Where Are They Now? Looking Back at the Braves "Rebuild."

To preface this article, I just want to mention that it would be difficult to mention every player that Atlanta traded during their "rebuild" from 2014-2017. While it would be nice to look back over every transaction, I think it's better to look at the players who actually appeared in the majors during that time. Also, while the "rebuild" started after the 2014 season, the Braves were already moving on from players in previous seasons. So, let's get right to it.

Starting off, let's take a look at the players Atlanta let-go (or traded) who went on to win the World Series. While they weren't all traded, Atlanta wasn't in a position to actually keep some of these players due to having an ownership group that is more focused on turning a profit, rather than actually competing to win championships.

Tim Hudson, Brian McCann, Jason Heyward, Craig Kimbrel, David Ross (twice actually), Evan Gattis, Tommy La Stella, etc. I'm sure there's a few more, but those are the ones that stick out most to me.

In addition to those players, which I will be discussing again shortly, the Braves traded/released/moved quite a few players who find themselves having great success with their current teams.

Most notably, Mike Minor, John Gant, and Tommy La Stella. For a team that preaches the importance of pitching, Atlanta essentially let Mike Minor walk after the 2014 season. He found his way to Kansas City where he established himself as a top left handed reliever during the 2016 season. After signing with the Rangers, he moved back into the starting rotation and currently finds himself amongst the leaders in the American League in most pitching categories.

As for Tommy La Stella, he's finally getting a chance to start for a team and he's having an All-Star caliber season for the Angels. Atlanta never seemed to want to give La Stella a chance to play and he was moved for Arodys Vizcaino, who has since been traded to the Mariners. In 2014, Fredi Gonzalez wanted to play Dan Uggla everyday even though Uggla was a shell of his former self at that point. While La Stella didn't have the fanfare of some of the prospects Atlanta currently has, he always showed the ability to be a contributor at the Major League level.
















Moving on, let's take a look at some of the other players Atlanta moved to "rebuild."

La Stella's teammate, Andrelton Simmons was not only a fan favorite, but was a very solid shortstop during his time in Atlanta. He was also only 25 years old and on a team friendly deal at the time of his trade to the Angels. Atlanta received Erick Aybar (who is out of baseball), Chris Ellis (who is now with the Royals), and Sean Newcomb (who looks like nothing more than a back-end starter or middle reliever at this point.) Simmons has gone on to winning more Gold Gloves since leaving Atlanta and has become a much better player offensively than he was during his tenure in Atlanta.









It would be easy to point at the fact Atlanta traded a 26-year old Justin Upton to help them rebuild and get younger, but he has also gone on to put up solid offensive seasons since leaving Atlanta. While Atlanta received a bunch of nothing in that deal, at least they acquired Max Fried, who has been one of the more consistent starters for Atlanta so far in 2019.

Alex Wood is another player I've mentioned numerous times on this blog, so it's kind of like beating a dead horse at this point. However, it was always amazing to me that a rebuilding team would look to trade yet another young cost-controlled left handed starter, but that's exactly what the Braves did in 2014. Atlanta decided to trade the 24-year old in an effort to get "younger and rebuild" and boy did they get quite a haul for Wood. They received Hector Olivera, Zach Bird, and Paco Rodriguez in the trade. Olivera was rightfully released after his numerous domestic violence issues, Bird hasn't pitched since 2016, and Rodriguez hasn't pitched in the majors since 2015. This was another great move made by the club during their rebuilding efforts (if you can't read sarcasm, well that was sarcasm.)

Atlanta was able to "rebuild" their farm system, but it's not as if that was done given the moves by the former GM John Coppolella. Frank Wren was the GM when the club signed Ronald Acuña, Ozzie Albies, Johan Camargo, Julio Teheran, Freddie Freeman, etc. I will be frank (no-pun intended) Wren did a much better job in Atlanta than people give him credit for. While most people in the organization seemed to have hated him, he took a franchise with significant financial restraints and got them back in a position to make the playoffs throughout his entire tenure in Atlanta. John Coppolella had the benefit of always drafting towards the top of the draft and folks in the industry seemed to give him every chance to succeeded while proclaiming all of his moves as "smart" and "great deals" for Atlanta. I don't find that to be accurate at all. Just looking over some of the moves he made during his tenure, you can point to a few that honestly set the franchise back in terms of a "rebuild." That's not evening accounting for the off-the-field issues Coppolella had and his eventual ban from baseball.

Coppolella also seemed to move players just for the sake of moving them. A few players that stick out to me: Ryan Buchter, Chasen Shreve, and John Gant. Gant is especially having a good season with the Cardinals.

