1 00:00:21,079 --> 00:00:24,200 Speaker 1: Welcome one and all to the Hammer Territory Podcast. My 2 00:00:24,280 --> 00:00:26,759 Speaker 1: name is Sean Coleman. Hope, wherever you are and wherever 3 00:00:26,800 --> 00:00:30,680 Speaker 1: you are listening, you are having a great start. Well, 4 00:00:30,800 --> 00:00:33,120 Speaker 1: I guess a great end to your Thursday, great start 5 00:00:33,200 --> 00:00:36,120 Speaker 1: to your Friday, depending on where you're listening. It's one 6 00:00:36,159 --> 00:00:38,480 Speaker 1: of the favorite times of the year when it comes 7 00:00:38,520 --> 00:00:40,640 Speaker 1: to sports fan, and I know that it's a favorite 8 00:00:40,640 --> 00:00:44,480 Speaker 1: time for my podcast partner, Steven Tolbert. Steven an exciting 9 00:00:44,560 --> 00:00:47,320 Speaker 1: day of basketball depending on you know who you cheer for. 10 00:00:47,520 --> 00:00:49,520 Speaker 1: But how are you, sir? Good talking with you again. 11 00:00:49,800 --> 00:00:52,880 Speaker 1: We've been waiting all off season to have this type 12 00:00:52,880 --> 00:00:55,560 Speaker 1: of busyness when it comes to moves for the braz 13 00:00:55,600 --> 00:00:57,560 Speaker 1: and once again we get another notable move that we're 14 00:00:57,600 --> 00:00:59,920 Speaker 1: going to detail today. But before we dive into that, 15 00:01:00,000 --> 00:01:00,639 Speaker 1: how are you, sir? 16 00:01:02,240 --> 00:01:05,080 Speaker 2: Yeah? What's up, buddy? Yeah? This is a I think 17 00:01:05,080 --> 00:01:06,920 Speaker 2: this should be a national holiday. I think today and 18 00:01:06,920 --> 00:01:11,039 Speaker 2: tomorrow should both be national holidays. Just the first two 19 00:01:11,120 --> 00:01:13,880 Speaker 2: days of the I don't care about the four games 20 00:01:13,880 --> 00:01:15,880 Speaker 2: that happened in the first four but the first Thursday, 21 00:01:15,920 --> 00:01:18,720 Speaker 2: in the first Friday of the NCAA tournament. Or are 22 00:01:19,400 --> 00:01:22,480 Speaker 2: maybe you know, two of my three favorite sports days 23 00:01:22,480 --> 00:01:26,200 Speaker 2: of the year, so incredibly, incredibly fun days. And then 24 00:01:26,240 --> 00:01:27,840 Speaker 2: on top of that, you've got spring training and we 25 00:01:27,880 --> 00:01:29,720 Speaker 2: are coming right up to the end of it. I mean, 26 00:01:29,840 --> 00:01:32,119 Speaker 2: the Braves are gonna get on a plane and head 27 00:01:32,160 --> 00:01:35,280 Speaker 2: to Arizona here before you know it, play a couple 28 00:01:35,319 --> 00:01:38,760 Speaker 2: of games with the Cubs, and then head off to 29 00:01:38,959 --> 00:01:42,959 Speaker 2: San Diego and start the season next week. So it's 30 00:01:43,120 --> 00:01:46,959 Speaker 2: it's coming gone real quick. You know, Spring training usually 31 00:01:47,000 --> 00:01:48,560 Speaker 2: drags on for me. I feel like this year it's 32 00:01:48,560 --> 00:01:51,080 Speaker 2: gone faster than it normally has, maybe because we've we've 33 00:01:51,080 --> 00:01:52,520 Speaker 2: done a lot of these shows. We've talked about a 34 00:01:52,560 --> 00:01:56,640 Speaker 2: lot of stuff. The Braves have been active the last week. 35 00:01:57,600 --> 00:01:59,720 Speaker 2: Arguably that this has been the most active week of 36 00:01:59,760 --> 00:02:02,520 Speaker 2: the all season, if we're being honest, which is funny 37 00:02:02,560 --> 00:02:04,200 Speaker 2: because we've been trying to get them to make moves 38 00:02:04,240 --> 00:02:06,120 Speaker 2: all all winter and now that now they want to 39 00:02:06,160 --> 00:02:08,399 Speaker 2: do it right when the season's knocking on the door. 40 00:02:08,480 --> 00:02:10,119 Speaker 2: So but yeah, a lot of talk, lots of talks 41 00:02:10,120 --> 00:02:13,519 Speaker 2: about some interesting moves that came across the wire today. Yeah. 42 00:02:13,560 --> 00:02:15,880 Speaker 1: Absolutely, And you know the big thing that stands out 43 00:02:16,000 --> 00:02:18,720 Speaker 1: is is that you know, you know, if we talked 44 00:02:18,720 --> 00:02:21,080 Speaker 1: about it, you know, a few you know, weeks ago. 45 00:02:21,160 --> 00:02:24,320 Speaker 1: You know, the fact that the Braves the same questions 46 00:02:24,320 --> 00:02:27,000 Speaker 1: that they entered spring training with. It seemed like a 47 00:02:27,040 --> 00:02:29,799 Speaker 1: month into spring training they still existed. And I don't 48 00:02:29,840 --> 00:02:32,080 Speaker 1: necessarily know what the moves that have been made this week, 49 00:02:32,320 --> 00:02:35,600 Speaker 1: you know, if they give clear answers to help, you know, 50 00:02:36,280 --> 00:02:38,520 Speaker 1: confidently answer the questions that the Braiders had when it 51 00:02:38,520 --> 00:02:40,760 Speaker 1: comes to their needs. But at the very least we've 52 00:02:40,800 --> 00:02:42,680 Speaker 1: got some moves that have been made, of course, you know, 53 00:02:42,960 --> 00:02:45,720 Speaker 1: talking about James mccannson, the minor league deal to add 54 00:02:45,760 --> 00:02:48,880 Speaker 1: some you know, needed catching depth behind Sean Murphy and 55 00:02:48,919 --> 00:02:52,959 Speaker 1: Drake Baldwin. Obviously old friend Craig Kimberrell coming back likely 56 00:02:53,000 --> 00:02:54,960 Speaker 1: going to be, you know, a part of the bullpen. 57 00:02:55,040 --> 00:02:57,160 Speaker 1: Hector neris as well, are probably going to be a 58 00:02:57,160 --> 00:02:59,680 Speaker 1: part of the bullpen. But perhaps the most notable move 59 00:02:59,720 --> 00:03:02,679 Speaker 1: today is the move in which you know, nobody really 60 00:03:02,720 --> 00:03:06,440 Speaker 1: expected because it doesn't really feel a need. But it 61 00:03:06,560 --> 00:03:09,200 Speaker 1: is notable because it seems as if this was a 62 00:03:09,240 --> 00:03:11,400 Speaker 1: move Stephen for lack of a better way of putting it. 63 00:03:11,919 --> 00:03:14,919 Speaker 1: The Braves, of course, I'm talking about them signing Alex 64 00:03:15,000 --> 00:03:19,680 Speaker 1: Berdugo to a major league contract of one point five million. Stephen, 65 00:03:19,800 --> 00:03:23,240 Speaker 1: to me, this comes across as not really filling a 66 00:03:23,639 --> 00:03:27,200 Speaker 1: no need now, but it was the opportunity for them 67 00:03:27,280 --> 00:03:30,680 Speaker 1: to get a name that you could see the Braves 68 00:03:30,680 --> 00:03:32,160 Speaker 1: working their magic with once again. 69 00:03:32,520 --> 00:03:34,280 Speaker 2: You could see them working. 70 00:03:33,960 --> 00:03:36,960 Speaker 1: With Bradugo and perhaps getting him back to some of 71 00:03:37,000 --> 00:03:40,560 Speaker 1: his better days hitting wise, And if they can do that, 72 00:03:41,160 --> 00:03:43,520 Speaker 1: what this does allow for them to do is to 73 00:03:43,600 --> 00:03:46,880 Speaker 1: have needed outfield depth, and from the past few years 74 00:03:47,160 --> 00:03:49,840 Speaker 1: that has always come up as a need and this 75 00:03:50,000 --> 00:03:52,760 Speaker 1: time around that could be a strength heading into the 76 00:03:52,800 --> 00:03:55,400 Speaker 1: season with the depth that they now find themselves with 77 00:03:55,440 --> 00:03:57,400 Speaker 1: in the outfield. 78 00:03:58,520 --> 00:04:01,160 Speaker 2: Yeah, this was a surprise. This is as surprise as 79 00:04:01,200 --> 00:04:06,560 Speaker 2: I've been. You know, Verdugo was left handed. He's he's 80 00:04:06,600 --> 00:04:10,040 Speaker 2: a very very similar player to Jared Kelnick. Honestly, Like 81 00:04:10,080 --> 00:04:12,200 Speaker 2: if you just take the strikeouts and cut him in 82 00:04:12,240 --> 00:04:16,479 Speaker 2: half from kel Nick, you get basically Alex Rdugo and 83 00:04:16,520 --> 00:04:19,279 Speaker 2: every other way they're very similar players. Just Kelnick strikes 84 00:04:19,320 --> 00:04:23,440 Speaker 2: out about twice as much as Verdugo does. So, yeah, 85 00:04:23,440 --> 00:04:26,080 Speaker 2: we weren't expecting it because it didn't really feel like 86 00:04:26,080 --> 00:04:27,920 Speaker 2: the Braves needed a left handed out there. This is 87 00:04:27,960 --> 00:04:30,320 Speaker 2: a major league signing. This was not a minor league signing. 88 00:04:30,360 --> 00:04:33,520 Speaker 2: They gave him guaranteed money. He's on the forty man roster. 89 00:04:33,640 --> 00:04:35,560 Speaker 2: This is a major this is a free agent signing, 90 00:04:35,640 --> 00:04:38,640 Speaker 2: just like it would be in you know, November December. 