No one, not even the biggest cynics on this board, thought the Braves would SUCK as badly as they have in the first two months of the season. Fredi is gone; that is one part of the master plan that has fallen into place so far.
But with mind-numbing events like Garcia's defense, Olivera's entire year, Aybar's defense and dining mishaps, Winkler's elbow (still makes me cringe), Inciarte's game two injury, this team is spiraling downward into what might be a 100-loss season or worse.
Enough. Is. Enough. I have an 86-year-old father who watches the Braves every night, and he doesn't want to hear about 2-3 years down the road. There is rebuilding, and there is mutally assured destruction. Every time the Marlins tore down their team, they loaded their system with good young players and PLAYED THEM. We seem to want to acquire as many prospects as we can and no one wants to start the "clock ticking."
We need to start sorthing things about. Granted, we've already found Blair wanting, Gant rushed, but Perez, Kelly, Folty ready for prime time. We've found a third baseman, but reasons beyond my understanding have led to them playing d'Arnaud only occasionally. Frenchy's comeback has been all we hoped.
I want these things, and soon: Trade Teheran for the best hitter available; no more prospects, unless it's Andrew Benintendi. Trade Viz if and only if the return is there.
Bring up Swanson. Put him at shortstop. Leave him there. He's old enough and a savvy enough to deal with the ups and downs. Whatever needs to be done with Aybar, do it.
The player I wanted to target is Puig, but I will be honest if not politically correct: I have major reservations after Olivera and Garcia. Now, the person I want to target is Jay Bruce.
Time to quit being the National League's b***h.
