I think Mallex could take over in CF at some point in 2016. Don't know if he'll be ready right at start of season; I think if Braves believed he could/would be, they'd probably have him up here now, particularly with Maybin missing some time. But these few days also allow them to get a better look at Bourn, to see what he's got left in tank.
Don't know, but he's not a priority.
Ozzie Albies, but that's probably at least a couple of years away. Mallex Smith, Max Fried. And eventually the big boy, Austin Riley, the first big power-bat prospect -- legit prospect, who can hit -- that the Braves have had other than Gattis in several years.
Eddie Perez said yes, he has a better attitude, knows it's not a given he'll be around for future. But they are still frustrated by the lapses defensively, when he tries to backhand a pitch to his side instead of getting in front of it, etc. Also, still got a big swing in situations when he should shorten up some.
I would expect Toscano to be a leading candidate for backup outfield spot.
I think they will, but if they do it probably means they'd look to move Bethancourt. Can't see bringing him back for another season at Triple-A.
Not getting pounded bad enough for you, huh? Geez....
He's making adjustments, knows he has to. Was told after his first two at-bats that he's got to lay off those sliders in the dirt, and he gets it. I think that's probably a guy trying to do too much, to come through with runners on base and help a struggling team while proving he belongs, etc. We just can't jump to any conclusions based on one week and on a few weeks in minors, in my opinion. He was raking in Triple-A with Doegers before he got hurt. He's hit for high average in international play and in Cuba's best league. We'll see. I'm not sold on him being a star, but also not going to jump to conclusions and say he can't be a very good player, not based on one week of MLB games. He had a big impact last night, but let's also keep in mind the pitchers he did it against. Plenty of work to do.
Well, based on fact they just gave all of them extensions that run through 2016, I'd have to say no.
Better than 50-50. They'll try to get him for 80 percent of his current salary (that's most they can cut his salary through arbitration). They need to get a feel for whether he'd take that before offering him arbitration, though. But they might also believe there's no way an arbitration panel would award him the higher salary if the Braves offer 20 percent pay cut and he asks for same or more than he made in a season when he didn't pitch at all.
There's no rush or need to sign anyone else long-term except possibly Shelby Miller. Freeman, Simmons, Teheran all are signed long-term. Most of the other potental impact guys are so far from arbitration and most still being evaluated, so it really doesn't seem the time to go that route again like they did in spring 2014.
In Harper and Trout, you're talking about generational-type players. They don't come along every year. And no, I haven't heard anyone cite a player in next year's draft as being that type of talent.
Could be, but will have to get a lot of improvement from young pitchers and probably add a big bat or two before then. They can do it, but they'll need a lot of things to go their way and they'll probably have to spend significantly more than they are right now. Teams can turn around quickly. We've seen it a lot recently. But I wouldn't predict it, not till at least midseason next year when we see how guys are developing.
Yes, barring trades that's basically it, the only spots open. Could pursue a LaCroy, whom they've liked a long time and signed in club-friendly contract through next season with option for 2017. But it'd be a steep price they'd have to give up in terms of young talent. They have the prospects/players to give Milwaukee if they want to do it. Wieters is a free-agent possibility, but a bit of a risk after injuries.
You would certainly think so.
By time Grilli returns, Viz could have that closer job locked down. He's been impressive.
OK, our hour is up. Thanks for all the questions and the continued passion, folks. I know it's been a tough grind of a season.
They've given zero indication of how much their payroll will expand.
He has fallen off significantly since midpoint of season, you are correct. And they probably missed their chance to get a significant return for him, particularly with only a year left on contract. At the time, he was one of the few fan favorites they hadn't traded, and they were still hoping he'd finish strong and be counted on for solid contributions next season in CF. Might be tough to unload the salary now given how he's finished.
