Atlanta Braves GM John Coppolella Answers (Some) Questions

Transcript of the Braves’ #AskCoppy Session from Thursday, January 14

@SMELCERFourSix  Can you give Braves fans a reason to even come to the ballpark in 2016?
Better offense at every position, chance to see many impact prospects make MLB debut, last year of Turner Field

@Gitipo How good of a mentor are Hart and Schuerholz? What have you learned the most from them?
John S & John H are terrific mentors & people — what I have learned most is to listen & learn from others

Heading into Spring Training — yes — we feel Matt has a very bright future and high upside
@OFRSports Matt Wisler seemed to turn a corner late last season. Is he expected to have a spot in the rotation in 2016?

@dhoward32 #AskCoppy do you see the Braves making a move for a big bat? Big names out there. Bruce, Cespedes, etc
Everything for us is fluid — except trading Freddie! — if there is a chance to be opportunistic we will explore it

@OGBrianC17 would Olivera move back to the infield once Smith gets called up?
We like what we saw of Hector in LF, but he can still play 3B — when Mallex is ready we will have a good problem

@ChopArmWeak which prospects in your mind are ready for the MLB in 2016?
It’s not about me saying when they are ready — they will let us know by their performance

@BrianVislusky favorite player growing up?
Ken Griffey Jr. & Don Mattingly — Griffey was awesome (HOF!) and I was a Yankees fan as a kid (mom from Bronx, NY)

@ChimeraTony In terms of the 2016 draft, are there specific positions you are targeting given the restock on minor league pitching?
Best player available, but after taking 4 HS kids last year think a college player, preferably a bat, would help

@GHEGG23 what are your plans in the international free agent market?
Aggressive, upside players who have a chance to impact like Andruw, Javy Lopez, Furcal, etc did for ATL

@JHayesLaw Do you envision making any more significant moves before spring training? If so, more likely a free agent or a trade?
Steal line from a favorite movie “we’re like 7-11, always open even if we are not always doing business”

@ChopAttack what is your favorite statistic to compare players?
No one perfect statistic — positives, negatives everywhere — case by case mixed with scouting & makeup

@rocketing6 I know you and JHart have been working hard. Respond to critique that Braves might not be competitive in 2017. Remember 2009 Mets
Tying to improve each yr & build for long-term, sustainable success — think we can content [sic] for playoffs in 17

@TyrellJenkins14 Ask him if he wants to play a game of Madden?
Hey Tyrell! Sad to say I never played Madden — I am old and played NFL Blitz and Tecmo Bowl!!

@The_Condon who’s your favorite all time brave?
Hank Aaron is a legend and one of the best, if not the best, of all-time

@McCoyJonathan what is the projected lineup/rotation? Is Newcombe in the mix for a spot?
Rotation is fluid — our young kids and NRIs will get chances — lineup is much improved and offense will be better

@ckshortell How credible a stat is WAR and how much should fans focus on it?
What is it good for? Absolutely nothing — J/K. Like it as means for comparison, but too much emphasis on defense

@tfmcc18 How does your @NotreDame degree serve you in your role with the @Braves? #GoIrish
Majored in business mgt. & baseball a business — most of my role is a function of experience & great leaders

@nrbaldwin28 which prospects (MLB ready or not) do you feel has the chance to make the biggest impact?
Not to cop-out, but there are at least 10 players in our farm system I see as being future All-Stars

@Matthew_Rose37 As an aspiring GM, what advice can you give?
Don’t aspire to be a GM — aspire to be a part of something special and learn as much as you can each day

@js8TL I love the trades and signings so far… how important is the International FA market this season to your plans going forward?
On a scale of 1-10 I’d say 50 — they are absolutely critical — can’t give our staff down there enough credit

@JordanHelton12 How do you think having @RealCJ10 back with the organization will benefit all of the young talent within the Braves system?
Chipper was a #1 homegrown future HOF & winner — most of our guys grew up watching him play & lead

@LeonCastilloJr What’s your favorite bobblehead that being given away this year?
Chipper & Freddie — my oldest son is 7 years old and totally obsessed with Braves bobbleheads, he can’t wait

@mddl_eezturn Will you be in attendance at Braves FanFest this year?
Yes I will — think it will be really cool to have one special day on January 30 — looking forward to it

Next: Rumor: Cespedes for the Rest of Us

@Whitey_83 you’re in a ballpark and you have only a $10 bill. Nachos or a hot dog … which do you choose?
Nachos — love nachos — order them at least twice a week (as you can tell from my pic at the start of the chat)