Morning Chop: Atlanta Braves News 11/11

Make a wish, it’s 11/11….

3AM Lemonade

Can the Braves land an ace? Should they try? It’s an interesting question. For the Braves to acquire a top-end guy, such as David Price or Max Scherzer, it’s hard to see a package that would be terribly appealing. The farm system isn’t favorably

Oct 5, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher David Price (14) pitches during the first inning in game two of the American League divisional series playoff baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

considered. The deal would almost certainly have to include one of the Braves young pitchers, and it seems like Julio Teheran would be the most coveted asset. That said, he’s also the one pitching asset the Braves are least likely to part with. Would a deal built around Mike Minor be sufficient? I’m guessing not, since there are few ace-level pitchers available on the Free Agent market.

Realistically, I see the Braves shipping off Uggla for some salary relief (though they’ll likely still be paying 70%+ of his deal), targeting a LOOGY for the pen, re-signing Hudson, signing a veteran, reserve OF type and paying out the rest in arbitration. They could also sign a lower-tier SP to give them some flexibility in the rotation, but that will largely depend on how much confidence they have in Alex Wood, who performed well in his short stint up this season, to become a 5th starter. Jesse Crain makes sense as a reliever, though he won’t be cheap. Eric O’Flaherty is likely to leave in Free Agency, though the success of Luis Avilan may make Wren feel comfortable with the pen.

Ultimately, don’t expect this Braves team to look tremendously different than what they fielded in 2013. I suspect B.J. Upton will get another shot to prove himself as the everyday CF, with Heyward moving back to RF. The most notable change will be the loss of long-time Brave Brian McCann, though it’s been anticipated. Overall, the Braves are in pretty tremendous shape, despite only being given a middling payroll and not having the luxury of a monster TV deal to support the bottom line. They are the youngest team in baseball and should be anticipated to improve, even beyond their 96 wins from a season ago.

Arizona Fall League Box Score

Scottsdale Top of the 9th

• Pitching Change: Yimi Garcia replaces Craig Stem.
• Elmer Reyes hit by pitch.
• Tommy La Stella doubles (6) on a sharp line drive to right fielder Brian Cavazos-Galvez. Elmer Reyes to 3rd.

La Stella went 1-2 with a double and two walks

Twitter

Some Twitter action for you to keep everyone updated…

It looks as though Chris Johnson may be engaged??

Andrelton Simmons on winning the Rawlings Platinum Award…

What’s your take on this middle infield?  Here’s a picture from the Rawlings award ceremony…