Atlanta Braves: Why Keeping Matt Adams Benefits Everyone
Well there you have it folks, the Atlanta Braves have officially decided to keep Matt Adams. Multiple reports have stated that the front office has informed teams that Adams will remain on the Braves roster, but is this a good idea?
Since coming to Atlanta, Adams has been given the time and opportunities to show he can contribute to a rebuilding franchise. After being acquired by the Braves back in May, Adams has put on a clinic from the batter’s box. In the 50 games he has played, Adams has a .291 batting average, 14 homers. and 37 RBI. This isn’t some rookie having a good year, but rather a player whose been in the league that’s been given a chance to reach his true potential.
The situation in Atlanta was one that was magnified for months due to Freddie Freeman‘s injury, and the hot bat that the organization couldn’t afford to sit. Once it was announced that Freeman would move to third the media was stunned that the franchise player would move positions, but can you honestly blame them?
Yes, prior to getting hurt Freeman was on track to what could have been one of the greatest seasons in Braves’ history, but Adams filled the void and thrived doing so.
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So what now? Do the Braves really believe Matt Adams is their longterm solution at first base? I’m not sure if anyone noticed, but Monday night against the Chicago Cubs Freeman shined at first base. The Braves bats were cold as ice, and had it not been for Freeman’s golden glove the Cubs would have blown Atlanta out.
The real question to pose is this: If the Braves are going to keep Adams why does he have to play first? I mean Freeman is a natural born first basemen, and a consistent All Star as well. The fact that Atlanta insists that Freeman moves over to third base is why the media and the fans are so dumbfounded. Adams has the ability of moving over to third just as much as Freeman, and just because Freddie has the experience doesn’t mean it’s the best option moving forward.
The fact of the matter is that we can all agree both Adams and Freeman have to be in the lineup night in and night out if Atlanta has any chance of a postseason run. If Snitker can constantly mess with the shortstop position then why can’t he do the same with Adams somewhere else on the field?
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In keeping Matt Adams, the organization will not only continue to improve every week, but also inch closer to a postseason berth. With Freeman now healthy, and swinging the bat as if he was never hurt it’s time to experiment with Adams in another position.
In the end you have to ask yourself this: Are the Atlanta Braves going to make a future run for a World Series with Matt Adams at first? Or Freeman? I’ll let you be the one to answer that.