The trade deadline is rapidly approaching. Rumors will rev up in the next few days, yet most of them won’t materialize. In fact, the majority of the rumors are posturing or lies. Just how it works this time of year.
Anyway, the Braves are seeking pitching help. A reliever seems much more likely than a starter, but nothing can be ruled out until we’re past 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Here are some questions from Twitter pertaining to the Braves, the deadline and their future:
@baldheaded1der: How hard is it to cover a GM like (Alex) Anthopoulos that gives(s) little real information to #Braves reporters?
I want to start here because I really liked this question. Fans often banter about how local reporters don’t seem to have as much access as the past, but it’s rarely addressed by media members. This doesn’t necessarily pertain to Anthopoulos, who of course runs a tight ship, but the general change in the organization as far as leaks are concerned.
The Braves don’t let much get out. Most bigger leaks come from agents, not from team employees, which is why national guys so often get scoops. That’s not some secret, just a matter of agents preferring their clients get maximum exposure and seasoned reporters using their seemingly endless connections.
What it doesn’t mean, however, is local reporters aren’t clued in. The perfect example: We didn’t anticipate the Braves signing Dallas Keuchel for a number of reasons. The sense of urgency was heightened, and the Braves moved quickly to secure him after the draft. In baseball, like life, circumstances change. That’s not an indictment on the market’s coverage. That’s credit to the Braves for pulling that off without seeing constant updates on Twitter.
Now, when an organization is so disciplined – eh, that’s not necessarily the right word, moreso the word is “quiet” - it does make this job more challenging. It also mandates we go beyond in-house sources (I hate that term, but I’ll use it since I’m trying to make a larger point) and expand our horizons. As fans, you’re probably much happier that the organization works in silence rather than spreading every bit of information around the country.
As for the GM himself, Anthopoulos is a joy to be around. He’s extremely detail-oriented and loves talking baseball. Some of the numbers, past and present, that he can effortlessly reel off would blow your mind. He and his staff always respond and speak candidly, even if that doesn’t lead to breaking news. There are so many more aspects of this job, and how we deal with people, that are more important than that.
And Anthopoulos has a staff that’s as astute and obsessed with long-term success as he is. My honest take: Braves fans should be very happy with those people in charge. What you read here, see on television and hear on radio only scratches the surface of how judicious these executives are.
@jerkmo: Over/under 2 for Braves trades(?)
Push. I think they make two moves to address the bullpen (pure guess). In their ideal world, they’re adding a starter and reliever. At this point, I’d be surprised if they pulled that off. I think they would be, too, given how they’ve shifted their focus mainly to relievers.
Finding a match is tricky. Everything I’ve heard is they’re hellbent against paying market value for a rental. Maybe they would’ve softened in talks for Madison Bumgarner or Will Smith, in whom they hold interest, but the Giants’ winning run seems to have taken both off the block.
Every contender is seeking relief help, which works in the sellers’ favor. If we’re to believe the Braves won’t win steep bids for rental relievers, and won’t pay a premium for a (hypothetically speaking) Felipe Vazquez or Brad Hand, then where’s the fit? If they end up with a pair of additions in the Brad Brach mold, is that enough? If they are willing to part with big prospects – which they have been in the past despite the lack of results – should they cash those chips in for a reliever, or wait until winter when more starters and even position players of more importance will be available?
They’re in a difficult position that’s likely to draw criticism either way. Still, the last thing they can do is hold the status quo. Prospects can only buy you so much time. They shouldn’t be asking for patience anymore.
@kevinkeneely1: How much of an impact do you believe Jacob Webb's injury will have on the Braves (potential) trade deadline moves?
We don’t know the extent of Webb’s right elbow tightness, which will already sideline him longer than the team hoped. But it could carry significant weight on the team’s deadline discussions. Webb was an important piece of the bullpen. If there’s reason to worry about him over the course of three months, that might force their hand (not that it needs to be).
They need relief help with or without Webb. But he became one of the few reliable options, and if they aren’t sure how he’ll hold up long-term, maybe that mandates acquiring two relievers instead of one, for instance.
@ChrisADaugherty: What's the chance there will be no change before the deadline?
Even less likely than my date with Lucy Hale. If the Braves do nothing, that's complete negligence. They're the second-best team in the National League. They're in position to win a postseason series for the first time since 2001. You absolutely, no question, have to do something, even if it's underwhelming in the grand scheme.
The Dodgers might just be flat better, but winning a postseason series is a worthy accomplishment. They don’t have to sell the farm, but there are enough guys out there to better position the team come October.
@Gdawgs775: (Adam) Duvall has deserved the call-up for a while now. (Austin) Riley has struggled now for as long as he was good. We can't keep putting Austin in the lineup to "figure it out" in the middle of a heated division race. Maybe 2 years ago but not this year. Thoughts on bringing Duvy up?
The Braves aren’t eager to see more Adam Duvall. Coming off his atrocity of a second half last season, he’s hit 29 home runs in Triple-A, setting a new Gwinnett record. Then again, Rafael Ortega has 18 homers for the Stripers, so it’s not erroneous to question the validity of International League power numbers.
Duvall isn’t hitting for average (.257), he’s just plastering homers. That plays a part in why the Braves aren’t blown away by his production. He’ll be up in September if he isn’t traded, BUT, as the question alluded, if Riley’s struggles persist through mid-August, perhaps the team makes a change. For now, they seem OK with Riley trying to figure it out in the majors. If the division lead keeps shrinking, maybe that changes.
@FabianStrategy9: It sounds as if the Braves are not going to sell off (Cristian) Pache, (Drew) Waters etc... at the deadline. Assuming they don't (which I agree is the right move).....when exactly are the Braves actually going to "Go for it?" 2020? 2020 Deadline? 2021?
It should be this winter. The Braves will be coming off – we think – their second consecutive postseason series. Even if they’re swept in the NLDS in excruciating fashion, the expectation will be competing for a pennant in 2020.
The young talent will have ample experience. There’s plenty of money coming off the books to re-sign Josh Donaldson and/or Dallas Keuchel, or invest elsewhere. The prospect cupboard will still be well-stacked, making the Braves a factor in any trade conversation.
The rebuild was launched in November 2014. It’ll have been five years and two postseason runs later. That isn’t to say they need to deal off half their farm, but it’ll be time to operate as a World Series contender. Again, I stress, regardless of how this season ends.
@YaBoyFromTheA: If the Braves were to re-sign Donaldson how would that affect Riley/Pache/Waters/(Ender) Inciarte/(Nick) Markakis going into next season?
This is looking ahead, and there are a ton of games to be played before then, but let’s take a glance. First, the team likely will give Donaldson a qualifying offer, meaning he can return on a one-year deal or the team will receive draft-pick compensation if he leaves.
I could see the Braves offering a two-year contract, but three seems too rich. If Donaldson keeps up his current pace, it’s easy to envision a team in need of a third baseman – and there will be plenty – giving that third year.
If Donaldson does stay, they’re already comfortable using Riley in left field for another year. He’d still be the long-term third baseman, but with the team entering a win-now window, keeping him in left to retain Donaldson isn’t a bad move.
As for how the others are impacted, it’s impossible to say. Markakis has a team option. Pache and Waters haven’t even reached Triple-A. Inciarte would likely be trade bait. It’s just too far out to truly analyze this situation, but it’s fun to run through scenarios nonetheless.
