Braves Face Tough Choices With Evan Gattis
By Fred Owens
Apr 10, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Evan Gattis (24) connects for a three run homer in the fifth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Photo Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
As we went into the last night’s game with the Marlins, Evan Gattis has settled into the four hole and has a slash of .368/.400/.737/1.137 leading all National League rookies. And that my friends poses a problem for Frank Wren, Fredi Gonzalez and crew.
A Good Problem
So Gattis is smoking hot, what’s the problem? The problem is Brian McCann is due back next week by the KC series and with the 25 man roster full someone has to go. But who? The uniformed amongst fandom want to send Gerald Laird down but of course that can’t be done. In fact the whole bench is in a similar situation; none save Gattis have options left, all except Gattis would have to clear waivers and none of them will. (For a quick look at how options work click here.) That leaves a trade
First of all the obvious should be said, Brian McCann won’t be traded unless we get an offer we can’t refuse. Some forget what a potent bat he has when he isn’t hurt which he has been since Augusts of 2011. Onward to the bench… Ramiro Pena would be in demand by the Cardinals and Dodgers to name just two. Reed Johnson’s a free agent signing and like Laird can’t be traded without their permission until after June first. Even if they agree to a trade the Braves would have to ask MLB for permission to do it before June 1. Jordan Schafer could be in demand by teams like the Mets, Marlins, Phillies; even the Rays might find room for him. So, who goes?
If It Were I. . .
Which it isn’t of course, Schafer would be the trade bait. he’s had a good game tonight – 4-5 with two runs scored including a bunt single and double that would have been a homer in most ballparks. I’d want him out of the division of course and I wouldn’t be that picky about who I got back as long as he had options. That’s me, there’s a poll here so you can vote on it.
That’s a Wrap
As I was writing this Gattis (2-4 3 RBI) was hitting his second homer in two days into the Clevelander night club. That was followed just a git later by a 459 foot bomb by Juan Francisco (3-4 3 RBI). Schafer laid down a lovely drag bunt to get on in front of Gattis and later doubled, a ball that probably a homer in most ballparks. So the Atlanta Bomb Squad (those option on the Fox Sports site are just awful) continues to deliver even when Justin Upton takes a night off from losing baseballs. Tuesday night Pena made two defensive plays at third that made everyone’s eyes water after playing a pretty good shortstop while Andrelton Simmons was out. He’s also had some key RBI hits late in games. Laird is the vet you keep around because he can teach and play regularly for a couple of weeks if needed. Reed Johnson has a couple of good at bats and is very good off the bench though not a home run threat. I have no idea what the answer will be but whatever it is someone’s gotta go.