http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/10/offseason-outlook-atlanta-braves.html
These guys are pretty spot on, and I agree with almost everything they wrote. I would expect to see Wren sign a few guys to extensions that buy out 1-2 FA years, and hopefully Simmons and Freeman head that list. They also echo my thoughts on 2B exactly after stating that all other spots on the field are pretty much set in stone. It seems fixing 2B is obvious to everyone who isn't licking La Stella's sweaty jockstrap:
"That leaves second base, which is the most glaring weakness on the Atlanta roster and perhaps the single position most likely to be acted upon aggressively. Uggla was expected to to hold things down well enough on the back end of his large contract, but he declined precipitously last year, especially after undergoing Lasik surgery mid-season. If any other team is willing to eat a substantial portion of the $26MM still owed to Uggla, Wren would have to consider pulling the trigger.
But it isn't as if the organization has an obvious replacement on hand. It would be tough for a contender to hand the full-time job to Tyler Pastornicky, Johnson, or Pena, though they might combine in a platoon. Increasingly, it seems, 24-year-old Tommy La Stella could have a legitimate shot at taking the reigns after a strong showing in Double-A and big start to his AFL campaign. But MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo lists him just 14th among Braves prospects, calling him a "grinder" rather than a budding star. Likewise, in a recent evaluation, ESPN's Keith Law said (paywall) that La Stella flashed only one plus tool (hit) that left him with a relatively low ceiling."
The only option they didn't mention is Kinsler who might be the best option available if not considering monetary commitments. Options like KJ and Ellis are pointless since there is no need to bring in another terrible option to go along with the current bad options at 2B.
The Angels are looking to move Kendrick for young pitching. As long as the pitching going to LA isn't named Teheran, Minor, or Sims, it seems like an ideal match.
These guys are pretty spot on, and I agree with almost everything they wrote. I would expect to see Wren sign a few guys to extensions that buy out 1-2 FA years, and hopefully Simmons and Freeman head that list. They also echo my thoughts on 2B exactly after stating that all other spots on the field are pretty much set in stone. It seems fixing 2B is obvious to everyone who isn't licking La Stella's sweaty jockstrap:
"That leaves second base, which is the most glaring weakness on the Atlanta roster and perhaps the single position most likely to be acted upon aggressively. Uggla was expected to to hold things down well enough on the back end of his large contract, but he declined precipitously last year, especially after undergoing Lasik surgery mid-season. If any other team is willing to eat a substantial portion of the $26MM still owed to Uggla, Wren would have to consider pulling the trigger.
But it isn't as if the organization has an obvious replacement on hand. It would be tough for a contender to hand the full-time job to Tyler Pastornicky, Johnson, or Pena, though they might combine in a platoon. Increasingly, it seems, 24-year-old Tommy La Stella could have a legitimate shot at taking the reigns after a strong showing in Double-A and big start to his AFL campaign. But MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo lists him just 14th among Braves prospects, calling him a "grinder" rather than a budding star. Likewise, in a recent evaluation, ESPN's Keith Law said (paywall) that La Stella flashed only one plus tool (hit) that left him with a relatively low ceiling."
The only option they didn't mention is Kinsler who might be the best option available if not considering monetary commitments. Options like KJ and Ellis are pointless since there is no need to bring in another terrible option to go along with the current bad options at 2B.
The Angels are looking to move Kendrick for young pitching. As long as the pitching going to LA isn't named Teheran, Minor, or Sims, it seems like an ideal match.