLB finds out he was the ring leader of the whole cheating scandal in Houston I wonder if the Mets get in front of it and fire him. Not that I put much credit in him, but Tex said on ESPN this am they should and will fire him.

It would be such a Mets thing to stick with him and deal with the backlash all season.