Reflecting on the Atlanta Braves’ Outfield Needs
The Atlanta Braves acknowledged that Chipper Jones will begin the season on the disabled list after having to undergo knee surgery to start the year. With this injury, it reveals a problem that the Braves are facing: lack of depth for position players with offensive skills. Martin Prado is a nice player to have on the team because he can play multiple positions well. He will shift to third base and give the defense a big boost. His vacating of left field leaves a potential platoon of Eric Hinske and Matt Diaz. Neither player is valuable in the lineup every day. Their defense is subject and their offense is best utilized as a pinch-hitter (well, at least Hinske can be described like this. Diaz really doesn’t need to be on the team).
This lack of depth has been a driving force behind the Braves searching for outfield depth on the trade market. Some interesting names have surfaced.
First off, David O’Brien from the AJC mentioned that the Braves are seeking help. He also gave the name of Marlon Byrd as a solution to the need. Byrd is owed $6.5 million from the Chicago Cubs this season. He would add versatility to the outfield by being able to play all three positions. The Braves likely do not have $6.5 million to spend on an acquisition, so they would want the Cubs to pick up part of the contract. This could be problematic in that the Cubs would want a good prospect in return for doing so.
Johnny Damon‘s name has been mentioned as a possibility, since he is a free agent. He had a decent year for the Tampa Bay Rays last season. His value is definitely from an offensive standpoint. He would not be a good platoon partner for Eric Hinske, since they are both left-handed. His cost may be problematic too. However, at this point he may be willing to take a low-cost deal to be able to play.
Magglio Ordonez is still available. He and Matt Diaz both had horrific years last season. Ordonez has health issues to boot. Overall, though, he did hit lefties slightly better than Diaz. Who knows at this point if he would be that big of an upgrade. It could be worth a low-money, low-risk deal.
Jon Paul Morosi reported that the Braves inquired about San Diego Padres’ outfielder Will Venable as well.
So, what’s to make of all this? Nothing. It would be great if they could add a decent player to the team that would help their offense. However, the frugality of the Atlanta Braves’ organization right now is overwhelming. There are decent players out there, but they have no money and no desire to part with prospects for any players at this point.
Don’t hold your breath that the Braves will make any acquisition before the season begins.
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