Atlanta Braves add Madison Bumgarner return to postseason: Castrovince
By Fred Owens
The Atlanta Braves postseason run continues in 2019 with the help of a veteran starter – this according to Anthony Castrovince last Wednesday morning.
Castrovince’s segment on MLB Network’s Hot Stove covered a lot of ground with only a brief mention of the Atlanta Braves. The Braves-centric prediction went by so quickly that those not listening closely – me – had to rewind to make sure I heard him correctly.
Because everyone waits with bated breath for the outcome, all segments begin with Bryce Harper and/or Manny Machado related information. Castrovince began by predicting that Harper signs with the Cardinals.
In a baseball sense, it fits, but the setting doesn’t seem to have enough bright lights for Harper’s ego. He correctly predicted landing spots for about Gerrit Cole and Manny Machado last offseason, so maybe he’s right on this as well.
He then opined that most would see Zack Greinke playing in Anaheim next season as the blockbuster trade of this offseason, but went on to say the real Atlanta Braves engineered the real blockbuster when they acquired Madison Bumgarner from the Giants.
He predicts Bumgarner’s influence solidifies the young Atlanta rotation, helping them reach postseason play. He went on to say Bumgarner pitched five innings in relief and homered in the wildcard game, but the Atlanta Braves lost.
Jon Morosi reported as far back as November that Giants new GM Farhan Zaidi would “engage in discussions” about moving Bumgarner. Since then we’ve heard nothing substantive from anyone. If Zaidi watched the Castrovince interview during his morning meditation, had an epiphany and called Alex Anthopoulos, would he make a deal? If so, how could the Atlanta Braves convince him to agree?