Although I agree with you 100%, I think the kink in your plan is Snit. His senility is showing. Badly. He wouldn't handle this as you have described and we'd wind up with nothing learned from the experience.
Your points are excellent. I would add a to-do for the rest of this season is determining if Hernandez can handle the closer role. Building more of a home-grown bullpen would lower the investment needed for next year. And the Braves have to consider their payroll. They rank around 8th in MLB payroll. And the average of the top 10 payroll teams are on pace to win 91 games. The Braves are on pace to win 71.
I am not sure why fans were so invested in saying this season is over after 30 games or so. I don't understand the vitriol towards a team that has done so much for the fans for so long.
As far as your article goes, yes, sadly 100 percent yes. I think it would be good for Ozuna and Albies. Ozuna to have the surgery and get healthy. Albies to get a reset. I am just a fan but Albies would never give in and change his swing. Bases loaded 3-0 count with a runner on 3rd in a tie game/down 1 run in the bottom of the 9th down -- all we need is contact or take a pitch--Albies was always hell no, swing out of my shoes and grounds it to short. He was maddening in that way to never give in situational hitting it seems to me as a fan. Now he is trying to do the new hitting approach and it is a really bad fit. With his defense declining it is time to give him a breather and reset. I don't believe Nacho is the answer. I would rather Albies wake up (and everyone else on the team).
As far as starting pitching goes I agree as well. Let Sale and Lopez get well for next year. I am still wary of Waldrep. I think he would be better off letting him keep developing his stuff til next year. Wiles, Daniels, and Stephens would get my vote as well to make the rotation at some point this year. Keep Strider going but miss some starts of his and let him keep building up for 26. Most of the pitching (Wiles, Daniels, Stephens) are closer to Elder then Strider. Elder has been a very important part of the team (I appreciate him and all he has done for my Braves). I hope in 26 the starting rotation has 5/8 starters who have much higher ceilings than Elder (Wiles, Daniels, and Stevens). I am not sure that is possible, maybe by mid 26?
The pen has been impressive to me. I don't know if anyone wants to grab any of the expiring contracts the Braves have. It would be great to see Harris and Laura (and Munoz and Gonzales).
I find these times of trying out the kids who may or may not be ready incredibly fun. The Braves arrived to play in the post season and contend a year or 2 early in 2018. The contention window might be failing a year or two too early as well.
Although I agree with you 100%, I think the kink in your plan is Snit. His senility is showing. Badly. He wouldn't handle this as you have described and we'd wind up with nothing learned from the experience.
Your points are excellent. I would add a to-do for the rest of this season is determining if Hernandez can handle the closer role. Building more of a home-grown bullpen would lower the investment needed for next year. And the Braves have to consider their payroll. They rank around 8th in MLB payroll. And the average of the top 10 payroll teams are on pace to win 91 games. The Braves are on pace to win 71.
Good call, Tom - I think I discussed that in the accompanying podcast from this morning, but didn't get that in the article.
(Also: Still working on your story idea for later this week. Didn't forget you, promise!)
I am not sure why fans were so invested in saying this season is over after 30 games or so. I don't understand the vitriol towards a team that has done so much for the fans for so long.
As far as your article goes, yes, sadly 100 percent yes. I think it would be good for Ozuna and Albies. Ozuna to have the surgery and get healthy. Albies to get a reset. I am just a fan but Albies would never give in and change his swing. Bases loaded 3-0 count with a runner on 3rd in a tie game/down 1 run in the bottom of the 9th down -- all we need is contact or take a pitch--Albies was always hell no, swing out of my shoes and grounds it to short. He was maddening in that way to never give in situational hitting it seems to me as a fan. Now he is trying to do the new hitting approach and it is a really bad fit. With his defense declining it is time to give him a breather and reset. I don't believe Nacho is the answer. I would rather Albies wake up (and everyone else on the team).
As far as starting pitching goes I agree as well. Let Sale and Lopez get well for next year. I am still wary of Waldrep. I think he would be better off letting him keep developing his stuff til next year. Wiles, Daniels, and Stephens would get my vote as well to make the rotation at some point this year. Keep Strider going but miss some starts of his and let him keep building up for 26. Most of the pitching (Wiles, Daniels, Stephens) are closer to Elder then Strider. Elder has been a very important part of the team (I appreciate him and all he has done for my Braves). I hope in 26 the starting rotation has 5/8 starters who have much higher ceilings than Elder (Wiles, Daniels, and Stevens). I am not sure that is possible, maybe by mid 26?
The pen has been impressive to me. I don't know if anyone wants to grab any of the expiring contracts the Braves have. It would be great to see Harris and Laura (and Munoz and Gonzales).
I find these times of trying out the kids who may or may not be ready incredibly fun. The Braves arrived to play in the post season and contend a year or 2 early in 2018. The contention window might be failing a year or two too early as well.