Good to see Bob Melvin getting some recognition. On the tools side surprised not to see Jason among the top defensive outfielders. Freddie is the #3 defensive first baseman. And no surprise about Simba getting the nod as best defensive SS and top infield arm.
To paraphase Coach Parcells, you can't cook a stew w/o the right ingredients. This is not Fredi's fault, most of it belongs to Wren for overpaying Uggs and B.J and relying on Beachy to be part of the rotation and thereby overpaying for Santana. The easiest and quickest way to fix this is to get a bonafide leadoff hitter. Heyward is not an option for next year he belongs in the five hole and needs to stay there. Also Simmons was extended way too early and could have been used to have brought a haul back in return, same could be said for CK as well.
To paraphase Coach Parcells, you can't cook a stew w/o the right ingredients. This is not Fredi's fault, most of it belongs to Wren for overpaying Uggs and B.J and relying on Beachy to be part of the rotation and thereby overpaying for Santana. The easiest and quickest way to fix this is to get a bonafide leadoff hitter. Heyward is not an option for next year he belongs in the five hole and needs to stay there. Also Simmons was extended way too early and could have been used to have brought a haul back in return, same could be said for CK as well.
Two spots too low, imo.
Signing Simmons was not a mistake in the least. He's still worth what he's making. He's still young and if his bat develops even a little more, he's an extremely valuable player.
Simmons is a whiz defensively but this team needs a shake up to get better quickly as in 2015. Freeman is not going anywhere and to make an impact and get impact players back Wren will have to trade one of these long term guys plus Justin or Heyward. If we could get a 2 for 4, I would do it. BTW, I don't think Heyward will go anywhere I suspect he will be extended in the off-season. The Braves just don't have many tradable pieces.