Gant could be giving the Braves much needed relief help at the moment, but since Wren left, they've had issues putting together a bullpen. While most fans dislike Wren, you can't argue the fact that he was great at drafting/signing bullpen arms. While Gant was acquired and traded during the tenure of Coppolella, he was never given a chance to actually develop while in Atlanta. They seemed more focused on pitching older vets or players who are out of baseball.


During the "rebuild" in Atlanta, the organization gave up on numerous players who have since found their way to other organizations and are making an impact. Mike Minor is pitching better than ever, Tommy La Stella is playing like an All-Star, and Alex Wood has shown his ability to pitch in the post-season with success.

Craig Kimbrel, who just signed with the Cubs, is still the best closer in baseball and is coming off a World Series winning season with the Red Sox in 2018. Atlanta needed a proven closer, but passed on a chance to sign him to a modest contract in the off-season (and then passed on giving him a contract during the season due to worries over losing a draft pick...) As I've mentioned numerous times, other franchises rebuilt their rosters by trading closers (Andrew Miller, Aroldis Chapman, Brad Hand, etc.) Atlanta sold low on Kimbrel just to get rid of the modest contract given to Melvin Upton.

Speaking of those trades, John Coppolella, for all his accolades, made some of the worst trades in recent memory in all of baseball. If I had to rank them:

1.) The Alex Wood trade to the Dodgers
2.) The Craig Kimbrel trade to the Padres.
3.) The Justin Upton trade to the Padres
4.) The Andrelton Simmons trade to the Angels.

These four trades have netted the Braves a total of: 5.9 wins above replacement (WAR). *Of this total, Sean Newcomb has amounted for 3.9 WAR on his own.*

In that same time, the players Atlanta traded have a total of: 49.4 WAR.

I don't claim to be an expert on analytics, but I think most fans can understand how terrible those trades were for the franchise.


While Atlanta is back to competing for division titles, their biggest issue is still the same: a cheap ownership group that isn't committed to winning. Like I've always said, until that is corrected, this team will always find themselves in a position to be good, but never truly great.

Also, if you've made it this far: hopefully you can sense sarcasm since this article is loaded with it.

Just wanted to credit Baseball-Reference for the stats.

The Side Effects of Bunting

            The Braves, Phillies, Brewers, Rockies, and Reds are near the bottom of the standings in the National League, but they are all in the top five in one category… Sacrifice bunts.

             Back in the day, bunts seemed to be an essential part of the game of baseball. Get a runner on, get him over, and get him in. That’s “ABC baseball” and it’s something teams swore by until the recent sabermetric revolution many teams began following.

            Pitchers bunting is one thing, but far too often it seems like teams are having more and more batters sacrifice their at-bat in an effort to squeeze one run out of an inning. Regardless if the opposing pitcher has walked two batters and looked totally off, teams continue to bail them out by giving away outs. It’s almost as if teams are settling for one run when they could potentially score two or three runs easily, if they wouldn’t give away an important out.

            Over the weekend, I watched the Braves and Mets play… I found myself becoming more and more angered at the decision-making put in place by the Braves decision making. During the game Friday night, Tyler Flowers led off the ninth inning with a single and Erick Aybar was hit by a pitch… Thus, giving Atlanta two base runners with no outs. With the winning run at the plate and no outs, Brian Snitker called on Chase d'Arnaud to pinch hit. He immediately hit into a double play while trying to advance the runners with a bunt. Nobody seems to want to ask why he’d call upon his pinch hitter to bunt (if you’re going to do that, why not just use a starting pitcher instead of wasting a bench bat?). But this move was a classic Barves moment and yet another game lost by Atlanta via poor managing. 

Freddie Freeman bunting... Because why not? (AP Photo/John Raoux)

            After all of that, the Braves found themselves in a similar situation during the game Saturday night. Jace Peterson led off the inning with a single and Ender Inciarte followed with a sacrifice bunt. Traditional fans may see this as playing for a run, but this essentially gave the Mets a free out and opened up first base. Which, the Mets immediately intentionally walked Freddie Freeman to set up a double play. Nick Markakis hit directly into the defense and the Mets turned a game ending double play.

            This is just a small snippet of a disastrous season that the Braves are going through. It’s also just another reminder of how important it is to have a manager and front office that embraces a more analytical approach. It’s easy to second-guess managers when things do not work out, but there’s an abundance of data available to illustrate how bunting only decreases a team’s chances of scoring a run.

