Is This A Sign of What the Atlanta Braves Will Become In the Future?

The Atlanta Braves signed Livan Hernandez to a one-year, major-league deal on Friday worth $750K with another $750 in performance bonuses according to Ken Rosenthal. This move came only hours after Hernandez was cast onto the trash heap by the Houston Astros, presumably because he was not good enough to pitch for a team that will lose 100 games this upcoming season.

There was some speculation that Hernandez could be the 5th starter for the Braves and provide Randall Delgado and Julio Teheran more time to develop. However, David O’Brien reported that Hernandez will be in the bullpen and serve as a spot starter and long-reliever.

I’ve had plenty of time to reflect on this signing for the Braves. Most of the initial reactions were of shock. I have read a couple opinions that view the deal as a good one for the Braves.

I am torn over the signing to be honest. I can see the value that Hernandez will bring to the bullpen in the role that he is rumored to be filling. He obviously has a skill set that the Braves do not feel they have in their bullpen. The young relievers that have competed for a spot this spring are not viewed as a multiple inning reliever. If he is used as a spot-starter or long-reliever, then yes, this move could be a decent add for the team.

What this implies is that Fredi Gonzalez will manage the bullpen properly. This frees up Kris Medlen and Cristhian Martinez to pitch in higher-leverage situations. Both relievers are good enough that they should pitch in high-leverage situations. This type of depth will allow Gonzalez to not overwork the back end of the bullpen again this year. I am not convinced that Gonzalez will manage the bullpen like it should be utilized.

This signing has raised a question in my mind: Is this signing of Hernandez a sign of what the Atlanta Braves will become in the future? Will the financial constraints of the Braves continue to tie their hands and prevent them from competing in an ever more difficult division? Will the Braves be the team that scours the trash piles of other teams looking for value and depth?