Message to Atlanta Braves Fans: Keep Perspective; Focus on Big Picture

Yes, the Atlanta Braves have seemingly blown up their roster, but let’s not lose sight on the big picture. I believe in perspective. It’s an important trait to have as we watch our beloved Craig Kimbrel, now San Diego’s beloved Craig Kimbrel, head West. I for one was initially shocked and downright angry when I first saw the news of Kimbrel’s trade. Begrudgingly, my first thought after that was, “well, at least it wasn’t within the division”.

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In 1987 the Braves traded Doyle Alexander to the Detroit Tigers for some guy named John Smoltz. You may have heard of him. There were more than a few Atlanta Braves fans who apparently didn’t like this trade either. The guy who pulled the trigger on that move … Bobby Cox. Yes, our adored, Hall of Fame manager made that deal. That deal was a win for the Tigers as Alexander led the Tigers a division title, but took a little bit longer to provide dividends for the Braves. Anyone remember what Smoltz did for the Braves? Show of hands? Ooh, ooh, pick me, I know! I’m sure most Braves fans do too.

How about 1990. Some guy named Dale Murphy heads East to Philly for Jeff Parrett and a couple of players to be named later. You want to talk about devastation, I cried for 3 days after that, because Murphy donned the number 3 on his back. Alas, for the record, I’m won’t be crying for 46 days.

On both occasions, the world continued to rotate and the baseball world didn’t stop. The Braves kept playing and in 1991, began a string of consecutive division titles that will most likely, never be equaled. Aside from the financials, increased prospect pool/depth, impact, and the added draft pick in this years draft, as discussed by Fred and Alan yesterday, there is always a human side to the business side. Yes, we all loved Kimbrel, but we also loved Murphy and liked Alexander. Yet there was always a bigger picture to see.

This has happened before, and the Braves are still there, they will always be there (hopefully ). We as Braves fans can’t get too bent out of shape over this. I love this team, always have, always will. A franchise isn’t centered around one person and players come and go. This season will go on and I will still be there watching and sporting my red, white, and blue … Braves fans were Braves fans before Craig Kimbrel, Doyle Alexander, and yes, even Dale Murphy. They will be afterwards too, just the same. I will always and forever cheer for the name on the front of the jersey, no matter what. The name on the back just happens to be an added bonus.