Can the Atlanta Braves build an Inexpensive Winner
By Fred Owens
The Braves are unlikely to dive head first into the high end of the FA market but a solid team capable of challenging could be created with a few out of the box ideas.
On Monday Alan told us about the prospect of money flowing into all teams after 2017 and suggested that the Atlanta Braves were unlikely to splurge right now. That’s true and the front office has said as much often. They also said they were going to be aggressive in the free agent market this year. With that in mind Alana proposed a few trades on Tuesday that he believed would work. I’ve put together some ideas offering a different approach – that I doubt anyone will like –to getting that done.
As the GMs rough it at their annual meeting in Florida the Braves have few certainties on their roster. Andrelton Simmons will be their shortstop, Freddie Freeman the first baseman, Hector Olivera will play third base or left field and Nick Markakis will be in right; everything else is up for grabs. The payroll ceiling is $120M and we have too many outfielders is Olivera plays left. Okay then let’s try to fill the holes.
Clearing Payroll
Nick Markakis to Kansas City for Hunter Dozier.
The Royals need a bat like Markakis’ if they are going to hang around for another World Series chase. Dozier was a first round pick who needs work on his conversion to third base and after a shaky start found his bat again late in the season. Markakis isn’t a give away piece but he’s a perfect fit in KC and worth a good prospect.
Cameron Maybin to the Giants for Dylan Davis
This primarily designed to clear some salary and add a minor league bat. Maybin gives San Francisco a back up the perpetually injured Angel Pagan.
Dylan Davis’ calling card is his bat. He won the Cape Cod League home run derby in 2012 and lead the league with a .567 slugging percentage in 2013. He’s strong with a quick bat and can hit it out to any part of the ballpark but – surprise – does tend to strike out a bit. He has a big arm – threw 97 off the mound – but like Simmons he wants to play everyday; gotta love that. The arm says right field but his legs say left; he isn’t slow but has just average speed and is just an average defender.
Davis started the year in A ball and a slash of .250/.322/.406/.728 got him promoted to high A in June. He had a little trouble adjusting as his second half slash – .206/.295/.318/.613 – suggests. He is however just 21 and has time to grow before needed.
Nick Swisher + $5M to Houston for Chris Carter
The Astros need a stop gap first baseman and having a veteran wouldn’t hurt. Swisher fills that need and allows them to get value from Carter. The money makes Swisher a $10M player and he should be worth that to Houston.
Carter is taken back as a backup to Freeman at first base and at either corner outfield spot, He’ll get about $5.6M in arbitration so we save some money and who knows, maybe Seitzer can help him make more contact.
Next: Now for the rebuild