Fans submitted questions today for the AJC's weekly Braves mailbag (every Tuesday at 11:30 at ajc.com). I answered some questions. I noticed were not as many questions as when I did the mailbag two weeks ago. The questions back then were angry but people cared. Now I sense resignation and apathy fans, which isn't good for the Braves.
Anyway, here are some highights from today's mailbag (lightly edited for clarity).
Q. Considering the play on the field, the fans becoming more vocal against the decision to extend Fredi Gonzalez, John Hart proclamation that he would not trade fan favorite Craig Kimbrel then doing so, then the play on the field to where it seems that the Braves have quit mentally and the tragic accident involving the fan Saturday...... Would you consider this as being perhaps the darkest period in the 50 year history of the Atlanta Braves?
A. I've also heard the theory that they may have disturbed a poltergeist at the new ballpark. I'm not an authority on the history of the Braves so I can't say. But your list certainly is very dark.
Q. This is rock bottom right? I mean after last weekend it can't get worse can it?
A. I thought it was rock bottom when the Rockies swept them the first time. I was wrong. Then I thought last weekend was rock bottom and they'd beat the Marlins because they always beat the Marlins. Now there is a chance they'll be swept by the Marlins and then that would be the new rock bottom.
Q. What should we expect from Hector Olivera for the rest of the year. It's going to be super depressing (as if it isn't already) if he's terrible for the last month.
A. I would temper expectations. When they first assigned him to the minors they said he would only be down there a few days to get his timing. Then they kept saying he's not completely healthy, rusty, etc. and needs more time. I'm not buying it. I think he looked so bad they couldn't bring him up. Now there's going to be even more scrutiny surrounding him. If he struggles it could get ugly with fans. Or uglier.
Q. It doesn't matter who they sign. It seems to be a trend that Gonzales led teams seem to fall apart in August and September.
A. That's a fair criticism. This year you can say he's short of quality major leaguers but not in the past.
Q. Do you think the front office regrets trading Kelly Johnson and Juan Uribe? They might not have been in future plans, but they didn't get much for them and the team plummeted.
A. No, I don't think they regret it. They wanted prospects and got them. But, yeah, don't think they saw this nosedive coming. The pitching has not held up at all.
Q. Since the 2017 FA class is so weak, wouldn't it make sense for the front office to spend money on this coming offseason's loaded FA class?
A. This is a valid point. A loaded free agent class means lots of bidders, though. I'm not sure how much payroll Liberty Media will allow next season. They can't put the current product on the field again and expect people to just show up to the Cobb park in 2017 because it's new (though there will be some of that). Prospects are nice but they have to spend on some major-league talent.
Q. Do you think that the decision about Christian Bethancourt's future with the Braves has already been made by John Hart and the Braves are simply playing him in the hope that he can increase his trade value?
A. No. They need him to prove he can be a quality major league catcher. They don't have any other options in the high minors. They just drafted Lucas Herbert.
Q. Unless Miller gets another shot at starting against the Marlins, or even the Phillies, then I will say chances are good that you guys will still be talking about his winless streak at the start of next season. Do you agree?
A. No. No. Please, no, because I'm tired of talking about it. Seriously, I think the streak ends. I mean, it has to end. It's getting beyond ridiculous. The luck can't keep going against him.