91 00:04:39,200 --> 00:04:43,960 Speaker 2: And so it's interesting because Alex Verdugo has too many 92 00:04:44,040 --> 00:04:46,320 Speaker 2: years of service time to be optioned to the miners 93 00:04:46,720 --> 00:04:50,080 Speaker 2: without his consent, and obviously the Braves announced it that 94 00:04:50,200 --> 00:04:52,440 Speaker 2: they were optioning him to Gonette, which means he gave 95 00:04:52,480 --> 00:04:55,080 Speaker 2: his consent to do so. And that's not uncommon when 96 00:04:55,080 --> 00:04:57,600 Speaker 2: you guys signed this late. You know, the player understands 97 00:04:57,600 --> 00:05:00,480 Speaker 2: that he needs to get some at bats, so usually 98 00:05:00,480 --> 00:05:02,839 Speaker 2: they'll do that. I am curious to see, though, if 99 00:05:02,880 --> 00:05:05,120 Speaker 2: there is a contingency on the deal that he has 100 00:05:05,160 --> 00:05:08,080 Speaker 2: to be up in the majors by a certain date, 101 00:05:08,920 --> 00:05:13,120 Speaker 2: because that's very common when guys technically aren't supposed to 102 00:05:13,120 --> 00:05:14,800 Speaker 2: be in the minors because they've got too many years 103 00:05:14,839 --> 00:05:17,200 Speaker 2: of service time, they allow it to happen at the 104 00:05:17,200 --> 00:05:19,440 Speaker 2: beginning of this at the beginning of the season to 105 00:05:19,440 --> 00:05:22,039 Speaker 2: get at bats, and oftentimes they'll put a clause in 106 00:05:22,040 --> 00:05:23,520 Speaker 2: their contract where they need to be up at a 107 00:05:23,520 --> 00:05:25,200 Speaker 2: certain date, So I'm gonna be curious to see if 108 00:05:25,240 --> 00:05:28,160 Speaker 2: that's what happens. Because both Jared Kelnick and Brian day 109 00:05:28,200 --> 00:05:30,400 Speaker 2: la Cruz have options, So if they get to the 110 00:05:30,400 --> 00:05:32,719 Speaker 2: point where they get to that date, I'm not gonna 111 00:05:32,720 --> 00:05:35,320 Speaker 2: be surprised if Radugo comes up and Jared Kelnick goes down, 112 00:05:37,000 --> 00:05:40,440 Speaker 2: because you know that's a They don't really need them 113 00:05:40,480 --> 00:05:43,120 Speaker 2: both on the roster. I just they're too redundant of 114 00:05:43,120 --> 00:05:44,960 Speaker 2: players to have both of them. There was a lot 115 00:05:45,000 --> 00:05:48,039 Speaker 2: of speculation today that maybe Kelnick is on them, is 116 00:05:48,080 --> 00:05:51,440 Speaker 2: on his way out in another move, in a trade, 117 00:05:51,920 --> 00:05:54,680 Speaker 2: because they are so similar, It's like, why do you 118 00:05:54,720 --> 00:05:57,560 Speaker 2: need both of them? So I don't know, to be honest, 119 00:05:57,800 --> 00:05:59,920 Speaker 2: people asked all day, what's going on with this move? 120 00:06:00,320 --> 00:06:02,039 Speaker 2: I don't know. It's a very surprising move to me, 121 00:06:02,400 --> 00:06:04,839 Speaker 2: fact that it's a major league deal, fact that he's 122 00:06:04,880 --> 00:06:06,839 Speaker 2: it seems like a redundant player on the roster to 123 00:06:06,839 --> 00:06:09,400 Speaker 2: somebody they already have. I don't know if you have 124 00:06:09,440 --> 00:06:11,760 Speaker 2: an opinion on it, but it does feel like maybe 125 00:06:11,760 --> 00:06:14,800 Speaker 2: they're doing something with Kelnick. Maybe he's just going to 126 00:06:14,839 --> 00:06:17,000 Speaker 2: get optioned and spend some time in Triple A when 127 00:06:17,240 --> 00:06:20,440 Speaker 2: Dugo comes up. I don't know, it is good depth. 128 00:06:20,720 --> 00:06:22,640 Speaker 2: It's better depth than they had because they're so weak 129 00:06:22,680 --> 00:06:25,840 Speaker 2: at the position player side in the miners. But it 130 00:06:25,880 --> 00:06:28,520 Speaker 2: was definitely called everybody off guard. Nobody saw this coming. 131 00:06:29,520 --> 00:06:32,160 Speaker 1: Yeah, I think what it is is that it's Stevens. 132 00:06:32,279 --> 00:06:37,760 Speaker 1: It's the Braves seeing a player that they feel they 133 00:06:37,800 --> 00:06:40,800 Speaker 1: could extract some value from, you know, from you know, 134 00:06:40,960 --> 00:06:43,320 Speaker 1: similar way that we've seen it before. I've seen a 135 00:06:43,320 --> 00:06:46,960 Speaker 1: few people note on Twitter that Tim Hyers, you know, 136 00:06:47,000 --> 00:06:49,400 Speaker 1: the Braves hitting coach, he has a bit of history 137 00:06:49,400 --> 00:06:52,520 Speaker 1: with Dugal, multiple spots you know, in the past. So 138 00:06:52,680 --> 00:06:55,680 Speaker 1: perhaps an opportunity where the Braves were just kind of 139 00:06:55,720 --> 00:06:58,839 Speaker 1: monitoring the free agent market, they saw for Dugo being 140 00:06:58,880 --> 00:07:01,680 Speaker 1: a name that hey, this guy's has passed success. Now 141 00:07:01,680 --> 00:07:04,039 Speaker 1: when I say past success, we're talking about it's been 142 00:07:04,080 --> 00:07:05,840 Speaker 1: two or three years since he's you know, really been 143 00:07:05,839 --> 00:07:08,599 Speaker 1: a valuable hitter. But if they can extract some value 144 00:07:08,600 --> 00:07:11,400 Speaker 1: from him improving through you know, them working with him, 145 00:07:11,720 --> 00:07:14,280 Speaker 1: you know, early on in the season, one point find 146 00:07:14,360 --> 00:07:17,480 Speaker 1: me in really isn't that much. There's really no downside 147 00:07:18,040 --> 00:07:20,440 Speaker 1: to that. But a couple of other things that stand 148 00:07:20,440 --> 00:07:24,440 Speaker 1: out to me are again last year we talk about 149 00:07:24,480 --> 00:07:26,680 Speaker 1: all the different names that the Braves ran out in 150 00:07:26,760 --> 00:07:31,120 Speaker 1: left field, Eddie Rosario, Ramon Loreano, Whit Mirrorfield at times. 151 00:07:32,080 --> 00:07:35,040 Speaker 1: You know, we saw all those names that they went through. 152 00:07:35,280 --> 00:07:37,760 Speaker 1: I think the Braves just basically don't want to have 153 00:07:37,880 --> 00:07:39,920 Speaker 1: to go through that again, where it's a revolving door 154 00:07:39,920 --> 00:07:43,960 Speaker 1: of outfielders in the case that injuries occur again like 155 00:07:44,000 --> 00:07:46,480 Speaker 1: we've seen be inevitable over the past couple of years. 156 00:07:46,800 --> 00:07:49,880 Speaker 1: What if Jared Kellnick and Brian De la Cruz, both 157 00:07:49,920 --> 00:07:52,880 Speaker 1: who had you know, pretty forgettable seasons, played last year. 158 00:07:53,080 --> 00:07:56,480 Speaker 1: What if both of them struggle mightily at the plate 159 00:07:56,760 --> 00:07:58,880 Speaker 1: and the Braves need that fourth outfielder that they can 160 00:07:58,920 --> 00:08:01,840 Speaker 1: rely on. Because you've also had Michael Harris who's missed 161 00:08:01,840 --> 00:08:04,280 Speaker 1: time in the past. You've also had Jerrikson Profar who's 162 00:08:04,280 --> 00:08:08,040 Speaker 1: missed time at the past. What if Ronaldccoonya Jr. Were 163 00:08:08,080 --> 00:08:11,120 Speaker 1: to have some type of setback I get. I think 164 00:08:11,160 --> 00:08:13,920 Speaker 1: what really it comes down to is the Braves found 165 00:08:13,920 --> 00:08:16,640 Speaker 1: that going out and signing Verdugo for one point five million, 166 00:08:17,000 --> 00:08:20,840 Speaker 1: it was worth going after and making this move because 167 00:08:20,880 --> 00:08:23,640 Speaker 1: while right now it may not necessarily seem like that 168 00:08:23,640 --> 00:08:26,800 Speaker 1: there's a clear move to add an outfielder. There's still 169 00:08:28,280 --> 00:08:30,840 Speaker 1: reasonable questions to ask for many of the players that 170 00:08:30,880 --> 00:08:33,720 Speaker 1: they already have, and if a what if scenario doesn't 171 00:08:33,760 --> 00:08:36,280 Speaker 1: work out, well, then Verdugo could step right in and 172 00:08:36,320 --> 00:08:38,640 Speaker 1: be a valuable addition if he steps into a bigger role, 173 00:08:38,760 --> 00:08:40,559 Speaker 1: you know, even beyond being a fourth outfielder. 174 00:08:42,920 --> 00:08:45,880 Speaker 2: Yeah, and then, I mean one point five million is nothing, right, 175 00:08:45,880 --> 00:08:48,600 Speaker 2: I mean, obviously it's barely above league minimum soul. There 176 00:08:48,640 --> 00:08:51,120 Speaker 2: is value, there's potential value. It's just funny if you 177 00:08:51,160 --> 00:08:53,880 Speaker 2: look at the projections, like next year of Dugo's I 178 00:08:53,920 --> 00:08:56,120 Speaker 2: think his Steamer projection is like a one oh one 179 00:08:56,160 --> 00:09:00,400 Speaker 2: WRC plus and Keelnix is like a one exactly a 180 00:09:00,400 --> 00:09:06,280 Speaker 2: one hundred. Like they're just they're just identical. And so 181 00:09:06,679 --> 00:09:08,680 Speaker 2: like the natural question is, can you have them both 182 00:09:08,720 --> 00:09:11,760 Speaker 2: on the roster at the same time. I don't think so. 183 00:09:11,840 --> 00:09:15,000 Speaker 2: I mean, neither one can really play center field, so 184 00:09:15,040 --> 00:09:17,560 Speaker 2: they're both corner outfitters, they're both left handed. They both 185 00:09:17,600 --> 00:09:21,280 Speaker 2: have the same kind of not skill set. Kelnick's got 186 00:09:21,320 --> 00:09:25,800 Speaker 2: more power, Verdugo's got less strikeouts. Their skill set are 187 00:09:25,840 --> 00:09:28,400 Speaker 2: slightly different, but not different enough where you could carry 188 00:09:28,440 --> 00:09:30,440 Speaker 2: him both on the roster, so you got to pick one. 189 00:09:32,000 --> 00:09:34,199 Speaker 2: Verdugo doesn't have any options left. The only reason he's 190 00:09:34,200 --> 00:09:36,320 Speaker 2: going down now is because he gave his consent. Once 191 00:09:36,360 --> 00:09:39,000 Speaker 2: he comes back up, he can't go back down. Kelnick 192 00:09:39,040 --> 00:09:41,600 Speaker 2: does have options, So I mean, obviously the natural question 193 00:09:41,679 --> 00:09:44,960 Speaker 2: is are they just gonna send kel Nick down? You know, 194 00:09:45,000 --> 00:09:46,920 Speaker 2: there could be injuries, of course, like you just said, 195 00:09:47,120 --> 00:09:50,280 Speaker 2: but even if there's injuries, unless it's to the unless 196 00:09:50,320 --> 00:09:53,720 Speaker 2: it's to Kelnick, you know, it's just tough to have 197 00:09:53,800 --> 00:09:55,679 Speaker 2: them both on the roster at the same time. It's 198 00:09:55,760 --> 00:09:58,240 Speaker 2: kind of it's just there's a redundancy there that doesn't 199 00:09:58,240 --> 00:09:59,760 Speaker 2: make a lot of sense if I'm being honest, But 200 00:10:00,400 --> 00:10:02,680 Speaker 2: it's value. There is value because one point five million 201 00:10:02,679 --> 00:10:05,920 Speaker 2: dollars is nothing. And Jared, I'm sorry, Alex Radugo, I'm 202 00:10:05,920 --> 00:10:08,400 Speaker 2: gonna I'm even gonna get their names mixed up. Alex 203 00:10:08,480 --> 00:10:11,800 Speaker 2: Radugo can provide you with like decent fourth outfield type 204 00:10:11,800 --> 00:10:14,440 Speaker 2: of production. Some people equated it to the Adam Devall 205 00:10:14,480 --> 00:10:17,200 Speaker 2: signing late in spring last year. The difference of that 206 00:10:17,320 --> 00:10:19,440 Speaker 2: is that they Braves needed a right handed bat to 207 00:10:19,480 --> 00:10:22,520 Speaker 2: compliment Jared kell Nick last year, and so Adam Devall 208 00:10:22,559 --> 00:10:26,400 Speaker 2: made a lot of sense. Kell Nick and Verdugo are 209 00:10:26,400 --> 00:10:27,839 Speaker 2: from the same side of the plate, so it does, 210 00:10:27,920 --> 00:10:30,199 Speaker 2: you know, it just doesn't quite make as much sense. 