Please, Don’t Panic! Losing McCann Hurts, but Losing Trades Hurt Worse and for Longer
It was inevitable that the Atlanta Braves rumors would intensify after the grueling “win” that they had last night..er…this morning over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 19 inning marathon in which Jerry Meals saved his worst call of the night for last. It was unbelievable, to be honest. All the heat that Meals will undoubtedly take because of that call will no doubt cover up all of the bad calls he had made prior to that huge gaffe. Let’s not forget that his strike zone was incredibly inefficient and he put hitters, specifically Braves’ hitters, in situations that were extremely difficult to overcome. From the strikes at the ankles of the Nate McLouth to the strike that he called on Jason Heyward that was a good six inches off the plate. He had one of the worst all-around games as an umpire I have ever seen.
The one thing that over-shadows Meals’ terrible callings, is Brian McCann’s injury. This is a big blow to the Atlanta Braves’ already fragile offense. McCann has been their most consistent hitter for at least 3 years now. Just a few weeks ago, we were talking about McCann potentially being in the MVP race. Now, the Braves have to make due without their best hitter and most valuable player.
No matter how this might make the Braves’ fans, players and management feel, they need to take some deep breaths and realize that panicking is never good when deciding whether or not to make a trade. It looks like Carlos Beltran almost certainly is heading to San Francisco Giants and Colby Rasmus is headed to the Toronto Blue Jays. Both players would have been a huge help to the Braves, especially without McCann in the lineup. However, the Braves have learned what desperation can lead you to do. (See the Mark Teixeira trade that has stocked the Texas Rangers).
If the Braves are going to make a deal that sends away their good, young pitchers, they need someone that will be around much longer than Beltran. It was never a good match from the beginning. Mike Minor for two months of Beltran with no draft pick compensation? Please.
As bad as the Braves’ offense has been, they don’t need to make that deal! If there is a deal out there for a center-fielder that is worth the pitching that the Braves have, Beltran is not on the list. There are some solid players out there that could be acquired. I think the Braves will get someone. But, Frank Wren should be applauded for not panicking and giving the Mets what they wanted. If Beltran had another year on his contract, maybe. If the Braves were able to get two draft picks from him, maybe. But not two months of Beltran. Absolutely not!
The Braves made the best trade today, in my opinion, by standing pat. An impact bat will come available soon, whether it is now or in the off-season. The Braves cannot afford to lose trades badly anymore. Texas and Teixeira taught us that.
The Braves also have David Ross. Ask San Francisco about how easy it is to replace an All-Star catcher. That is why they traded away the top prospect(s) that they did for Beltran. If Buster Posey was not injured, they probably would not have given up so much. If they had David Ross, they probably would not have given up so much. They don’t. We do.
Be patient. Good things are coming our way!
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