Official 2014 Atlanta Braves Season Thread

[K26dp 4,650]

I'm not saying that I'm against trading Kimbrel for the right return but seriously, Joe Nathan and Andy Dierks? Why not just give him to the Yankees for a bag of broken bats? They might actually be more useful.

Kimbrel is the carrot to make the Tigers take BJ and CJ. Nathan and Dirks would one-year rentals. I am not anticipating the Braves contending next season at all, which makes Kimbrel superfluous.

The Braves as constructed right now have only four above-average hitters. As we've seen, that's not going to get it done. The team also doesn't have the financial ability to make significant free agent moves this off-season (and it's a pretty weak market as well), and they don't have much in the minors that could entice other teams to trade their established talent. That makes 2015 a rebuilding year. Or maybe a reloading year. So let's look at the team assets in terms of trade value (not including prospects).

Top Value:

1. Julio Teheran

2. Alex Wood

3. Freddie Freeman

4. Andrelton Simmons

5. Craig Kimbrel

All of these guys have either been locked up or have several years of team control left. The Braves could reasonably expect a significant return for any of them. However, since we want this to be a short-term rebuild rather than a Royal-style eight-year plan, we probably want to keep most of these guys as building blocks for the next run. Of the five, Kimbrel is the most expendable; a losing team doesn't need a lights-out closer and there are several potential replacements in place. Walden or Carpenter could take over the roll in the short-term, while the team takes a look at other potential options like Shae Simmons.

6. Evan Gattis

7. Jason Heyward

8. Justin Upton

9. Christian Bethancourt

After Kimbrel, Gattis is the other most likely to be traded and also bring something significant in return. He still has four years of team control and can play a specialist position, and the Braves have a replacement in Bethancourt.

Heyward and Upton only have one season of team control left apiece. Heyward is younger and locked into a lower salary, so he has better trade value. I think we trade one of these guys this offseason since it will be nearly impossible for the Braves to re-sign both. Of the two, I'd rather keep Heyward because, again, he's younger, has more upside, and it one of the best defensive players in baseball. He seems a little more likely as well to take a more team-friendly deal. If I were the Braves I would offer Heyward an extension this offseason at what Freeman got and see if he bites.

Bethancourt is also a trade candidate if the team thinks it can't live without Gattis's bat.

9. Most of the rest of the team

This would be Mike Minor, the other relievers, Gosselin and La Stella.

10. Chris Johnson

11. B.J. Upton

These are the guys that probably cost Frank Wren his job, and were the two worst NL regulars at their respective positions in 2014. Johnson is owed $23 million over the next three seasons, Upton $46.35 million over the same period. Almost $70 million in guaranteed future money for, once again, the worst NL regulars at their respective positions last season.

The Braves could do nothing, and hope that these guys turn it around. That didn't work out so well with BJ and Uggla last season, so I'd like to see the team be more proactive. And if that means dangling Kimbrel, or Gattis, or Heyward, or JUp to do so with an eye to 2016, then I wouldn't be opposed.

So I mentioned Dirks and Nathan becase 1) the both will be FAs after 2015, 2) Dirks can actually hit if he's healthy, and 3) Nathan has a bad contract and the Braves will likely have to take at least one bad contract back in order to dump two, even if Kimbrel is included. Even so, I doubt Detroit would take the bait. It's going to be extremely difficult moving those contracts.

But let's say we do manage to clear these guys out. That opens up the Braves wallet a good bit. Enough to buy a real third baseman. A year to see what we have in the minors... we can take a look at Jose Peraza, Jason Hursch, etc. Then in 2016, we reload in the areas that we still need fleshing out.

[Falconsfan567 35,134]

Kimbrel is the carrot to make the Tigers take BJ and CJ. Nathan and Dirks would one-year rentals. I am not anticipating the Braves contending next season at all, which makes Kimbrel superfluous.

The Braves as constructed right now have only four above-average hitters. As we've seen, that's not going to get it done. The team also doesn't have the financial ability to make significant free agent moves this off-season (and it's a pretty weak market as well), and they don't have much in the minors that could entice other teams to trade their established talent. That makes 2015 a rebuilding year. Or maybe a reloading year. So let's look at the team assets in terms of trade value (not including prospects).