211 00:10:30,240 --> 00:10:32,839 Speaker 2: But you know, you might be right. They just saw 212 00:10:32,920 --> 00:10:35,080 Speaker 2: value and they're like, what the hell, you know, We'll 213 00:10:35,120 --> 00:10:37,199 Speaker 2: go after a guy who's still got talent. Verdugo is 214 00:10:37,240 --> 00:10:40,280 Speaker 2: a very high, highly rated prospect when he was a kid, 215 00:10:40,679 --> 00:10:42,760 Speaker 2: just like Jared Kelnick was. I think they were both 216 00:10:42,760 --> 00:10:45,319 Speaker 2: like top ten prospects a long time ago at this point. 217 00:10:45,360 --> 00:10:47,800 Speaker 2: But so there's talent. You know, maybe it's just a 218 00:10:47,840 --> 00:10:50,800 Speaker 2: talent play, it's just an upside play. The question comes 219 00:10:50,840 --> 00:10:52,240 Speaker 2: with a fit in the roster and the fit with 220 00:10:52,320 --> 00:10:54,640 Speaker 2: kell Nick, but you know they'll figure it out. 221 00:10:55,400 --> 00:10:56,760 Speaker 1: Yeah, And I mean at the end of the day. 222 00:10:56,960 --> 00:10:59,080 Speaker 1: The other thing that comes from the outfield depth is 223 00:10:59,080 --> 00:11:01,280 Speaker 1: that you know, hey, if you if you wind up 224 00:11:01,320 --> 00:11:04,520 Speaker 1: having daily Cruz and or keller Nick struggle for Doogo 225 00:11:04,559 --> 00:11:06,360 Speaker 1: can step right in and be that, you know, fourth 226 00:11:06,400 --> 00:11:09,640 Speaker 1: or fifth outfield option. Hey what if everybody's successful And 227 00:11:09,760 --> 00:11:11,840 Speaker 1: then early on in the in the year, you know, 228 00:11:11,880 --> 00:11:14,600 Speaker 1: we haven't we've seen before, like for instance, you go 229 00:11:14,640 --> 00:11:17,680 Speaker 1: back a few years ago early in the season when 230 00:11:18,480 --> 00:11:22,520 Speaker 1: Alex and Thopless, he traded from a position of strength 231 00:11:22,559 --> 00:11:25,280 Speaker 1: when it came to the bullpen to go get another 232 00:11:25,320 --> 00:11:29,240 Speaker 1: shortstop option in Orlando Arcia, maybe he does the same 233 00:11:29,280 --> 00:11:32,000 Speaker 1: thing in a bit of an opposite scenario, does he, 234 00:11:32,200 --> 00:11:34,679 Speaker 1: You know, as you pointed out, potentially used tick kell 235 00:11:34,760 --> 00:11:37,360 Speaker 1: Nick to go get an intriguing bullpen option. You know, 236 00:11:37,480 --> 00:11:39,440 Speaker 1: it just it just it seems like there was a 237 00:11:39,480 --> 00:11:42,000 Speaker 1: way for the In the Brave's mind, it was a 238 00:11:42,280 --> 00:11:45,079 Speaker 1: very low risk move for them to add depth to 239 00:11:45,120 --> 00:11:48,439 Speaker 1: the outfield position for when they found themselves being in 240 00:11:48,520 --> 00:11:50,880 Speaker 1: dire straits now in the outfield position over the past 241 00:11:50,880 --> 00:11:52,520 Speaker 1: couple of years. Well, now at least they have a 242 00:11:52,559 --> 00:11:54,280 Speaker 1: notable name that they can rely on if they find 243 00:11:54,280 --> 00:11:56,840 Speaker 1: themselves in that position again, or maybe it becomes a 244 00:11:56,840 --> 00:11:59,280 Speaker 1: position of strength and you can pivot quite a few 245 00:11:59,280 --> 00:12:01,640 Speaker 1: different ways. So I think that's really what it comes 246 00:12:01,640 --> 00:12:03,200 Speaker 1: down to. There may not be a clear need for 247 00:12:03,280 --> 00:12:06,120 Speaker 1: Radugo right now, but the Braves have found that that 248 00:12:06,280 --> 00:12:08,000 Speaker 1: was a bigger need as the season went long over 249 00:12:08,040 --> 00:12:10,600 Speaker 1: the past couple of years. Now they at least have 250 00:12:10,720 --> 00:12:13,120 Speaker 1: more depth than they usually do to combat that if 251 00:12:13,120 --> 00:12:13,960 Speaker 1: it were to happen. 252 00:12:13,760 --> 00:12:17,720 Speaker 2: Again, and yeah, that's fair. I mean, listen, they had 253 00:12:17,720 --> 00:12:20,120 Speaker 2: to go dumpster diving last year, you know, off the 254 00:12:20,160 --> 00:12:22,400 Speaker 2: waiver wire because so many guys got hurt. You know 255 00:12:22,480 --> 00:12:26,040 Speaker 2: that we saw Eddie Rosario come back, you know, uh, 256 00:12:26,200 --> 00:12:29,280 Speaker 2: Ramon Loriano came in and thank god, he was awesome, 257 00:12:29,440 --> 00:12:31,800 Speaker 2: but he was another one that just kind of cycled through. 258 00:12:31,840 --> 00:12:33,520 Speaker 2: And the Braves have done this three or four years now, 259 00:12:33,520 --> 00:12:36,920 Speaker 2: where they have to guys get hurt. They don't have 260 00:12:37,000 --> 00:12:41,120 Speaker 2: any position player prospects that are worth calling up. You know, 261 00:12:41,160 --> 00:12:43,000 Speaker 2: this is an extension of the conversation you and I 262 00:12:43,040 --> 00:12:46,240 Speaker 2: had about their about their farm system and the lack 263 00:12:46,240 --> 00:12:49,480 Speaker 2: of position players in Triple A. They have to, you know, 264 00:12:49,520 --> 00:12:52,360 Speaker 2: they have to, they have to mitigate that by adding 265 00:12:52,360 --> 00:12:55,200 Speaker 2: more depth like this, because they don't have those prospects. 266 00:12:55,240 --> 00:12:57,679 Speaker 2: They don't have elite outfielders they can call up. It's 267 00:12:57,679 --> 00:12:59,719 Speaker 2: actually a real problem in the organization right now, the 268 00:12:59,800 --> 00:13:03,120 Speaker 2: lack of position player depth and the high minors outside 269 00:13:03,120 --> 00:13:05,880 Speaker 2: of Drake Baldwin. So this is an extension of that, 270 00:13:06,880 --> 00:13:08,800 Speaker 2: and I get it. I mean I understand wanting to 271 00:13:08,840 --> 00:13:11,840 Speaker 2: protect yourself from the risk of injury. The fit just 272 00:13:11,880 --> 00:13:13,599 Speaker 2: doesn't make a ton of sense with kelnick On on 273 00:13:13,640 --> 00:13:16,880 Speaker 2: the roster. But you know, the solution of that might 274 00:13:16,920 --> 00:13:20,240 Speaker 2: be coming tomorrow. For you know, we have no They 275 00:13:20,240 --> 00:13:22,640 Speaker 2: have done some weird stuff this spring, so we have 276 00:13:22,679 --> 00:13:24,319 Speaker 2: no idea what's coming next that you know we can. 277 00:13:24,360 --> 00:13:26,880 Speaker 2: There could be another curve baltimorrow and you know, we'll 278 00:13:26,960 --> 00:13:29,080 Speaker 2: we'll figure it out well. 279 00:13:29,080 --> 00:13:30,959 Speaker 1: And I think the other thing that stands out about 280 00:13:30,960 --> 00:13:34,080 Speaker 1: this as well, Steven, is that Fordugo his profile when 281 00:13:34,080 --> 00:13:37,000 Speaker 1: it comes to offense again, it is something that has 282 00:13:37,080 --> 00:13:39,520 Speaker 1: kind of dwindled down over the past few years. You know, 283 00:13:39,559 --> 00:13:41,920 Speaker 1: when you look at it from a WRC plus standpoint, 284 00:13:42,400 --> 00:13:45,240 Speaker 1: he's gone from a one to twenty five WRC plus 285 00:13:45,400 --> 00:13:47,480 Speaker 1: and twenty twenty had a one to twelve WRC plus 286 00:13:47,480 --> 00:13:51,280 Speaker 1: in twenty nineteen, and that two year span, you could 287 00:13:51,320 --> 00:13:54,400 Speaker 1: really look at Alex Verdugo and many could consider, you know, hey, 288 00:13:54,880 --> 00:13:57,000 Speaker 1: maybe this guy is someone who's up and coming. 289 00:13:57,040 --> 00:13:57,160 Speaker 2: Now. 290 00:13:57,160 --> 00:13:58,560 Speaker 1: I know that he was never going to live up 291 00:13:58,720 --> 00:14:00,600 Speaker 1: to who he was traded for, or you know, when 292 00:14:00,640 --> 00:14:02,760 Speaker 1: he went from the from the Dodgers to the Red 293 00:14:02,800 --> 00:14:05,120 Speaker 1: Sox and the Mookie bet Steel, But those two years 294 00:14:05,120 --> 00:14:07,880 Speaker 1: twenty nineteen twenty twenty, maybe he had a little bit 295 00:14:07,880 --> 00:14:09,679 Speaker 1: to work with. Of course, twenty twenty may have been 296 00:14:09,960 --> 00:14:12,880 Speaker 1: more more a mirage than anything. But ever since then, 297 00:14:12,920 --> 00:14:14,880 Speaker 1: you're looking at a one oh six wrc plus in 298 00:14:14,920 --> 00:14:17,560 Speaker 1: twenty twenty one, a one oh two and twenty twenty two, 299 00:14:17,640 --> 00:14:20,400 Speaker 1: a ninety eight in twenty twenty three, and then in 300 00:14:20,520 --> 00:14:23,600 Speaker 1: eighty three in twenty and twenty four. So you've had 301 00:14:23,640 --> 00:14:26,640 Speaker 1: some notable decline when it comes to offensive production. But 302 00:14:26,720 --> 00:14:29,720 Speaker 1: when it comes to what he does, you know, do 303 00:14:29,920 --> 00:14:32,800 Speaker 1: reasonably well. He has a bit of a profile that 304 00:14:32,840 --> 00:14:36,600 Speaker 1: we talked about the Braves needing to add to their system. 