            The most surprising stat to me is that the Angels have 23 sacrifice bunts. That’s right, an American League team has had 23 sacrifice bunts…. That’s five more sacrifice bunts than the closest American League team (Royals) and the Angels have more bunts than eight National League teams. The Angels have played 15 interleague games, but looking over their team stats, I found that they’ve had no sacrifice bunts by pitchers. This is a lineup that features five batters with an OPS+ over 100 and arguably the best player in Major League Baseball, Mike Trout. If you do a quick Google search for “Mike Scioscia bunting” you’ll be rewarded with numerous articles expressing their anger towards his calls for sacrifice bunts. What’s even more appalling to me is how the Rockies can have the second most bunts in baseball (32) and the majority of those bunts are by DJ LeMahieu, who has a .326/.394/.496 slash line… And he’s the guy dropping down sacrifice bunts and giving himself up for lesser hitters to drive runners in.

            The Braves, Reds, Phillies, Brewers, Rockies, and Angels are a combined 195-264 this season. Personally, I don’t think it’s much a coincidence that the worst teams in baseball are some of the most frequent bunters in the game. The majority of these teams employ “old-school” managers who seem more worried about managing to not lose rather than managing to win.

            The bunt will never truly go away. As long as the National League continues to go without the DH, we will always see pitchers batting and trying to lay down sacrifice bunts. That might also be changing given the offensive explosion by National League pitchers at the plate this season. In Madison Bumgarner’s last start, San Francisco elected to forgo having a DH in the line-up and allowed Bumgarner to bat for himself. The result? Bumgarner went 1-for-4 at the plate with one run and a strikeout. His hit, however, was a line drive to center field that had 103-mph exit velocity, according to MLB StatCast. Will more teams follow suit and allow their star pitchers, who can swing the bat, a chance to bat for themselves? Or will they always be reduced to dropping down bunts because that’s what “the book says to do!!”  By the way, where can one purchase the book that old-school managers go by? Is it located next to the aisle where they sell hats to tip? Hmm… In the end, I guess it is easier for managers to justify a batter bunting instead of swinging away in a run-scoring situation. However, baseball is an ever-changing sport. Some teams have adapted, but others are being left in the dust. Some teams are complaining about shifts, bullpen micro-managing, and pitching limits on young pitchers, but they seem to have no problem with putting themselves at a run scoring disadvantage by bunting. Here’s a great clip from the movie “Moneyball” that sums up things nicely. 

           

2012 Spring Training All-Stars

It seems like every spring there's a few players that go above and beyond in their efforts to solidify a spot on a Major League roster. Last season, Jake Fox led the way with 10 home runs and 17 extra base hits. Sure, those numbers were pretty ridiculous, but Fox found himself designated for assignment on June 1st. Spring Training numbers really don't accumulate to much, unless you're fighting for one of the last roster spots or a top prospect trying to impress your club (I.E. Bryce Harper). It's hard to grasp if the numbers are a fluke because of the hitter friendly ballparks in Arizona and the fact that veterans are facing guys fresh out of A ball or guys that haven't hit their stride on the mound.

With that said, let's take a look at the 2012 Spring Training All-Stars!

*All stats were compiled on March 13, 2012*

(I'll keep it traditional and do NL/AL teams)

NL:

C - Hector Sanchez : San Francisco Giants

The young backstop for the Giants has a .438/.389/1.063 line this Spring with 3 HR and 8 RBI's in 16 at-bats.

He won't be taking playing time from a healthy Buster Posey anytime soon, but he's definitely turning heads this spring.

Mat Gamel of the Milwaukee Brewers (Yahoo Sports)

1B - Mat Gamel : Milwaukee Brewers

Mat Gamel has done his best Prince Fielder impersonation this spring and his .300/.364./.750 triple slash line indicates that. He's also added 3 HR and 7 RBI's in 20 at-bats. 


2B - Daniel Descalso : St. Louis Cardinals

Having a great spring is nothing new for Descalso and so far this year he has a .438/.609/.625 line. He's done this in 16 at-bats and it doesn't look like he's going to slow down soon.

SS - Freddy Galvis : Philadelphia Phillies

At one point during this offseason, Galvis looked like he could be taking over for long time Phillie Jimmy Rollins, but Rollins signed an extension and Galvis will play this season in the minors. Galvis hasn't let that stop him from having a great spring. So far, he's hitting at a .364/.393/.455 clip.

3B - Todd Frazier : Cincinnati Reds

Todd Frazier is still considered a "prospect" by the Reds, but many might consider the 26 year old a AAAA player. This spring he's showing why many still believe in his "prospect" status. So far he has a .286/.348/.810 line with 3 HR and 6 RBI's (in 21 at-bats).

OF: Alfonso Soriano : Chicago Cubs

.529/.529/1.412 4 HR 6 RBI

Alfonso Soriano is essentially a DH playing the outfield at this point in his career, but he's mashing in Mesa for the Cubs and he might be helping his trade value. 

