Morning Chop: Atlanta Braves’ News 12/13
Morning Chop: A Summary of Atlanta Braves’ News
Braves make strides at quiet Winter Meetings
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — When Braves general manager Frank Wren exited the Winter Meetings on Thursday, he had the same needs he possessed at the start of this four-day event.
But Wren seems confident that some of the conversations he had with agents and other executives this week could soon allow him to satisfy his desire to add depth to his starting rotation, bench and bullpen.
“You always want to get things done as quickly as you possibly can,” Wren said. “But I think it was a really productive [week] for us. We were able to sort through all the possibilities early in the week and then [on Wednesday] get it a little closer to finality. I feel we have a chance to get some things done that will be important for our team.”
Instead of attempting to make a big splash by pursuing David Price or Jeff Samardzija, Wren spent this week pursuing less flashy options that could fortify a roster that will include many of the same key players that helped the Braves notch 96 victories and cruise toward the National League East title this past season.
Wren is cognizant of the fact that some fans have become impatient while waiting for Atlanta to make a key acquisition in an offseason that has thus far been highlighted by the free-agent departures ofTim Hudson and Brian McCann.
But instead of falling victim to this pressure by rushing to make a deal, Wren has attempted to remain patient in his search to satisfy what he does not consider to be “dire needs.”
Jeff Samardzija Trade Rumors: Assembling Atlanta Braves’ Perfect Trade Package
The winter meetings have come and gone, and the Atlanta Braves failed to make a trade or sign a free agent.
However, according to David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Braves are still pushing hard to acquire a starting pitcher, with Jeff Samardzija of the Chicago Cubs believed to be at the top of the list:
"The Braves are optimistic about re-signing free agent reliever Eric O’Flaherty, and they are pushing hard to acquire a starting pitcher and could be leading suitors for Cubs starter Jeff Samardzija if Chicago decides to trade the hard-throwing right-hander."
Former CHS star Ingram now at Gwinnett
ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves announced that former Columbus High standout Garey Ingram will be in his first season as the hitting coach at Gwinnett after spending the previous four seasons in the same role with the organization’s Double-A club in Mississippi.
The Braves announced their 2014 minor league coaching staffs, including five managers returning for the upcoming season.
In addition to the returning managers, former Major League third base coach Brian Snitker returns to a managerial role in 2014 with the organization’s Triple-A affiliate Gwinnett Braves.
Snitker, who completed his seventh season as the Braves third base coach in 2013, last managed at the minor league level in 2006 when he skippered Atlanta’s Triple-A affiliate in Richmond, Va. Previous to that, Snitker spent four seasons managing the Braves Double-A affiliate from 2002 to 2005.