305 00:14:36,600 --> 00:14:38,440 Speaker 1: We've talked about the fact that they need more left 306 00:14:38,440 --> 00:14:40,800 Speaker 1: handed bats, that is what alex Erdugo is. 307 00:14:40,960 --> 00:14:42,160 Speaker 2: We've talked about the fact that. 308 00:14:42,120 --> 00:14:45,080 Speaker 1: The braves need, you know, options that strike out less 309 00:14:45,080 --> 00:14:47,400 Speaker 1: than you know normal. He strikes out at about a 310 00:14:47,400 --> 00:14:50,200 Speaker 1: fifteen percent clip. That is certainly a positive compared to 311 00:14:50,240 --> 00:14:52,560 Speaker 1: some other braves. Another big thing, seven and a half 312 00:14:52,600 --> 00:14:55,200 Speaker 1: to eight percent walk ratio, you know, been in that 313 00:14:55,280 --> 00:14:58,200 Speaker 1: range for several years in a row. Overall, there's not 314 00:14:58,440 --> 00:15:00,480 Speaker 1: really a lot to write home about when it comes 315 00:15:00,520 --> 00:15:02,760 Speaker 1: to his offensive upside but at the very least he 316 00:15:02,760 --> 00:15:04,680 Speaker 1: gets on base at a deacent clip. He doesn't strike 317 00:15:04,680 --> 00:15:06,840 Speaker 1: out much. Maybe there's something to work with for the 318 00:15:06,840 --> 00:15:10,080 Speaker 1: Braves to extract more offensive value from him than in 319 00:15:10,120 --> 00:15:12,440 Speaker 1: previous stops over the past few years. 320 00:15:14,840 --> 00:15:17,160 Speaker 2: Yeah, I mean there's talent. I mean, like you said, 321 00:15:17,200 --> 00:15:19,760 Speaker 2: he was the primary piece that was traded for Mookie Bits. 322 00:15:20,280 --> 00:15:22,440 Speaker 2: I mean, it wasn't that long ago that this dude 323 00:15:22,560 --> 00:15:25,480 Speaker 2: was like a top ten prospect in baseball. And like 324 00:15:25,520 --> 00:15:27,360 Speaker 2: you said, he doesn't strike out, and you can do 325 00:15:27,400 --> 00:15:29,200 Speaker 2: a lot with that with guys who don't strike out 326 00:15:29,200 --> 00:15:31,360 Speaker 2: a lot. Jared Keelnick strikes out like thirty percent of 327 00:15:31,440 --> 00:15:33,920 Speaker 2: the time, and that's always been his problem, is that 328 00:15:33,960 --> 00:15:37,160 Speaker 2: his strikeouts just kill his production. Rdugo doesn't have that problem. 329 00:15:37,280 --> 00:15:40,040 Speaker 2: Ridugo's problem is more he doesn't drive the ball as 330 00:15:40,120 --> 00:15:43,440 Speaker 2: much as his original profile thought he would. He averages 331 00:15:43,440 --> 00:15:46,800 Speaker 2: about ten twelve homers a year, which is not bad, 332 00:15:47,320 --> 00:15:50,640 Speaker 2: but you know, there's just not enough pop in his bat, 333 00:15:50,720 --> 00:15:52,920 Speaker 2: not enough extra base hits. He does put the ball 334 00:15:52,920 --> 00:15:54,320 Speaker 2: in play a lot, but he also makes a lot 335 00:15:54,320 --> 00:15:56,840 Speaker 2: of weak outs. It's kind of a catch twenty two. 336 00:15:56,920 --> 00:15:59,680 Speaker 2: You know, are you are you making are you sacrificing 337 00:15:59,720 --> 00:16:01,600 Speaker 2: to two more much power to make too much contact? 338 00:16:02,160 --> 00:16:04,560 Speaker 2: You know, there's a delicate balance there between. You know, 339 00:16:04,600 --> 00:16:07,000 Speaker 2: sometimes strikeouts on all that bad because it means you're 340 00:16:07,000 --> 00:16:11,240 Speaker 2: really aggressively going after the ball. But he is interesting 341 00:16:11,400 --> 00:16:13,360 Speaker 2: and the Braves, I do love the Braves are loading 342 00:16:13,400 --> 00:16:15,440 Speaker 2: up on lefties. I think it's a big deal in 343 00:16:15,480 --> 00:16:17,400 Speaker 2: the park they play in. I think it's an advantage 344 00:16:17,400 --> 00:16:19,320 Speaker 2: to have more lefties than they've had in the past. 345 00:16:19,760 --> 00:16:21,760 Speaker 2: We've said that a million times on the show. So 346 00:16:21,840 --> 00:16:24,800 Speaker 2: you're right, that is good. That's more options. Profar is 347 00:16:24,800 --> 00:16:27,760 Speaker 2: a lefty, right or you know, he can hit from 348 00:16:27,760 --> 00:16:31,080 Speaker 2: the left side. Ridugo is a lefty. Keulnick is a 349 00:16:31,160 --> 00:16:33,680 Speaker 2: now a lefty Olsen Michael Harris. I mean they've got 350 00:16:33,880 --> 00:16:37,040 Speaker 2: more on that side of the yeah, Drake Baldwin exactly, 351 00:16:37,080 --> 00:16:39,920 Speaker 2: they've got They have done what we asked, which is 352 00:16:39,960 --> 00:16:44,160 Speaker 2: balance out the lineup more and so that's a good 353 00:16:44,200 --> 00:16:45,720 Speaker 2: That is a good You're absolutely right, it's a good 354 00:16:45,720 --> 00:16:48,680 Speaker 2: point that that's a good thing. And more depth is 355 00:16:48,720 --> 00:16:51,720 Speaker 2: not is never never gonna hurt you. You know, it's 356 00:16:51,720 --> 00:16:53,200 Speaker 2: just kind of a weird fit with with keunt of 357 00:16:53,200 --> 00:16:55,080 Speaker 2: Guardy on the roster. But they'll you know, they'll figure 358 00:16:55,080 --> 00:16:55,320 Speaker 2: it out. 359 00:16:55,320 --> 00:16:57,960 Speaker 1: It's not a big deal, absolutely, And I think at 360 00:16:57,960 --> 00:16:59,480 Speaker 1: the end of the day, that's the thing to come 361 00:16:59,520 --> 00:17:01,840 Speaker 1: back to, you know, when it comes to you know, 362 00:17:01,880 --> 00:17:04,080 Speaker 1: the McCann signing, when it comes to kimberl signing, when 363 00:17:04,080 --> 00:17:06,720 Speaker 1: it comes to the Verdugo signing. All of these names 364 00:17:06,760 --> 00:17:09,359 Speaker 1: again are notable because of what they've done in the past. 365 00:17:09,840 --> 00:17:13,560 Speaker 1: But if these names were to not work out, if 366 00:17:13,600 --> 00:17:17,000 Speaker 1: nothing were to come from any of those names offering 367 00:17:17,040 --> 00:17:19,320 Speaker 1: clear value at the major league level, at the end 368 00:17:19,359 --> 00:17:23,000 Speaker 1: of the day, the Braves so far to this point 369 00:17:23,440 --> 00:17:27,520 Speaker 1: have spent a guaranteed one point five million dollars. Now, 370 00:17:27,560 --> 00:17:29,960 Speaker 1: if McCann makes the roster, he's going to make a million. 371 00:17:30,240 --> 00:17:33,040 Speaker 1: If kimber makes the roster, he's gonna make two million. 372 00:17:33,160 --> 00:17:35,040 Speaker 1: So you're talking about at the end of the day, 373 00:17:35,400 --> 00:17:38,200 Speaker 1: this is four point five million dollars invested in three 374 00:17:38,280 --> 00:17:41,280 Speaker 1: veterans who have had past success to where if they 375 00:17:41,359 --> 00:17:45,040 Speaker 1: work out, you could have clear value from them. But 376 00:17:45,080 --> 00:17:47,120 Speaker 1: if they don't, again, at the end of the day, 377 00:17:47,359 --> 00:17:50,359 Speaker 1: you've really not lost anything. So that's the whole goal 378 00:17:50,440 --> 00:17:52,800 Speaker 1: with this in mind, is that yes, you'd love for 379 00:17:52,840 --> 00:17:55,399 Speaker 1: all three of these options to be quality, depth, to 380 00:17:55,440 --> 00:17:57,840 Speaker 1: be better than you might expect. But if they don't 381 00:17:57,880 --> 00:18:01,200 Speaker 1: work out, you really haven't lost anything of value because 382 00:18:01,240 --> 00:18:04,280 Speaker 1: of how little money you've invested in them to begin with. 383 00:18:05,400 --> 00:18:08,680 Speaker 2: Yeah, very little, I mean very very little risk, very 384 00:18:08,720 --> 00:18:12,280 Speaker 2: little risk. You know, uh, Verdugo is the only one 385 00:18:12,320 --> 00:18:14,879 Speaker 2: to sign a major league deal, so he is the 386 00:18:14,880 --> 00:18:16,720 Speaker 2: only one that's guaranteed at this point out of the 387 00:18:16,760 --> 00:18:19,560 Speaker 2: guys you just mentioned. So yeah, I mean they've they've 388 00:18:20,240 --> 00:18:23,399 Speaker 2: managed their downside very well. You know. Obviously people have 389 00:18:23,440 --> 00:18:26,280 Speaker 2: been upset this offseason because they think they've managed their 390 00:18:26,320 --> 00:18:29,359 Speaker 2: downside too well and haven't put enough money out onto 391 00:18:29,359 --> 00:18:32,120 Speaker 2: the market. But you know, they have spent these last 392 00:18:32,160 --> 00:18:34,800 Speaker 2: this last week, I mean, other than profar, they've spent 393 00:18:34,840 --> 00:18:36,800 Speaker 2: more money this last week than anything else they've done 394 00:18:36,880 --> 00:18:40,679 Speaker 2: this winter. So you know, it might end up being 395 00:18:40,680 --> 00:18:43,119 Speaker 2: a really good move. Dugo might have. Verdugo's got talent, 396 00:18:43,200 --> 00:18:45,000 Speaker 2: he might have a good year, a new place, a 397 00:18:45,000 --> 00:18:49,439 Speaker 2: new hitting coach, a park that's good for lefties. You know, well, 398 00:18:49,560 --> 00:18:51,840 Speaker 2: crazier things have happened. He might out. He might work 399 00:18:51,880 --> 00:18:53,480 Speaker 2: out really well for the Bruis. 