24 Hours Could Have Changed Atlanta Braves Interest In David Ross

Catcher David Ross signed a two-year contract worth $5 million with the Chicago Cubs on December 19.  The 37-year-old will be looking forward to his 14 season in the MLB.  With signing with the Cubs he will be reunited with former Boston Red Sox teammate Jon Lester who signed to pitch for Chicago on December 16.

This offseason, Ross had many teams interested in his services and told Rob Bradford of WEEI in Boston “I really didn’t think there were a whole lot of teams interested, and interested to the level they were,” Ross said.  “We you have the year I had…I hadn’t been a part of a whole lot of losing teams, maybe it drains you a little bit mentally and you start wondering about how much longer I could play this game and if teams will be interested.  I was going to be 38 years old, not having a good offensive years and my defensive numbers were down.  Coming off the high of the year before it was sort of depressing. So, yeah, it was totally different than how I thought it would shake out, to be honest with you.”

Braves beat writer, Mark Bowman, tweeted out in late November and again in early December that the Braves were interested in Ross and had spoken to him about serving as their backup catcher.

Prior to joining the Red Sox in 2013, Ross had a stint with the Braves from 2009 to 2012.  In his four years with the Braves, he played in 227 games with 577 at bats.  His slash line was .269/.353/.463 with the Braves.

I really didn’t think there were a whole lot of teams interested, and interested to the level they were – David Ross

The veteran catcher not only is successful at the plate, he is a proven leader on and off the field.  He would of been a huge piece if the Braves could of brought him back to Atlanta.

Obviously the Braves were interested in Ross but they were dealing with other instances…

Heading into the 2014 offseason, the Braves had a few major needs of concern that President of Baseball Operations, John Hart, wanted to concentrate on – starting pitching, second base, backup catcher, bullpen, and a bench bat (or two).

As the offseason went on, more and more rumors came up about the Braves trading either outfielder Justin Upton or catcher Evan Gattis.  But as time went on, the Braves couldn’t find any suitors for their high asking price for these players.  This non-trade pushed back their pursuit of finding a veteran backup catcher because Hart continued to say that he would be happy keeping both Upton and Gattis.

Had they traded Upton, Gattis would move to left field and the Braves would need a backup catcher.  If they traded Gattis, they would need a backup catcher because Christian Bethancourt is ready to play in the MLB.

But the days in December continued to tick down and the Braves didn’t know the position they were in.  I think this either discouraged Ross or the Braves stopped pursuing him.  Leaving him to look to other teams….the Red Sox and the Cubs.

The Braves finally traded Justin Upton to the San Diego Padres on December 19 for left-handed pitcher Max Fried, shortstop/second baseman  Jace Peterson, third baseman Dustin Peterson, and outfielder Mallex Smith.

If the Braves made this deal 24 hours prior, could their pursuit of Ross propelled him to possibly signing back with the Braves?  I think it could of helped.  Maybe more like days instead of just a day but I believe Ross could of been a Brave if we were able to deal Upton sooner.

Or maybe the asking price for Ross’s services were to high for the Braves…two years, $5 million.  Possibly, but the Braves ended up signing A.J. Pierzynski to a one-year deal worth $2 million plus performance and award bonuses.

The third note that is possible of the Braves losing out on Ross is the signing of Lester.  They have become great friends and Lester’s go to guy behind the plate.

Personally, I would of loved to see Ross back in a Braves uniform because of the offensive output he brings to a backup spot and leadership skills.  Hours or days could of made a decision in Ross joining the Braves….or, it may not of even played a part.