Top Value:

1. Julio Teheran

2. Alex Wood

3. Freddie Freeman

4. Andrelton Simmons

5. Craig Kimbrel

All of these guys have either been locked up or have several years of team control left. The Braves could reasonably expect a significant return for any of them. However, since we want this to be a short-term rebuild rather than a Royal-style eight-year plan, we probably want to keep most of these guys as building blocks for the next run. Of the five, Kimbrel is the most expendable; a losing team doesn't need a lights-out closer and there are several potential replacements in place. Walden or Carpenter could take over the roll in the short-term, while the team takes a look at other potential options like Shae Simmons.

6. Evan Gattis

7. Jason Heyward

8. Justin Upton

9. Christian Bethancourt

After Kimbrel, Gattis is the other most likely to be traded and also bring something significant in return. He still has four years of team control and can play a specialist position, and the Braves have a replacement in Bethancourt.

Heyward and Upton only have one season of team control left apiece. Heyward is younger and locked into a lower salary, so he has better trade value. I think we trade one of these guys this offseason since it will be nearly impossible for the Braves to re-sign both. Of the two, I'd rather keep Heyward because, again, he's younger, has more upside, and it one of the best defensive players in baseball. He seems a little more likely as well to take a more team-friendly deal. If I were the Braves I would offer Heyward an extension this offseason at what Freeman got and see if he bites.

Bethancourt is also a trade candidate if the team thinks it can't live without Gattis's bat.

9. Most of the rest of the team

This would be Mike Minor, the other relievers, Gosselin and La Stella.

10. Chris Johnson

11. B.J. Upton

These are the guys that probably cost Frank Wren his job, and were the two worst NL regulars at their respective positions in 2014. Johnson is owed $23 million over the next three seasons, Upton $46.35 million over the same period. Almost $70 million in guaranteed future money for, once again, the worst NL regulars at their respective positions last season.

The Braves could do nothing, and hope that these guys turn it around. That didn't work out so well with BJ and Uggla last season, so I'd like to see the team be more proactive. And if that means dangling Kimbrel, or Gattis, or Heyward, or JUp to do so with an eye to 2016, then I wouldn't be opposed.

So I mentioned Dirks and Nathan becase 1) the both will be FAs after 2015, 2) Dirks can actually hit if he's healthy, and 3) Nathan has a bad contract and the Braves will likely have to take at least one bad contract back in order to dump two, even if Kimbrel is included. Even so, I doubt Detroit would take the bait. It's going to be extremely difficult moving those contracts.

But let's say we do manage to clear these guys out. That opens up the Braves wallet a good bit. Enough to buy a real third baseman. A year to see what we have in the minors... we can take a look at Jose Peraza, Jason Hursch, etc. Then in 2016, we reload in the areas that we still need fleshing out.

You're basically giving away Craig Kimbrel for nothing just to get rid of B.J. Upton? On what planet does that make sense? I say trade the Upton Brothers together to get rid of B.J. Not trade the best closer in baseball for NOTHING just so you can get rid of a bad contract. To me that's totally dumb.

[Dharma Initiative 6,386]

You're basically giving away Craig Kimbrel for nothing just to get rid of B.J. Upton? On what planet does that make sense? I say trade the Upton Brothers together to get rid of B.J. Not trade the best closer in baseball for NOTHING just so you can get rid of a bad contract. To me that's totally dumb.

I'll ride out BJ to keep Kimbrel. We've won 96 with them on the same team before. Without Kimbrel we probably would've won 80

[K26dp 4,650]

You're basically giving away Craig Kimbrel for nothing just to get rid of B.J. Upton? On what planet does that make sense? I say trade the Upton Brothers together to get rid of B.J. Not trade the best closer in baseball for NOTHING just so you can get rid of a bad contract. To me that's totally dumb.

Hey, if someone would take BJ to get Justin, that would be fantastic. It's just not realistic, IMO.

By the way, if you disagree with me, fair enough. But I could do without the disparaging hyperbole you throw in. I try to be respectful, I would appreciate the courtesy in return.

[Falconsfan567 35,134]

Hey, if someone would take BJ to get Justin, that would be fantastic. It's just not realistic, IMO.

By the way, if you disagree with me, fair enough. But I could do without the disparaging hyperbole you throw in. I try to be respectful, I would appreciate the courtesy in return.

Why isn't it realistic, especially to a team like the Tigers (as in your example) that you know will spend money and has a good chance of locking up Justin long-term? Also there is the option to give said team a shot at locking up Justin long-term before the trade is made. We have seen that happen.