400 00:18:54,440 --> 00:18:57,160 Speaker 1: And if he doesn't very very little loss, but let's 401 00:18:57,160 --> 00:19:00,760 Speaker 1: talk about what else may potentially work out for the Braves, 402 00:19:00,800 --> 00:19:03,760 Speaker 1: and that's you know, Stephen, something that we talked about 403 00:19:04,160 --> 00:19:06,440 Speaker 1: a couple of episodes ago is that it really kind 404 00:19:06,440 --> 00:19:10,000 Speaker 1: of stood out that, you know, outside of Drake Baldwin, 405 00:19:10,040 --> 00:19:13,439 Speaker 1: there really wasn't any you know, really you know, uh, 406 00:19:14,080 --> 00:19:17,399 Speaker 1: it's awesome to see this young player having a good spring. 407 00:19:17,440 --> 00:19:19,840 Speaker 1: The really Braves haven't really had a lot of breakout 408 00:19:20,080 --> 00:19:23,760 Speaker 1: candidates this spring, but one player who it shouldn't be 409 00:19:23,800 --> 00:19:26,600 Speaker 1: all that surprising the success that he's had, but it's 410 00:19:26,640 --> 00:19:29,040 Speaker 1: really awesome to see that he has is a J. 411 00:19:29,240 --> 00:19:32,360 Speaker 1: Smith Shaver And today, you know, of course Hammer Territory 412 00:19:32,359 --> 00:19:35,720 Speaker 1: part of the Foul Territory family of podcasts. They were 413 00:19:35,720 --> 00:19:38,520 Speaker 1: in Braves camp today, talked to several players, talked to 414 00:19:38,520 --> 00:19:41,000 Speaker 1: manager Brian Snicker, things such as that, you know, there 415 00:19:41,040 --> 00:19:43,160 Speaker 1: were some comments over the past couple of days where 416 00:19:43,440 --> 00:19:46,720 Speaker 1: Ian Andrew or excuse me, Brian Sticker didn't necessarily give 417 00:19:46,800 --> 00:19:51,840 Speaker 1: the most, you know, the greatest promotion of Ian Anderson's 418 00:19:51,840 --> 00:19:54,879 Speaker 1: performance so far this spring. But we also saw some 419 00:19:54,960 --> 00:19:57,959 Speaker 1: news today about how the Braves were positioning their pictures 420 00:19:58,000 --> 00:20:00,320 Speaker 1: for the rest of spring training, and what clearly stood 421 00:20:00,320 --> 00:20:02,080 Speaker 1: out is that Chris Sale is going to make one 422 00:20:02,080 --> 00:20:04,359 Speaker 1: more start and then he is going to be ready 423 00:20:04,400 --> 00:20:07,760 Speaker 1: to go week from Thursday for opening Day. 424 00:20:07,840 --> 00:20:08,320 Speaker 2: But a J. 425 00:20:08,520 --> 00:20:11,359 Speaker 1: Smith Shover also seems to be in a position to 426 00:20:11,400 --> 00:20:15,359 Speaker 1: where he's going to be in the role of getting 427 00:20:15,400 --> 00:20:16,640 Speaker 1: the rest that he needs to be in the fifth 428 00:20:16,640 --> 00:20:20,320 Speaker 1: starter spot. In other words, recent news over the past 429 00:20:20,359 --> 00:20:22,920 Speaker 1: forty eight hours, some comments from Brian Snicker and others, 430 00:20:23,280 --> 00:20:26,480 Speaker 1: it seems like a J. Smith Shover it's clearly going 431 00:20:26,560 --> 00:20:29,240 Speaker 1: to be him in a role as a starting pitcher 432 00:20:29,440 --> 00:20:32,000 Speaker 1: for this Brave squad, and that has to be exciting 433 00:20:32,080 --> 00:20:34,439 Speaker 1: for him and for the upside he could bring. But 434 00:20:34,520 --> 00:20:37,040 Speaker 1: also what does it mean potentially for Ian Anderson and 435 00:20:37,040 --> 00:20:38,760 Speaker 1: the ultimate role he has with the Braves. 436 00:20:40,640 --> 00:20:44,360 Speaker 2: Yeah, so the Braves shuffled around their pictures today. Originally 437 00:20:44,440 --> 00:20:48,120 Speaker 2: Smith Shaver was supposed to start today today's game. They 438 00:20:48,320 --> 00:20:51,159 Speaker 2: scratched him and started Well, then they said it was 439 00:20:51,160 --> 00:20:53,239 Speaker 2: gonna be Russell Eglesis, then they scratched him and then 440 00:20:53,240 --> 00:20:55,480 Speaker 2: they started Hector Neris. So it was a bit of 441 00:20:55,480 --> 00:20:58,720 Speaker 2: a whirld wind this morning. But what's gonna happen is 442 00:20:59,760 --> 00:21:02,680 Speaker 2: Chris Sale is gonna pitch, and then a J. Smith 443 00:21:02,680 --> 00:21:06,200 Speaker 2: Schalver is gonna follow him, and that's gonna set Chris 444 00:21:06,200 --> 00:21:09,119 Speaker 2: Sail up to be the opening day starter, and then 445 00:21:09,160 --> 00:21:11,440 Speaker 2: it's gonna set up or a J. Smith Schalver could 446 00:21:11,440 --> 00:21:16,080 Speaker 2: potentially be the fifth starter on regular rest. And so 447 00:21:16,160 --> 00:21:18,440 Speaker 2: that was notable today. And then, of course, a long 448 00:21:18,480 --> 00:21:21,000 Speaker 2: way it was the report that that Brian Snicker wasn't 449 00:21:21,000 --> 00:21:25,639 Speaker 2: exactly talking glowing about Ian Anderson at this point, and 450 00:21:26,119 --> 00:21:28,520 Speaker 2: you know, acknowledge that the walks are a big problem 451 00:21:28,560 --> 00:21:30,960 Speaker 2: and he's got to be better, and all of that 452 00:21:31,080 --> 00:21:36,840 Speaker 2: together felt like an indication that, you know, and Brad 453 00:21:36,880 --> 00:21:38,879 Speaker 2: and I talked about this a couple of days ago 454 00:21:39,440 --> 00:21:42,159 Speaker 2: that a J. Smith Mahlet Shaver might just be the 455 00:21:42,200 --> 00:21:46,000 Speaker 2: fifth starter on this team out of camp, and Ian 456 00:21:46,040 --> 00:21:49,000 Speaker 2: Anderson used, is either gonna be in the bullpen or 457 00:21:49,040 --> 00:21:53,959 Speaker 2: he might not be on the roster at all. And 458 00:21:54,040 --> 00:21:55,760 Speaker 2: as we sit here today, that's kind of where I 459 00:21:55,760 --> 00:21:59,240 Speaker 2: think they're gonna go. You know, one guy that has 460 00:21:59,320 --> 00:22:02,399 Speaker 2: not been option out of camp yet is Bryce Elder. 461 00:22:03,400 --> 00:22:05,919 Speaker 2: I actually wonder if maybe they're gonna put Smith Schauver 462 00:22:05,960 --> 00:22:08,360 Speaker 2: in the rotation and then have Bryce Elder maybe pitch 463 00:22:08,359 --> 00:22:11,760 Speaker 2: out of the bullpen as like the long Man. Maybe 464 00:22:11,760 --> 00:22:15,159 Speaker 2: it's Ian Anderson. Listen, Bryce Elder's got options. Ian Anderson doesn't. 465 00:22:15,480 --> 00:22:18,120 Speaker 2: And that wins the day a lot of time, it does. 466 00:22:18,240 --> 00:22:21,000 Speaker 2: I know people hate that, but that wins the day. 467 00:22:21,040 --> 00:22:23,520 Speaker 2: And it still could be in Ian Anderson. And Ian 468 00:22:23,560 --> 00:22:25,320 Speaker 2: Anderson could still be in the rotation. We don't know 469 00:22:25,359 --> 00:22:28,800 Speaker 2: any of this for sure, but that was the vibe 470 00:22:28,840 --> 00:22:31,960 Speaker 2: today was that Smith schalv has kind of taken the 471 00:22:32,040 --> 00:22:34,800 Speaker 2: lead and is the more likely candidate to be the 472 00:22:34,800 --> 00:22:37,120 Speaker 2: fifth starter when the season starts, which I think that's 473 00:22:37,160 --> 00:22:41,199 Speaker 2: what everybody wants. I think everybody admits and agrees that 474 00:22:41,240 --> 00:22:45,359 Speaker 2: he's got more upside, and so I think that's what 475 00:22:45,359 --> 00:22:49,120 Speaker 2: they're gonna do. I still have no clue what they're 476 00:22:49,119 --> 00:22:52,000 Speaker 2: gonna do with Ian Anderson. I have said before, I'm 477 00:22:52,040 --> 00:22:53,639 Speaker 2: not high on him and all I would probably just 478 00:22:53,720 --> 00:23:00,120 Speaker 2: dfa him. But they've done some weird stuff and well, 479 00:23:00,320 --> 00:23:01,840 Speaker 2: you know, we only have to we all have to 480 00:23:01,840 --> 00:23:04,320 Speaker 2: wait like another week, less than a week, and we'll 481 00:23:04,320 --> 00:23:07,119 Speaker 2: have all these answers. But it was notable today that 482 00:23:07,119 --> 00:23:09,760 Speaker 2: the reash up with the rotation to get Smith Schaalvor 483 00:23:09,840 --> 00:23:12,320 Speaker 2: lined up to be the fifth starter on regular rest. 484 00:23:12,359 --> 00:23:14,600 Speaker 2: I think that's I don't think that's a coincidence. 485 00:23:15,960 --> 00:23:17,720 Speaker 1: And the thing about it is when it comes to upside, 486 00:23:17,720 --> 00:23:19,800 Speaker 1: when it comes to production, when it comes to talent, 487 00:23:20,040 --> 00:23:22,880 Speaker 1: talent ultimately shining through and you having the best arms 488 00:23:22,880 --> 00:23:25,720 Speaker 1: available in your rotation in your bullpen listen, you know, 489 00:23:25,800 --> 00:23:27,560 Speaker 1: I think that the thing that comes to mind is, 490 00:23:27,720 --> 00:23:29,359 Speaker 1: you know, is that you've got Grant Holmes, You've got 491 00:23:29,400 --> 00:23:32,920 Speaker 1: Ian Anderson, You've got a J. Smith Schaffer in some 492 00:23:33,080 --> 00:23:35,679 Speaker 1: roles to start the season. But again, as me and 493 00:23:35,720 --> 00:23:37,720 Speaker 1: you noted the last time we did a podcast together, 494 00:23:37,960 --> 00:23:41,480 Speaker 1: you've also got Spencer Strider and Craig Kimbrel coming up, 495 00:23:41,600 --> 00:23:44,080 Speaker 1: you know, in early to mid April as well. So 496 00:23:44,200 --> 00:23:46,680 Speaker 1: that's two pictures who you know are going to take 497 00:23:46,680 --> 00:23:49,400 Speaker 1: a spot at some point in time. I really do 498 00:23:49,440 --> 00:23:52,600 Speaker 1: think that even if Ian Anderson is not designated for 499 00:23:52,640 --> 00:23:55,679 Speaker 1: assignment to start the season or before the season starts, 500 00:23:55,680 --> 00:23:59,320 Speaker 1: barring you know, another unexpected signing, if he struggles