OF: Jaff Decker : San Diego Padres

.350/.435/.850 2 HR 5 RBI

Jaff Decker is showing why many scouts consider him a solid prospect. The Padres are loaded with young talent and Decker could and should be given a chance to prove himself at the Major League level. This spring is definitely helping his cause.

OF: Gregor Blanco : San Francisco Giants

.522/.593/.565 0 HR 3 RBI 6 SB

Gregor Blanco is competing for a reserve role on the Giants and he's done an excellent job so far. He's had previous stints in Atlanta and Kansas City and is a slap hitter with decent speed. He can play decent defense, but he's nothing you really want starting on a consistent basis. The Braves essentially have the same player in Jose Constanza on the current roster.

P: Mike Minor : Atlanta Braves

0-0 0.00 ERA 9 IP 5 H 0 R 0 ER 4 BB 7 K

Mike Minor has had a great spring for the Atlanta Braves. He's backed up his words and is showing the Braves why he should be given a legit shot in the rotation. He's been efficient and has came right out and had no issues thus far in his 9 innings of work.  

AL:

C- Max Ramirez : Kansas City Royals

The former top prospect of the Atlanta Braves is having a tremendous spring for the Royals. In only 10 at-bats, he has hit 3 HR and has 7 RBI. He's doing this with a .400/.571/1.300 line. The odds of him keeping this up are slim to none, but he's had an "All-Star" spring so far.

1B - Billy Butler : Kansas City Royals

Another former top prospect, Billy Butler has had a fine career thus far with the Royals. This spring he's hitting at an elite level .455/.500/.818. Add in his 2 HR and 4 RBI and Butler is having an amazing spring. 

2B - Alexi Amarista : Los Angeles Angels

Ranked as the 8th best prospect in the organization by FanGraphs, he's lived up to that billing this spring.  So far, he's hitting .438/.471/1.000 with 2 HR and 6 RBI. I'm sure the Angels will send him down to play full time, but he's leaving a lasting impression on the Angels coaching staff.

SS - Eric Sogard : Oakland A's 

Eric Sogard is probably more known for his awesome goggles over his awesome numbers this spring, but A's fans should take notice of Sogard. So far, he's been more like Eric So-good! Hey, I'm trying here! All joking aside, this spring he's hitting .387/.457/.677 with 2 HR and 6 RBI. He's definitely having a spring to remember for the A's.

Brett Lawrie of the Toronto Blue Jays (SBNation)

3B - Brett Lawrie : Toronto Blue Jays

I think every baseball fan knows who Brett Lawrie is and if you don't you must live a sad life. Brett Lawrie was the major piece in the Shaun Marcum trade. He destroyed pitching in the minors and in the majors last season and now he's giving Grapefruit League pitchers nightmares! This spring he's compiled a .579/.600/.842 slash line. He hasn't hit any home runs, but he has 5 doubles in 19 at-bats. Basically, Lawrie is a machine... 


OF: Ryan Raburn : Detroit Tigers

.467/.471/1.467 4 HR 14 RBI

I think Ryan Raburn has a legit shot at earning Grapefruit League MVP honors this season. I guess Jake Fox wasn't able to defend his title from 2011.

OF: Carlos Peguero : Seattle Mariners

.308/.333/.654 3 HR 6 RBI

I'd like to see Peguero work on his plate discipline, but you can't argue with his power this spring. He may be the next Willy Mo Pena, but I have no problems putting him on my Spring Training All-Star list.

OF: Trayvon Robinson : Seattle Mariners

.538/.538/.846 1 HR 2 RBI

Acquired from the Dodgers, Robinson has put together a solid spring for the Mariners. He'll likely open the season as a starting outfielder and his spring numbers aren't anything to laugh at.

P : Blake Beavan : Seattle Mariners

1-0 2.38 ERA 11.1 IP 9 H 3 R 3 ER 1 HR 2 BB 6 SO 0.97 WHIP

Beavan has looked great this spring and I went with him because he's thrown the most innings and has very solid numbers. Plus, pitching in Arizona can only hurt your numbers, but he hasn't had any issues with that. 

I didn't mean to overload on Mariners players for my AL team, but they are tied with Oakland for the best record in the Cactus League and you have to reward a talented team when it comes to naming All-Stars.

It's interesting to see how some of the players with the best spring numbers, are the ones who are trying to catch the eye of a coaching staff or trying to hang onto their Major League career. The players mentioned above aren't sure bets to have great seasons, but they are definitely making it tough for teams to demote or release them. Whether you're young or old, Spring Training always brings one thing and that's: HOPE. Every team has a chance and every player has a chance to make the big league roster.

Thanks for reading!