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Atlanta Braves investigation weekend update

By Fred Owens

ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 27: Atlanta Braves President John Schuerholz is shown before the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Turner Field on September 27, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 27: Atlanta Braves President John Schuerholz is shown before the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Turner Field on September 27, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Braves Vice Chairman John Schuerholz can't hide from the continuing investigation into front office irregularities.
Atlanta Braves Vice Chairman John Schuerholz can’t hide from the continuing investigation into front office irregularities. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

MLB’s investigation into the Atlanta Braves front office dealings continues. Rumors swirl around the future of John Hart, John Schuerholz and even Terry McGuirk.

MLB isn’t going to say anything  about the Atlanta Braves investigation until the World Series ends and the jubilation subsides. More information slowly leaks out about the boil on the butt of the Braves lanced on October second  when John Coppolella resigned.

As usual various sources report similar things but there were a few interesting tidbits included.

Weekend scandal update

On Thursday, Ken Rosenthal wrote for The Athletic (subscription required and recommended) that sources expect the penalties to be harsh.

"The Braves’ violations are unprecedented in scope, sources say, and baseball’s penalties almost certainly will reflect the extent of the team’s wrongdoing."

Like many of us, Rosenthal notes insiders don’t understand how something so apparently blatant happened without Hart’s knowledge. He suggests that Rob Manfred could add a penalty for “lack of institutional control.”

Such a finding would surely end Hart’s career and possibly that of John Schuerholz who hired him. An earlier story in The Athletic names Schuerholz as Coppolella’s “sponsor.” When they names Coppolella GM Schuerholz heaped praise on his protégé.

"“We didn’t map out a plan, but we figured this is a really, really smart man. . .really sharp and works really hard . . .loves the Braves more than anything. That’s the guy you want to keep your eyes on.”"

In the second linked post a rival executive said what many of us believe.

"… Hart was either complicit in Coppolella’s actions or oblivious to them, and either description is damning."

Perhaps they should have actually kept their eyes on him?

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