at 501 00:23:59,359 --> 00:24:01,720 Speaker 1: all in his first couple of outings in the first 502 00:24:01,760 --> 00:24:04,080 Speaker 1: few weeks of the season, one of the most likely 503 00:24:04,160 --> 00:24:06,800 Speaker 1: moves is him being designated for assignment and then Schreider 504 00:24:06,920 --> 00:24:09,040 Speaker 1: or Kimberle coming back. So I think that's another thing 505 00:24:09,080 --> 00:24:11,159 Speaker 1: that's important to realize is that we could sit here 506 00:24:11,160 --> 00:24:13,639 Speaker 1: and talk about all day long how they may position Smith, 507 00:24:13,720 --> 00:24:16,720 Speaker 1: Job or Elder of Homes as well as Anderson, But 508 00:24:16,840 --> 00:24:18,240 Speaker 1: at the end of the day, when you look at 509 00:24:18,280 --> 00:24:20,840 Speaker 1: those four arms yesterday, all four may have roles to 510 00:24:20,880 --> 00:24:24,840 Speaker 1: start the season, but more notable, higher upside roles in 511 00:24:24,880 --> 00:24:28,040 Speaker 1: our arms in Schreider and Kimberl are coming here soon, 512 00:24:28,240 --> 00:24:30,959 Speaker 1: and then that will definitely continue to even out. Not 513 00:24:31,000 --> 00:24:33,040 Speaker 1: only are the overall quality of the pitching staff, but 514 00:24:33,119 --> 00:24:36,040 Speaker 1: the ultimate roles, the more sensible roles for a lot 515 00:24:36,040 --> 00:24:36,879 Speaker 1: of these arms to have. 516 00:24:39,200 --> 00:24:41,480 Speaker 2: Yeah, and listen, we make a lot of the opening 517 00:24:41,560 --> 00:24:44,440 Speaker 2: day roster because when we're in spring training it's it's 518 00:24:44,480 --> 00:24:46,879 Speaker 2: the light at the end of the tunnel. But the 519 00:24:46,920 --> 00:24:49,720 Speaker 2: opening day roster is literally just the opening day roster. 520 00:24:49,840 --> 00:24:52,159 Speaker 2: It's just the roster for that day. I mean, I 521 00:24:52,200 --> 00:24:54,520 Speaker 2: remember last year, it might have been two years ago, 522 00:24:54,560 --> 00:24:57,199 Speaker 2: like Dylan Don Jared Schuster were all the rage in 523 00:24:57,240 --> 00:25:00,000 Speaker 2: camp and both were on the opening day roster, and 524 00:25:00,000 --> 00:25:01,679 Speaker 2: about like the second week of the season, they were 525 00:25:01,720 --> 00:25:04,840 Speaker 2: both in Triple A because you know, neither one of 526 00:25:04,880 --> 00:25:08,040 Speaker 2: them could could pitch in the majors yet, So you're 527 00:25:08,080 --> 00:25:10,040 Speaker 2: absolutely right. Ian Anderson could be on the opening day 528 00:25:10,119 --> 00:25:12,600 Speaker 2: roster and then two days later be DFA. I mean, 529 00:25:13,760 --> 00:25:16,160 Speaker 2: the opening day roster is literally just a one day roster. 530 00:25:16,359 --> 00:25:20,439 Speaker 2: So yeah, it's probably not gonna have a huge impact 531 00:25:20,440 --> 00:25:23,600 Speaker 2: on this season. I think just reading the tea leaves, 532 00:25:23,640 --> 00:25:26,639 Speaker 2: I do think there to the point now where and 533 00:25:26,680 --> 00:25:28,560 Speaker 2: Scott said this on Twitter a couple of days ago, 534 00:25:28,560 --> 00:25:31,320 Speaker 2: and I agree with him, like, I am now getting 535 00:25:31,320 --> 00:25:34,080 Speaker 2: to the point where I would genuinely not be surprised 536 00:25:34,080 --> 00:25:36,600 Speaker 2: at all to wake up tomorrow and they just dfa 537 00:25:36,920 --> 00:25:39,920 Speaker 2: Ian Anderson like early in those spring. And I think 538 00:25:39,920 --> 00:25:41,560 Speaker 2: Brad said this too, like as long as he kept 539 00:25:41,560 --> 00:25:43,919 Speaker 2: it on the rails, you were, you were, you were 540 00:25:43,920 --> 00:25:46,200 Speaker 2: pretty sure he was gonna at least get a shot. 541 00:25:46,680 --> 00:25:48,719 Speaker 2: I don't think there's anybody in the in the Braves 542 00:25:48,720 --> 00:25:51,760 Speaker 2: fan base that would that would, you know, knock it 543 00:25:51,800 --> 00:25:54,800 Speaker 2: against the team if they cut him now like they 544 00:25:54,800 --> 00:25:58,360 Speaker 2: gave him a shot in spring. The walks are such 545 00:25:58,359 --> 00:26:00,880 Speaker 2: a big, like, such a massive problem. Lack of strikeouts 546 00:26:00,920 --> 00:26:03,080 Speaker 2: are such a massive problem. The lack of velocity, lack 547 00:26:03,119 --> 00:26:06,320 Speaker 2: of command, Like everybody would kind of understand if they 548 00:26:06,320 --> 00:26:09,399 Speaker 2: did it, and I'm not saying they're going to, but 549 00:26:09,480 --> 00:26:11,200 Speaker 2: this is I've kind of reached the point where I 550 00:26:11,520 --> 00:26:13,639 Speaker 2: think I for the first time I would not be 551 00:26:13,720 --> 00:26:17,159 Speaker 2: surprised at any point to look on Twitter get an 552 00:26:17,240 --> 00:26:19,800 Speaker 2: update from the team and Anderson's being df fed. But 553 00:26:19,920 --> 00:26:22,480 Speaker 2: like you said, that might not happen on opening day, 554 00:26:22,480 --> 00:26:25,560 Speaker 2: it could still happen two days later and have the same, 555 00:26:26,160 --> 00:26:27,679 Speaker 2: you know, virtual effect on the team. 556 00:26:28,800 --> 00:26:30,080 Speaker 1: But at the end of the day, it's still the 557 00:26:30,119 --> 00:26:32,840 Speaker 1: most likely outcome. And let's not forget over the past 558 00:26:32,920 --> 00:26:36,639 Speaker 1: eighteen months we've seen Alex and Thoppless just kind of 559 00:26:36,680 --> 00:26:39,119 Speaker 1: come to a point when it comes to several Forwerd 560 00:26:39,160 --> 00:26:41,960 Speaker 1: top prospects for the Braves who have had success either 561 00:26:42,000 --> 00:26:43,880 Speaker 1: at the top of the minors or in the majors, 562 00:26:44,000 --> 00:26:46,000 Speaker 1: when they've reached the point to where Alex has just 563 00:26:46,040 --> 00:26:49,160 Speaker 1: been like, okay, we've given them the opportunity. It's unfortunate 564 00:26:49,280 --> 00:26:50,840 Speaker 1: because a lot of it's had to deal with injuries 565 00:26:50,920 --> 00:26:54,280 Speaker 1: or poor performance by Michael Soroka, Kyle Wright, Jared Schuster 566 00:26:54,600 --> 00:26:58,160 Speaker 1: all moved recently in trades this time around Ian Anderson, 567 00:26:58,160 --> 00:27:00,400 Speaker 1: as great as he's been at times, especially in the playoffs, 568 00:27:00,640 --> 00:27:03,560 Speaker 1: for the Braves, it's what is he now and right now, 569 00:27:03,760 --> 00:27:06,600 Speaker 1: there's just not a lot of upside. I think that 570 00:27:06,680 --> 00:27:09,880 Speaker 1: it is significantly more likely than not. At some point 571 00:27:09,960 --> 00:27:12,399 Speaker 1: time over the next month, the most likely outcome is 572 00:27:12,440 --> 00:27:15,600 Speaker 1: Ian Anderson probably being designated for assignment. You would love 573 00:27:15,640 --> 00:27:18,280 Speaker 1: for success to come out of nowhere and make that 574 00:27:18,359 --> 00:27:20,720 Speaker 1: not be the case, but I think that's going to 575 00:27:20,800 --> 00:27:23,560 Speaker 1: be the most inevitable outcome from this, whether it be 576 00:27:23,560 --> 00:27:26,400 Speaker 1: before the season starts, are probably a week or two 577 00:27:26,560 --> 00:27:29,760 Speaker 1: into the season. But the other thing that occurred this 578 00:27:29,800 --> 00:27:32,040 Speaker 1: week is that there were some other notable, maybe on 579 00:27:32,080 --> 00:27:36,080 Speaker 1: a smaller scale transaction, Stephen, in which the Braves return, 580 00:27:36,400 --> 00:27:40,400 Speaker 1: you know, some real five draft picks to their previous organizations. 581 00:27:40,440 --> 00:27:43,040 Speaker 1: Now that may not necessarily, you know, seem to be 582 00:27:43,080 --> 00:27:47,359 Speaker 1: that intriguing of content to discuss, but it was some names. 583 00:27:47,480 --> 00:27:50,600 Speaker 1: I think that it's more about not necessarily the names 584 00:27:50,640 --> 00:27:53,879 Speaker 1: that have been returned to their previous organizations, but the 585 00:27:54,040 --> 00:27:56,680 Speaker 1: other names that have had success in camp that made 586 00:27:56,760 --> 00:28:00,639 Speaker 1: the Braves return these names to their previous organism. What 587 00:28:00,680 --> 00:28:02,720 Speaker 1: are your thoughts in a little bit more detail on 588 00:28:02,800 --> 00:28:05,960 Speaker 1: those transactions that were made over the past forty eight hours. 589 00:28:07,160 --> 00:28:09,359 Speaker 2: Yeah, so if you missed it, the Braves returned and 590 00:28:09,359 --> 00:28:12,120 Speaker 2: Anderson Polar to the Marlins. He was a Rule five pick, 591 00:28:12,320 --> 00:28:13,679 Speaker 2: and the rule is, if you're not going to put 592 00:28:13,720 --> 00:28:15,520 Speaker 2: him on your twenty six man roster, then you have 593 00:28:15,560 --> 00:28:17,920 Speaker 2: to offer him back to the original team at half 594 00:28:17,960 --> 00:28:20,000 Speaker 2: the price. So the Braves spent one hundred thousand dollars 595 00:28:20,000 --> 00:28:22,920 Speaker 2: to draft him, they sold him back to the Marlins 596 00:28:22,960 --> 00:28:25,000 Speaker 2: for fifty thousand, and the exact same thing happened with 597 00:28:25,080 --> 00:28:31,159 Speaker 2: Christian Cairo and the Guardians, I believe. So what's notable 598 00:28:31,200 --> 00:28:35,040 Speaker 2: about that is that one, like Sean just said, you know, 599 00:28:35,160 --> 00:28:37,679 Speaker 2: Nick Allen has had such a good spring at Shortstop 600 00:28:37,880 --> 00:28:42,440 Speaker 2: that Cairo became expendable, and the Braids of it seems 601 00:28:42,520 --> 00:28:44,479 Speaker 2: at least we don't know this for a fact. Picking 602 00:28:45,200 --> 00:28:46,640 Speaker 2: trying to figure out what they're doing with a bullpen 603 00:28:46,640 --> 00:28:50,040 Speaker 2: is impossible, but it seems like the addition of Hector 604 00:28:50,080 --> 00:28:55,600 Speaker 2: Nis and Anil de la Santos has made Anderson Polar expendable. 