To a certain extent, maybe. Ellis was the "second" guy in the Simmons trade and something like the 10th best pitching prospect in the system.DOUGHBOYS wrote:It's clear that the Braves think their prospect pitchers are suspect.
Not defending, but trying to take some of the noise out of all the activity, it looks like most of the better arms will be in AA or AAA this year, so the one year agreements seem to make sense even if I do not necessarily get the personnel. As to the turnover, in all of that they have gained:DOUGHBOYS wrote:Over the last three years, it has been impossible to think along with this franchise. They have had more turnover than probably any Major League team during that time.
Swanson - you know me, I like to see a few years before I pass judgement, but he will turn 23 next year and looks like he could be in the position for a while. Cost the Braves Shelby Miller who cost the Braves Heyward. And we all know how much you love Heyward.
Mallex Smith - also remains to be seen, but got him in late 2014 for Justin Upton. Also got (and still with the organization) Max Fried, Dustin Peterson (pretty good season last year in AA), and spot-holder Jace Peterson. Smith had 16 SB in something like 205 PA and is only 23.
Ender Inciarte - another part of the Braves taking advantage of their drunk date Arizona. Batted .291 with a .351 OBP to go with his 16 SB. 26 years old and in first year of arbitration.
So with home-grown Freeman (27) and Albies (turns 20 this January and may be up this year), that is a pretty good young core of starters for your offense. Need a catcher and a third-baseman primarily.
On pitching, Teheran is not a lock down #1, but I think he is a solid #2. Been around forever, under control for a few more years and will turn 26 in January.
Foltynewicz - Is 25, showed an average 95+ FB to go with a slider and curve plus a little CU action. Improving one of his third offerings would help. Got him (and Rio Ruiz) from Houston for a DH, which the Braves cannot use, but sure liked in Gattis.
Wisler - Is 24. Got him for Kimbrel and Melvin and also got Jordan Paroubeck. Don't know if Wisler will pan out, but has a 93 mph fastball and an 82 mph slider. Needs a major league third pitch.
Blair - Is 24. Struggled. FB (91 mph), CB and CU. I still think there is good here.
Vizcaino - 26. Got him for LaStella. Nice.
Fried - 23 in January. Low 90's FB, plus curve and working a CU. TJS in 2015, so last year was first year back. Part of the Justin Upton trade. Probably moving to AA this year.
Toussant - From the Diamondbacks for eating salary. 20. FB a plus, CB a plus, and major league changeup. Probably moving to AA.
Braves have also drafted Allard, Anderson, Soroka, Wentz. All highly ranked in the organization, over Ellis, and all a few years away.
OK. Defending.
Next year? Probably if they can avoid sleeping-in all of April and May. Long-term? Yes, I think so. The churn is not over. More younger prospects (pitcher and MI) may go to address catcher and 3B.DOUGHBOYS wrote:Are they better off than they were three years ago? Flat out, I really don't know.