2017 Winter Meetings Predictions, Rumors, And Actual Happenings
- Thread starter clvclv
- Start date
How many players left are realistic targets for the Braves?
Horsehide Harry
<B>Mr. Free Trade</B>
I've always worked off the premise of can it be done when it comes to Stanton, not should it be done.
It appeared to me back in mid-season when (at least for me) there was a likelihood of a payroll increase from 2017-2018 and that the Braves would be looking to make a splash move to energize the masses for the new park. Trading for a Mike Archer doesn't do that because how many of your casual fans know who Archer is? Same for signing MM. But, if you trade for the guy who's on Sports Center hitting 500 foot HR every night that's different.
I think Stanton could have been an option until, like you said, the young pitchers crapped the bed in 16 and 17 but ALSO when it became clear to ownership that they had a group of bumbling idiots running the show which IMO was well in advance of HartCoppy Gate, probably about the All Star Break.
Let's spin reality a minute and say that Teheran stayed a solid 2-3, Folty developed into a reliable 2 with at least some hope of moving to a 1, Blair and Wisler at least showed that they were good back end starters and one of Gohara, Sims or Fried had burst on the scene looking good. The offense is similar to what it currently is with Freeman (LH power hitter) and Inciarte and Albies at 1,2. Then from the Braves stand point you can see how Stanton makes sense.
Also, given the better tax situation of living in Atlanta vs NYC and the fact that Atlanta is selling Stanton on the idea that they are entering their window, I think it really possible that instead of 4 teams there would have been 5.
Remember, I'm not saying it was the right move. I'm saying it looked like a move that they were setting up to do.
But the Braves killed any hope of that (and maybe for the best) through their own ineptitude.
Not many. I still think any improvements we make or via trade. That trade market may take longer if nobody is signing free agents though.
Of the Free agents left I think realistic ones are Frazier, Cosart, and Walker for 3B. I think Dyson could be a play for 4th OF'er pending what else we do with the OF. Brett Anderson, Jaime Garcia, and Chris Tillman could be 1 year vets. On the relief market I could see Tony Watson or Peter Moylan.
NinersSBChamps
<B>Voted Worst Poster <br> 2015 (Co-Winner)</BR>20
Braves gonna brave.
I thought they were supposed to be ready for glory by 2018?
I thought they were supposed to be ready for glory by 2018?
And how do those options get the Braves to a $130M payroll?
Come on man. You know I just said that I think any major adds coming via trade. I’m not going to add up numbers on prospective free agents to argue payroll
Braves1976
It's OVER 5,000!
I am glad the Braves passed on him at that price. He may have cost us even more too.
bravesfanMatt
Steve Harvey'd
We need more prospects first.
That’s crazy. I remember thinking Brett Cecil’s contract was crazy. They’re getting out of control now.
Tapate50
Well-known member
Yeah folks mock getting so many pitchers but they often get overpaid vs position players in FA. Wise not to have to spend big money to fill BP IMO.
One of the biggest problems I've always had with the organization. I completely understand wanting to give guys every chance you can to eventually become starters, but now that the game's evolving and shutdown setup guys are getting the money they arguably deserve the ability to develop shut down pens without paying market value for those guys. At this rate you're going to find guys that can get through an order twice suddenly become cheap comparatively. Teams will have a #1 and #2 (and the teams deep in pitching might have a #3) who you trust to go as deep as the 6th and 7th innings. JMO, but when you get guys like Touki, Weigel, Bryse Wilson, even Folty earlier on that reach AA and have wipeout stuff but haven't shown your own scouts and brass that they're very close to making the necessary adjustments to throw that third pitch (or consistently get hitters out with two dominant offerings), it's time to transition them. I'm all for giving someone that has two dominant offerings as good as Folty's , Newcomb's, Gohara's, and Touki's a shot, but you need to do so with the understanding that their leash is short. As others have consistently pointed out, their control and/or command isn't likely to improve by leaps and bounds when they start seeing far more advanced hitters than they see by the time they've seen after a year at Mississippi. A few with the absolute best stuff - that can at least locate those two dominant offerings very well COULD make it. If they're not doing so by the time they've had 20-30 starts at this level, it's time to move on.
zbhargrove
Well-known member
Yankees and Pirates talking Gerrit Cole for a package of Frazier plus... I know Cole has been better for the most part, but they are very similar as they have both struggled lately and I think Cole is more of an injury risk. Plus Julio is under contract for longer and its team friendly if I remember correctly. I hope we are at least dangling him in front of the Yankees.
blueagleace1
Playing the Waiting Game
Would Julio and Muller be enough for Frazier? Would we need to add someone like Sanchez or Viz?
zbhargrove
Well-known member
Actually, looking at Frazier's minor league numbers, he was much more underwhelming that I had in my head. Must have stayed consistently high ranked since he was a top 5 pick, never did terrible, but still has all the sick tools that just haven't come together yet?
I've never been particularly impressed with Frazier. Seems a lot like Adam Eaton but without the defensive chops. I get that we need good players regardless and he should easily be an upgrade over Kemp/Neck, but I guess I'm just not that enamored with him as a LF option and would prefer a better option if we're actively looking to trade for an OFer.