605 00:28:56,360 --> 00:28:59,479 Speaker 2: And that's notable for a couple reasons, because when you 606 00:28:59,520 --> 00:29:03,480 Speaker 2: add play via the Rule five draft, they immediately go 607 00:29:03,520 --> 00:29:05,600 Speaker 2: on your forty man and so obviously when you sell 608 00:29:05,640 --> 00:29:09,480 Speaker 2: them back, it opens up forty man spots. And that's 609 00:29:09,680 --> 00:29:12,880 Speaker 2: important for the Braves because in order to add Hector 610 00:29:12,920 --> 00:29:17,600 Speaker 2: Nerris or a know, Dela Santos or Drake Baldwin or 611 00:29:17,600 --> 00:29:21,240 Speaker 2: Craig Krimble or James McCann or you know, they had 612 00:29:21,240 --> 00:29:23,520 Speaker 2: to add Alex Radugo, all of those guys. If they're 613 00:29:23,520 --> 00:29:25,280 Speaker 2: gonna be on the team, they need forty man spots. 614 00:29:25,320 --> 00:29:27,880 Speaker 2: They have to be on the forty. And so when 615 00:29:27,880 --> 00:29:31,880 Speaker 2: the Braves traded Perdomo, they cleared a forty man spot. 616 00:29:32,280 --> 00:29:35,120 Speaker 2: When they when they sold back Polar and Cairo, they 617 00:29:35,160 --> 00:29:37,880 Speaker 2: gained forty man spots. They can gain a forty man 618 00:29:38,000 --> 00:29:42,200 Speaker 2: spot by putting Joejmenez on the sixty d il Luke 619 00:29:42,240 --> 00:29:45,320 Speaker 2: Williams is I think he got outrighted today, so I 620 00:29:45,320 --> 00:29:48,320 Speaker 2: think his forty man spot is now available. I thought 621 00:29:48,360 --> 00:29:49,960 Speaker 2: I saw that. I didn't actually double check, but I 622 00:29:49,960 --> 00:29:52,600 Speaker 2: think Luke Williams got outrighted today too, So that's another 623 00:29:52,640 --> 00:29:55,680 Speaker 2: forty man spot. The reason, you know, to add all 624 00:29:55,720 --> 00:29:57,760 Speaker 2: these NRI guys to the roster, they have to have 625 00:29:57,760 --> 00:30:01,680 Speaker 2: forty man spots. So that's the transactional reason for why 626 00:30:01,720 --> 00:30:04,080 Speaker 2: this happened now is the Braves needed the forty men's 627 00:30:04,120 --> 00:30:06,960 Speaker 2: spots to put their roster together for opening day, so 628 00:30:07,480 --> 00:30:10,520 Speaker 2: it was noteworthy. You know, usually when you take two 629 00:30:10,600 --> 00:30:14,440 Speaker 2: rule five guys, you think there's a decent chance at 630 00:30:14,520 --> 00:30:16,000 Speaker 2: least one of them is gonna stick on the roster. 631 00:30:16,360 --> 00:30:19,520 Speaker 2: Otherwise you're not gonna just you know, waste one hundred 632 00:30:19,560 --> 00:30:23,280 Speaker 2: thousand dollars to draft him. But neither guy did you know, 633 00:30:23,440 --> 00:30:27,080 Speaker 2: the other guys played better, pitch better, and spring and 634 00:30:27,080 --> 00:30:30,160 Speaker 2: and and both guys got returned. So the Braves will 635 00:30:30,200 --> 00:30:32,000 Speaker 2: be using those forty men spots elsewhere. 636 00:30:35,320 --> 00:30:38,680 Speaker 1: Absolutely, and more than likely it could mean that another 637 00:30:39,000 --> 00:30:41,560 Speaker 1: you know, somewhat notable move, you know, could happen before 638 00:30:41,840 --> 00:30:44,680 Speaker 1: spring training. You know, again, we've heard, you know, we 639 00:30:44,320 --> 00:30:46,800 Speaker 1: we we've seen Terry McGuirk. You know, we've seen Brian 640 00:30:46,840 --> 00:30:49,680 Speaker 1: Stickery himself, even you know, talk about the fact that 641 00:30:49,720 --> 00:30:51,960 Speaker 1: you know that with so many names still out there, 642 00:30:52,120 --> 00:30:54,560 Speaker 1: it wouldn't be surprising if someone who's currently not in 643 00:30:54,600 --> 00:30:57,160 Speaker 1: the organization still has added that could play a role 644 00:30:57,200 --> 00:31:00,840 Speaker 1: early in the season. And we've seen that happen this week. 645 00:31:01,000 --> 00:31:02,800 Speaker 1: And that's what I kind of want to end with, Stephen, 646 00:31:02,920 --> 00:31:06,680 Speaker 1: is you know the fact that listen again, this offseason 647 00:31:06,760 --> 00:31:09,040 Speaker 1: I don't think has lived up to the expectations in 648 00:31:09,120 --> 00:31:11,600 Speaker 1: terms of noteworthy moves or in terms of, you know, 649 00:31:11,720 --> 00:31:15,200 Speaker 1: adding certainty to you know, answer questions that clearly exist. 650 00:31:15,600 --> 00:31:18,160 Speaker 1: I don't necessarily think that you know, what's happened over 651 00:31:18,200 --> 00:31:20,640 Speaker 1: the past week comes any we're close to making that 652 00:31:20,680 --> 00:31:24,520 Speaker 1: a clearly better situation. But at the very least, again, 653 00:31:24,960 --> 00:31:27,120 Speaker 1: none of these moves may make a difference at all, 654 00:31:27,320 --> 00:31:29,280 Speaker 1: and there's been very there's very little risk in the 655 00:31:29,280 --> 00:31:31,240 Speaker 1: amount of money that's spent to it. But at the 656 00:31:31,320 --> 00:31:33,440 Speaker 1: very least, the Braves I think have done a good 657 00:31:33,520 --> 00:31:37,200 Speaker 1: job over the past week finding some opportunities where they 658 00:31:37,240 --> 00:31:42,680 Speaker 1: could add depth. Again, not necessary long term clear answers 659 00:31:42,720 --> 00:31:45,040 Speaker 1: to help, you know, shore up some questions that are 660 00:31:45,080 --> 00:31:47,880 Speaker 1: out there, but there's at least depth, and that's something 661 00:31:47,880 --> 00:31:50,440 Speaker 1: that we've been asking for, and I definitely think that 662 00:31:50,480 --> 00:31:53,560 Speaker 1: from the past few years they're wise in getting as 663 00:31:53,680 --> 00:31:57,320 Speaker 1: much depth that reasonable costs as possible that could play roles, 664 00:31:57,320 --> 00:31:59,320 Speaker 1: even if it's not for a full season. At the 665 00:31:59,440 --> 00:32:01,760 Speaker 1: very least, if it's a chunk of the season where 666 00:32:01,760 --> 00:32:04,520 Speaker 1: these guys could add value. That's something that could really 667 00:32:04,560 --> 00:32:06,800 Speaker 1: help out over such a long one hundred and sixty 668 00:32:06,800 --> 00:32:07,600 Speaker 1: two game season. 669 00:32:09,960 --> 00:32:13,320 Speaker 2: Yeah, I mean you can't. You can't be mad at 670 00:32:13,320 --> 00:32:15,520 Speaker 2: the Braves for not doing anything and then get mad 671 00:32:15,560 --> 00:32:19,080 Speaker 2: at them for doing small thing, like at least it's something. 672 00:32:19,360 --> 00:32:22,280 Speaker 2: You know, It's like Alex Rodugo is not gonna move 673 00:32:22,320 --> 00:32:24,800 Speaker 2: the needle on World Series odds, but like that guy 674 00:32:24,800 --> 00:32:27,880 Speaker 2: could play an important role for a month because somebody 675 00:32:27,880 --> 00:32:31,600 Speaker 2: got hurt. Nick Allen, you know, Nick Allen has at 676 00:32:31,680 --> 00:32:34,840 Speaker 2: least given Orlando Arcia some competition the spring. Orlando Rosia 677 00:32:34,880 --> 00:32:36,920 Speaker 2: has been got awful on the spring. I don't think 678 00:32:36,920 --> 00:32:39,160 Speaker 2: it's gonna matter. I think Orlando's still gonna be the starter. 679 00:32:39,240 --> 00:32:42,640 Speaker 2: And Stinner kind of said as much today that he 680 00:32:42,680 --> 00:32:45,240 Speaker 2: doesn't care about spring training stats, and you really shouldn't. 681 00:32:45,240 --> 00:32:47,720 Speaker 2: But I mean, at least he's there as a potential 682 00:32:47,760 --> 00:32:50,520 Speaker 2: guy who can play some games. If Orlando ros He 683 00:32:50,720 --> 00:32:53,840 Speaker 2: continues to suck, you know, like you said, James mccannon, 684 00:32:53,880 --> 00:32:56,680 Speaker 2: I mean, we've seen what happens when when catching situation 685 00:32:56,760 --> 00:32:59,800 Speaker 2: gets ugly, it gets ugly quick. So like that's a 686 00:33:00,200 --> 00:33:03,120 Speaker 2: that's at least a veteran guy who can be not 687 00:33:03,520 --> 00:33:06,320 Speaker 2: you know, he's not going to embarrass you. And then 688 00:33:06,320 --> 00:33:08,680 Speaker 2: on the bullpen side, we've seen a million of these, right, 689 00:33:08,760 --> 00:33:11,600 Speaker 2: a million of these signings. You know, Kimberle and Nerris 690 00:33:11,800 --> 00:33:13,800 Speaker 2: are kind of the two notable ones, but they've signed 691 00:33:14,560 --> 00:33:16,400 Speaker 2: I mean, hell, they've signed twenty of these guys at 692 00:33:16,400 --> 00:33:20,040 Speaker 2: some point during the offseason. So is it the big signing. No, 693 00:33:20,320 --> 00:33:22,160 Speaker 2: you know, I would have much rather had Tanner Scott 694 00:33:22,200 --> 00:33:25,080 Speaker 2: than all of these guys put together. But you know, 695 00:33:25,840 --> 00:33:27,320 Speaker 2: I don't get to make that call. You know, the 696 00:33:27,360 --> 00:33:30,760 Speaker 2: Dodgers had something else to say about that, so you 697 00:33:30,800 --> 00:33:33,040 Speaker 2: know they're doing kind of the next best thing is 698 00:33:33,040 --> 00:33:36,440 Speaker 2: is throw numbers at it and take care of your depth. 