September 27, 2015

 

 

9 Responses to “Show #317: An Uneven Week for the Braves”

1. 1
   Shaun Says:
   September 28th, 2015 at 11:17 am

   Here’s a big reason the Braves thought it worthwhile to give up what they did for Olivera:

   2016: $4 million
   2017: $6 million
   2018: $6.5 million
   2019: $7.5 million
   2020: $8.5 million

   As a point of reference, according to Fangraphs, Jace Peterson has been an $8.8 million player, according to free agent dollars per WAR (mostly because of his defense). Even if you don’t think that’s perfect, it gives you some idea of the kind of enormous potential value Olivera could offer.

2. 2
   Tyler Says:
   September 28th, 2015 at 1:26 pm

   Olivera is now hitting .264/.316/.417 with three doubles, two home runs and 11 RBI in 72 at-bats. That’s pretty good for a guy who is just now seeing major league pitching for the first time. And he’s only playing half the games. His defense may never be gold glove level but if he can be a Matt Carpenter type of defender that’s great.

   Now regarding Freeman, who would you get who is better? Rizzo and Goldschmit will be locked up long term as will Hosmer. Votto is too old and we certainly aren’t getting a Teixeira or Adrian Gonzalez. If this injury season turns out to be an anomaly we’ll be fine with him.

3. 3
   Shaun Says:
   September 28th, 2015 at 2:07 pm

   Tyler, I think the rationale for trading Freeman would be to get better at multiple positions, even if they have to take a hit at firstbase. Obviously I don’t think it will happen. I think it would be too risky for the Braves. Odds are, as you say, they will be fine with him. If they trade him in a deal that works for them, it would likely have to be for young players. It’s risky that those young players would provide the value Freeman is likely to provide through the rest of his contract.

4. 4
   Tyler Says:
   September 28th, 2015 at 2:38 pm

   Yeah that’s fair. It would have to be quite the haul though.

5. 5
   Steve Says:
   September 28th, 2015 at 2:39 pm

   @3 – Agreed on both fronts. The only way you trade FF is for a king’s ransom. And, fact is, he’s a great player to build around and will more than likely work out just fine.

6. 6
   Teah Says:
   September 29th, 2015 at 1:19 pm

   I may be bias, because ‘Simba’ is my favorite current day Brave, but I also like the game of baseball mostly for great defensive play & let us be honest, NO ONE in MLB is better at it than Simmons. So naturally I agree with Steve, as far as Andrelton being more of an untouchable than Freddie.

   As far as 1st base is concerned ‘IF’ Freeman were dealt, I would take Adrian Gonzalez (though there is no possible way I could see the Dodgers giving him up) in a heartbeat. Same goes for Joey Votto, who has bounced back in a huge way this year. Though I am not the least bit surprised. No disrespect to the you or the other players you mentioned either Tyler, but I would not want any of them anyway.

7. 7
   Tyler Says:
   September 29th, 2015 at 2:17 pm

   I love Simmons. He is without a doubt the best defensive shortstop, if not player in all of baseball. His offense leaves something to be desired, however. There is a rookie for the Cleveland Indians named Francisco Lindor who I believe should win the AL rookie of the year. I will not be shocked if in a couple years if we are talking about him as not only the best shortstop in baseball, but the best defensive shortstop as well. That’s how impressive he is in his rookie year.

   Now I don’t think that either will be traded, I just think Freeman is more important overall to the Braves future success than Simmons.

8. 8
   Teah Says:
   September 29th, 2015 at 5:32 pm

   Trust me, I know all about Lindor, Tyler. Especially being a Torontoian & getting to see him play live here at the Rogers Centre or on TV, when the Jays play at the Indians at Progressive Field. So yeah, he is damn good.

   As far as him winning AL MVP though, my vote (if I had one) would go to Stro’s sensational rookie shortstop, Carlos Correa. Because if you want both power & steller defense, then I think he should get the ROY nod. IMHO, of course.

   All this said, let us agree on one thing, my friend. That we both would like to see Freddie & Simba on our team for years to come. As Braves management hopefully starts the long road building a contender again. Like the good ol’ days of the 90’s.

   P.S. VAMOS BRAVOS!!! ; )

9. 9
   Tyler Says:
   September 29th, 2015 at 8:06 pm

   Oh the glory days. Although not quite as glorious as it could have been. But yeah Simmons and FF both need to be here.