Our State of the Atlanta Braves is Gone
Mar 28, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher
Craig Kimbrel(46) throws a warm up pitch during the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
I’ve debated writing this piece for a while. The offseason has been full of dramatic moves for the Atlanta Braves, trading away big name players for what I’ve seen some call “young unproven” talent. We’ve seen the Braves add veteran names like Jonny Gomes, Nick Markakis, and Jason Grilli, and continue to stray away from the word “rebuild.”
But that’s exactly what we have on our hands now folks. There is no more illusion; this is a full blown rebuild.
Bad teams don’t need expensive closers. They are a crippling luxury, even for the best closer in baseball. John Hart knew this, but still insisted he had no intention on trading Craig Kimbrel. This changed when he also found the opportunity to rid himself of the worst contract in the National League.
By sending Melvin Upton Jr. along with Craig Kimbrel for Carlos Quentin, Cameron Maybin, Matt Wisler, Jordan Paroubeck, and this year’s 41st overall draft pick, John Hart created the perfect metaphor for an entire offseason of work.
Next: The Money