699 00:33:37,200 --> 00:33:38,840 Speaker 2: So yeah, I'm not gonna knock them for it. I 700 00:33:39,320 --> 00:33:41,680 Speaker 2: would have loved for them to make bigger moves, bigger names, 701 00:33:41,680 --> 00:33:44,600 Speaker 2: but you know, these are guys that can help at 702 00:33:44,640 --> 00:33:46,400 Speaker 2: some point in the season and that matters. 703 00:33:47,840 --> 00:33:49,840 Speaker 1: Yeah, And that's what we're kind of in with is that, 704 00:33:50,000 --> 00:33:52,920 Speaker 1: you know, it needs to be said time and time again. 705 00:33:53,440 --> 00:33:56,440 Speaker 1: There's a reason why Craig Kimberle was available to sign, 706 00:33:56,720 --> 00:33:59,400 Speaker 1: you know, for a non guaranteed deal, a minor league 707 00:33:59,480 --> 00:34:02,760 Speaker 1: deal on March what's seventeenth. There's a reason why Alex 708 00:34:02,840 --> 00:34:05,520 Speaker 1: Ridugo was available to sign a one point five million 709 00:34:05,560 --> 00:34:08,839 Speaker 1: dollar deal on March twentieth. You shouldn't expect much from 710 00:34:08,880 --> 00:34:11,319 Speaker 1: these signings of anything at all. You know, you look back, 711 00:34:11,440 --> 00:34:13,520 Speaker 1: you may the most likely scenario is you look back 712 00:34:13,600 --> 00:34:16,120 Speaker 1: and you think to yourself, Okay, I see why these 713 00:34:16,120 --> 00:34:18,880 Speaker 1: guys were available so late in spring training to sign. 714 00:34:19,360 --> 00:34:22,359 Speaker 1: But there also is the potential, with the Braves track 715 00:34:22,400 --> 00:34:26,520 Speaker 1: record of extracting positive value from players and helping them reclaim, 716 00:34:26,680 --> 00:34:29,080 Speaker 1: you know, some of their better play from the past. 717 00:34:29,360 --> 00:34:31,319 Speaker 1: You also could look back and say, Okay, well, hey, 718 00:34:31,400 --> 00:34:34,600 Speaker 1: I honestly think it's awesome we got these guys so 719 00:34:34,680 --> 00:34:36,920 Speaker 1: late because we once again were able to find value 720 00:34:37,040 --> 00:34:39,680 Speaker 1: that we could extract from them. Steven, as we wrap 721 00:34:39,760 --> 00:34:42,120 Speaker 1: up this edition of the Hammer Territory podcast, anything else 722 00:34:42,120 --> 00:34:45,400 Speaker 1: you need to add before we head into the weekend, 723 00:34:45,640 --> 00:34:47,960 Speaker 1: the final weekend of spring training and gear up for 724 00:34:48,000 --> 00:34:50,400 Speaker 1: next week when the start of the season arrives. 725 00:34:51,239 --> 00:34:52,759 Speaker 2: I did want to say one thing. We got a 726 00:34:52,840 --> 00:34:55,520 Speaker 2: question that I wanted to speak to for a second. 727 00:34:56,280 --> 00:34:59,920 Speaker 2: Somebody asked is it possible that the Braves got out 728 00:35:00,360 --> 00:35:03,279 Speaker 2: Dugo with the plan of putting him in left field 729 00:35:03,360 --> 00:35:05,760 Speaker 2: and having Jerks and profar go back to his original 730 00:35:05,840 --> 00:35:09,080 Speaker 2: position of shortstop and take over for Land or Sia. 731 00:35:09,520 --> 00:35:11,759 Speaker 2: This was a question somebody typed to us, and I 732 00:35:11,800 --> 00:35:16,920 Speaker 2: just want to expound on that with a no. And 733 00:35:16,960 --> 00:35:19,000 Speaker 2: actually that's kind of all that I have for that 734 00:35:19,000 --> 00:35:21,640 Speaker 2: that question. It's just no. I mean, Jerson profar As 735 00:35:21,680 --> 00:35:25,520 Speaker 2: have played shortstop and I don't know eight years, so 736 00:35:25,560 --> 00:35:27,839 Speaker 2: he's probably not gonna probably not gonna play this time, 737 00:35:27,960 --> 00:35:31,279 Speaker 2: so that's not gonna happen. But no, I don't have 738 00:35:31,320 --> 00:35:33,320 Speaker 2: anything else. I'm just excited as hell for the season 739 00:35:33,360 --> 00:35:37,239 Speaker 2: to start. One more week, literally one more week, and 740 00:35:37,400 --> 00:35:40,960 Speaker 2: we're we're watching regular season games. I can't I mean, 741 00:35:41,000 --> 00:35:43,719 Speaker 2: I can't wait. I love the sport so much. The 742 00:35:43,800 --> 00:35:46,239 Speaker 2: off season is such a long especially when you get 743 00:35:46,320 --> 00:35:48,600 Speaker 2: knocked out in the first round of the playoffs at 744 00:35:48,640 --> 00:35:52,120 Speaker 2: the beginning of October. Holy hell, it's such a long offseason. 745 00:35:52,480 --> 00:35:56,760 Speaker 2: And we are back, we are almost back to regular 746 00:35:56,800 --> 00:36:00,960 Speaker 2: season major League baseball, and I can't wait. And I'm 747 00:36:01,280 --> 00:36:04,399 Speaker 2: I'm very thankful everybody that's subscribed. This is a great 748 00:36:04,440 --> 00:36:08,239 Speaker 2: time to join because obviously we are getting into high 749 00:36:08,239 --> 00:36:11,799 Speaker 2: gear and we will be with you for at least 750 00:36:11,840 --> 00:36:14,880 Speaker 2: four times every week. So thank you for everybody that subscribed. 751 00:36:15,120 --> 00:36:18,040 Speaker 2: And if you're not good, time to come aboard. 752 00:36:19,080 --> 00:36:21,040 Speaker 1: And how is it for sweet irony, and well, I'm 753 00:36:21,080 --> 00:36:24,400 Speaker 1: sure we'll discuss this time and time over again next week. 754 00:36:24,600 --> 00:36:29,360 Speaker 1: Our season last year ended in San Diego, the playoffs 755 00:36:29,440 --> 00:36:31,680 Speaker 1: ended in San Diego, and the person that was not 756 00:36:31,760 --> 00:36:33,479 Speaker 1: on the mound and one of the biggest question marks 757 00:36:33,480 --> 00:36:36,720 Speaker 1: of the season was Chris sale Well, now to start 758 00:36:36,719 --> 00:36:39,120 Speaker 1: this season, Chris Alee is going to be on the 759 00:36:39,160 --> 00:36:42,359 Speaker 1: mound for opening Day against Michael King. And hey, we've 760 00:36:42,400 --> 00:36:45,080 Speaker 1: got a padre former padre who's. 761 00:36:44,840 --> 00:36:46,080 Speaker 2: Going to be left field for us. 762 00:36:46,200 --> 00:36:49,560 Speaker 1: So it's finally time to start talking about trying to 763 00:36:49,560 --> 00:36:52,399 Speaker 1: answer the answer these what if questions from the off 764 00:36:52,480 --> 00:36:55,000 Speaker 1: season in spring training, we now get to shift gears 765 00:36:55,000 --> 00:36:57,720 Speaker 1: to talk about, well, what's going to happen for the season. 766 00:36:57,760 --> 00:37:00,840 Speaker 1: And that's really really exciting to see. For Steven Tolbert, 767 00:37:00,840 --> 00:37:03,200 Speaker 1: who you can find it be underscore Outliers on x 768 00:37:03,480 --> 00:37:06,840 Speaker 1: slash Twitter, one of the best when it comes to covering. 769 00:37:07,120 --> 00:37:09,759 Speaker 1: You know, not only baseball, not only the braves, but 770 00:37:09,920 --> 00:37:12,120 Speaker 1: breaking down all the great stuff when it comes to 771 00:37:12,160 --> 00:37:15,360 Speaker 1: March Madness. We also want to remind folks over three 772 00:37:15,640 --> 00:37:20,400 Speaker 1: hundred and fifty of you joined our bracket challenge. We 773 00:37:20,440 --> 00:37:23,239 Speaker 1: cannot thank you enough for that support. I checked the 774 00:37:23,280 --> 00:37:27,239 Speaker 1: standings before the show. I was not last, and that's 775 00:37:27,280 --> 00:37:29,279 Speaker 1: all that matters to me. I would love to say 776 00:37:29,320 --> 00:37:31,160 Speaker 1: that I was ahead of Scott, Brad and Steven. I 777 00:37:31,160 --> 00:37:34,120 Speaker 1: didn't necessarissarily see where all three of those guys were, 778 00:37:34,280 --> 00:37:36,319 Speaker 1: but I was not last, and so I'll take that 779 00:37:36,360 --> 00:37:37,040 Speaker 1: as a positive. 780 00:37:37,239 --> 00:37:39,319 Speaker 2: But I'm in the top ten. 781 00:37:39,800 --> 00:37:42,600 Speaker 1: Hey, there you go, Steven, join this march once again. 782 00:37:42,719 --> 00:37:44,520 Speaker 1: But the point that I'll say is this so much 783 00:37:44,520 --> 00:37:46,680 Speaker 1: to talk about. Next week when the opening day starts, 784 00:37:46,840 --> 00:37:48,480 Speaker 1: is going to be the same day of the Sweet sixteen. 785 00:37:48,520 --> 00:37:51,439 Speaker 1: Tennessee's going to be there, Alabama's likely not, but who 786 00:37:51,520 --> 00:37:54,680 Speaker 1: cares about that. The point is We've got a lot 787 00:37:54,719 --> 00:37:56,759 Speaker 1: to look forward to. So keep on keeping up with 788 00:37:56,800 --> 00:38:00,319 Speaker 1: the bracket challenge, keep on enjoying March Madness, and let's 789 00:38:00,400 --> 00:38:03,600 Speaker 1: keep on hoping for good health, potentially more moves. But 790 00:38:03,760 --> 00:38:06,440 Speaker 1: the best ramp up who possibly can to the start 791 00:38:06,520 --> 00:38:08,720 Speaker 1: of the season. Make sure you follow a Hammer Territory 792 00:38:08,719 --> 00:38:11,920 Speaker 1: across all forms of social media. Foul Territory across all 793 00:38:11,960 --> 00:38:14,560 Speaker 1: forms of social media. A lot of content from Braves 794 00:38:14,560 --> 00:38:17,120 Speaker 1: Camp for the Foul Territory guys, make sure you check 795 00:38:17,160 --> 00:38:19,600 Speaker 1: all that out. For Steven Tolbert, my name is Sean Coleman. 796 00:38:19,760 --> 00:38:22,160 Speaker 1: We're a week away from opening to day, Go Braves. 797 00:38:22,320 --> 00:38:24,640 Speaker 1: We'll talk to you again soon here on the Hammer 798 00:38:24,760 --> 00:38:25,759 Speaker 1: Territory Podcast