As for the other part, I didn't mean anything disrespectful by it. I respect you as a poster.

[Unknøwn 10,752]

Ian Thomas returns to the team today. He and Aaron Northcraft have been added to the roster for todays bullpen game. Wood has a sore forearm and will not pitch.

[K26dp 4,650]

Why isn't it realistic, especially to a team like the Tigers (as in your example) that you know will spend money and has a good chance of locking up Justin long-term? Also there is the option to give said team a shot at locking up Justin long-term before the trade is made. We have seen that happen.

As for the other part, I didn't mean anything disrespectful by it. I respect you as a poster.

It's very rare, but you are right, it is *possible*.

[Unknøwn 10,752]

Braves are leaving Lynchburg. The High-A team will now be the Carolina Mudcats. Mudcats are located in Zebulon, NC and were the Indians before todays agreement.

[K26dp 4,650]

John Hart has been quoted by Jim Bowman as saying he thinks Fredi Gonzalez should be retained.

Looks like I'll have more time next summer, maybe I should take up another hobby.

[Unknøwn 10,752]

Hart will meet with the coaching staff on Wednesday. Might know more then.

[Falconsfan567 35,134]

Braves are leaving Lynchburg. The High-A team will now be the Carolina Mudcats. Mudcats are located in Zebulon, NC and were the Indians before todays agreement.

Yeah, it was announced last week that Lynchburg was going to the Indians.

[K26dp 4,650]

Well, here's to looking on the bright side, from Talking Chop.

For the first time in 5 years, the Braves will be entering the offseason without having endured a crippling loss the day before.

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[Unknøwn 10,752]

Hart is meeting with Fredi tomorrow but the decision on whether he returns will still be up to the new GM according to Bowman. There is however a feeling some of the coaching staff might be let go soon. Fredi himself even admitted he feels some of his staff will take the fall.

[WOR 23,596]

Braves Facebook says Greg Walker has stepped down

[Unknøwn 10,752]

Yep, Walker resigned rather than be fired tomorrow

[Falconsfan567 35,134]

I don't know why the Braves ever removed TP from hitting coach. Braves had good offenses under him. Braves ranks in runs scored in NL under TP.

2002 - 10th

2003 - 1st

2004 - 5th

2005 - 4th

2006 - 2nd

2007 - 3rd

2008 - 6th

2009 - 6th

2010 - 5th

[youngbloodz 12,626]

Fredi should go with Walker. I just hope the new GM sees how we have had two major collapses with Fredi as manager. He has to take the blame for that imo.

[Unknøwn 10,752]

Still waiting on a Fredi decision but Fredi did attend the press conference in Zebulon for the Carolina Mudcats this morning

[Unknøwn 10,752]

Braves have made their first front office hire. Gordon Blakeley has been hired as special assistant to the GM. He was with the Yankees. One of John Hart's items on the to do list was improve International scouting and it looks like he checked that off the list.

Gordon Blakeley, once among the top general manager candidates in the game, is leaving the Yankees for the Braves, he told correspondent George King of the New York Post.

“I was with the Yankees a long time,’’ he said. “But this is a new challenge, and I am looking forward to it.’’

He’ll be special assistant to the Braves’ GM, a position currently held by John Hart, at least on an interim basis.

Blakely has been with the Yankees for more than two decades and assumed the role of farm director in 1998. Three years later he became vice president of pro scouting, with a focus on the international market, and he is credited with helping the Yankees sign Robinson Cano, Orlando Hernandez, Jose Contreras and Hideki Irabu.

[WOR 23,596]

How do you sign an assistant GM before the GM? Lol

[Unknøwn 10,752]

Blakely moved to the Newnan area two years ago. He has long served as a guide to #Braves assistant GM John Coppolella,

Per Mark Bowman. Coppolella came to Atlanta from the Yankees where Blakely was for 2 decades.

[Falconsfan567 35,134]

Blakely moved to the Newnan area two years ago. He has long served as a guide to #Braves assistant GM John Coppolella,

Per Mark Bowman. Coppolella came to Atlanta from the Yankees where Blakely was for 2 decades

To me this move just pretty much cements that Coppolella will get the GM job.

[Unknøwn 10,752]

Thats what it looks like to me as well

[ATLBrave 3,278]

Did he bring some of the Yankme's money with him?

[Unknøwn 10,752]

Mark Bowman is saying the Braves are close to adding former Houston manager Bo Porter to the coaching staff in some capacity