As the MLB Trade Deadline approaches, every fan wants to know what their team will do (or at least to what extent). The Braves are obviously buyers because they are in first place and know that their roster is not quite good enough to win a World Series with its present construction. That being said, what do they need to fix?
Starting pitching is probably the most glaring hole that they faced during their early summer skid. Is it a reason to go get a new starter? Not necessarily. Most of the problems are the same as last year's problems, just to a lesser extent. The Braves have an incredible pitching staff on paper, but guys get hurt and that takes a toll. As far as the Braves' rotation goes, they can turn to some of their stashed away prospects that are pro-ready in Gwinnett, but even that is not as good as their full strength.
In fact, not once this year have they had their big three active all in the rotation at the same time. Sale has been solid (as usual), Smith-Shawver had a nice return to the MLB mound (despite the team taking a loss), and Schwellenbach is still working his way back. Throw in Spencer Strider, and the Braves could improve dramatically above an already impressive rotation that started the first couple of months atop every meaningful category.
Is it worth going after a new shortstop, though, that seems to be a big hole for Atlanta? A month ago, the consensus answer would have been yes. The Braves spent $20 million on Hae-Song Kim only for him to be a major downgrade at the position from previous years. Sometimes plans just do not work out. To replace Kim, though, you have options.
The unsung hero, Mauricio Dubon, can play short, but he certainly is needed in the outfield as well. Jorge Mateo also plays a good defensive shortstop, but his hitting leaves a bit to be desired. In a perfect world, he would stay on as somebody who can pinch run late in a game without sacrificing any defense.
#World
Starting pitching is probably the most glaring hole that they faced during their early summer skid. Is it a reason to go get a new starter? Not necessarily. Most of the problems are the same as last year's problems, just to a lesser extent. The Braves have an incredible pitching staff on paper, but guys get hurt and that takes a toll. As far as the Braves' rotation goes, they can turn to some of their stashed away prospects that are pro-ready in Gwinnett, but even that is not as good as their full strength.
In fact, not once this year have they had their big three active all in the rotation at the same time. Sale has been solid (as usual), Smith-Shawver had a nice return to the MLB mound (despite the team taking a loss), and Schwellenbach is still working his way back. Throw in Spencer Strider, and the Braves could improve dramatically above an already impressive rotation that started the first couple of months atop every meaningful category.
Is it worth going after a new shortstop, though, that seems to be a big hole for Atlanta? A month ago, the consensus answer would have been yes. The Braves spent $20 million on Hae-Song Kim only for him to be a major downgrade at the position from previous years. Sometimes plans just do not work out. To replace Kim, though, you have options.
The unsung hero, Mauricio Dubon, can play short, but he certainly is needed in the outfield as well. Jorge Mateo also plays a good defensive shortstop, but his hitting leaves a bit to be desired. In a perfect world, he would stay on as somebody who can pinch run late in a game without sacrificing any defense.
#World
3 months ago
