The Atlanta Braves are in a state of limbo
Two National League teams that could be in sell mode between today and July 31 are the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies.
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The Phillies currently occupy the worst record in baseball. They are an embarrassment. They have won only 27 of their first 83 games. That’s abysmal. The Phillies organization is in total disarray and their manager, Ryne Sandberg, resigning recently is just the start of their problems. Phillies fans must constantly watch games in a mixture of anger with sadness.
The Braves are decent. They have won 40 of their first 81 games. They are not running away as a divisional title threat in the National League East, but they are not nearly as horrible as Philadelphia.
The trade deadline is coming soon enough. You would have to think Atlanta and Philadelphia will be ready to sell off their assets very soon.
The winter meetings were a crazy few days for the Atlanta Braves. General Manager John Hart has been very willing to throw caution to the wind and make moves that will push the team into a playoff spot. Recently Touki Toussaint was purchased from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Toussaint was a number one draft pick a year ago.
Across the American League as well as National League, Hart was applauded for scooping up Toussaint from Arizona. While Hart may be praised for the moves, it’s not unusual for the Braves organization to have a number one draft pick. Chris Withrow, Matt Wisler, Arodys Vizcaino, Shelby Miller, Tyrell Jenkins, Max Fried, Manny Banuelos and Mike Foltynewicz are just some of them.
They were also very active in a series of moves trading Justin Upton, Melvin Upton Jr., Evan Gattis, Jason Heyward, Tommy La Stella, Jordan Walden, Craig Kimbrel, David Carpenter, David Hale and Chasen Shreve in a series of trades to teams like the Houston Astros, San Diego Padres, New York Yankees, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs.
Coming to Atlanta via trades were Shelby Miller, Trevor Cahill, Manny Banuelos, Mike Foltynewicz, Arodys Vizcaino and Jace Peterson. There were also a series of free agents brought into the fold. Hart has been very active, but these moves have not made them a great team. However, they have not been disastrous resulting in cellar dweller status in the National League East.
The Braves do have some veterans who could be shipped out for more future prospects. Jason Grilli, Juan Uribe, Jim Johnson and catcher A.J. Pierzynski are just some players that contending teams may come calling for.
Uribe has proved to be a valuable third baseman. Chris Johnson had a successful season in 2014, but in 2015 he has been struggling.
The Toronto Blue Jays are in need of a lot heading toward the deadline. They could use any sort of pitching, whether a starting pitcher or reliever. It would appear that Toronto’s main issue is lack of a closer. They have tried Miguel Castro, Brett Cecil, Steve Delabar and Roberto Osuna all in the closer role with not much success. Jason Grilli could be a pretty great option for Toronto if they were to look outside the organization at different trade options.
Unless Atlanta really slips out of contention, they probably won’t start moving these veterans.
Ever since the 1990s, the Atlanta Braves have been known as a team that’s a top spot for free agents. Since their move to the National League East, in 1994, they have always been in consideration for a division title.
They will probably stick with their roster through thick and thin. If they bow out and don’t have playoff dates in Atlanta at Turner Field, changes will come. Trades may occur, as well as firings perhaps and restructuring in the offseason. They treat their fans respectfully.
Say what you will about the Atlanta Braves, but they have run a world class organization for their players brought into the fold and fans that come through the turnstiles at Turner Field.
Even in the middle of decisions as to whether they sell their assets or hang onto them, they have managed to remain in contention with the Washington Nationals and New York Mets for a possible division crown.
The Braves have some tough decisions to make. If they are going to try to obtain a division title, they would have to be buyers at the trade deadline. Nobody seems to be stopping the Nationals or Mets and the more logical choice may just be to sell, sell, sell.
No matter what happens, exciting times are ahead in Atlanta.