Atlanta Braves GM John Coppolella actually did something yesterday

Yesterday was the MLB trade deadline. One of our favorite days in baseball for both fans and writers. Rumors circulated the interwebs and everyone had their hot take. Even me. Then, in Braves Country, nothing happened.

Atlanta Braves GM John Coppolella doing nothing actually did something, in my opinion. And it wasn’t like he was silent on “trade deadline day” because he didn’t have any desirable trade pieces. Most of his aged veteran team consists of trade pieces.

Several teams were interested in Jim Johnson, Hunter Cervenka, Nick Markakis and baseball execs have been salivating over Ender Inciarte since December. On the flip-side, teams (like the Yankees for example) were extremely interested in many of the Braves’ top prospects.

But by not doing anything yesterday, John Coppolella actually did something. He maintained his recently obtained “cold as ice” reputation in baseball. Like my friend Gaurav Vedak, of Braves Reddit, told me – by not doing anything it showed other GMs that he has ice in his veins and gives him leverage going into the winter.

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If John Coppolella did make some moves yesterday, like if he moved Jim Johnson or Cervenka, he would have been fine. Those guys would have gone to contenders and the Braves don’t necessarily need them this year.

But by saying, “No. Not interested.” Coppolella raised Cervenka’s value and perhaps said to other teams that the Braves want to finish this season on a high note. And by not giving up guys like Cervenka so easily and by not giving up prospects it also says to other teams (and fans) – Lookout next year.

The most powerful thing John Coppolella has done has been holding onto his prized top prospects. Yesterday we saw the Texas Rangers make a very irresponsible trade when they gave up some incredible prospects who could have a serious long-term impact on their club for a rental of Carlos Beltran.

Now, yes; the Rangers are a playoff contender and the Braves are clearly not so that’s perhaps not a great analogy, but my point is this: many other teams are too willing too often to trade their best prospects while this Atlanta Braves regime is not. It hurts now – But in the long run it will pay off.

So, by not doing anything, John Coppolella enters the post-deadline waiver period and the winter with leverage on other clubs.

The Matt Kemp deal also helped Coppy’s leverage and street cred. And if you’re one of those folks who actually think the 2016 Braves are worse off with Matt Kemp then go kick a tree. And no, the Braves are not paying the guy over $30 million. Put down the AJC.

The Atlanta Braves were planning on firing Hector Olivera and still paying him his $28.5 million owed. Instead, the Braves got Matt Kemp and money. They are getting Matt Kemp for $8 million/year.

Keep in mind that John Coppolella can still do some wheeling and dealing. For an awesome guide to waiver trading by our very own distinguished Alan Carpenter – Go here.

Next: A lesson in waiver trading

Don’t forget, kids, the person who wants it the least has the most control.

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