1 00:00:21,840 --> 00:00:24,319 Speaker 1: Welcome on and all to the Humor Territory Podcast. My 2 00:00:24,440 --> 00:00:26,800 Speaker 1: name is Sean Coleman. Hope, wherever you are and wherever 3 00:00:26,880 --> 00:00:29,880 Speaker 1: you are listening, you are having a great start to 4 00:00:29,960 --> 00:00:32,800 Speaker 1: the month of December, and of course, with December here 5 00:00:33,360 --> 00:00:35,680 Speaker 1: every year on the baseball calendar, that means the Winter 6 00:00:35,760 --> 00:00:39,159 Speaker 1: Meetings are right around the corner. And one of the 7 00:00:39,280 --> 00:00:42,200 Speaker 1: best sources that keeps us in tune with what's going 8 00:00:42,200 --> 00:00:44,280 Speaker 1: on with the Winter Meetings has been kind enough to 9 00:00:44,360 --> 00:00:47,239 Speaker 1: join us from Fan Sided and now from Foul Territory 10 00:00:47,600 --> 00:00:51,720 Speaker 1: baseball insider Robert Murray. Robert, absolute pleasure to meet you, sir. 11 00:00:51,960 --> 00:00:54,000 Speaker 1: Happy holidays till you. Thank you for taking the time 12 00:00:54,200 --> 00:00:55,200 Speaker 1: to talk with us tonight. 13 00:00:55,800 --> 00:00:57,600 Speaker 2: No, thank you for having me. This is a pleasure. 14 00:00:57,760 --> 00:00:59,480 Speaker 2: I love everything about Foul Territory. 15 00:00:59,480 --> 00:01:00,440 Speaker 3: I love everything about you. 16 00:01:00,600 --> 00:01:03,120 Speaker 2: So we're gonna have some fun today and hopefully, as 17 00:01:03,120 --> 00:01:05,959 Speaker 2: we're talking about backstage, hopefully some news breaks. We just 18 00:01:05,959 --> 00:01:08,600 Speaker 2: had something break now, so I mean, who knows. I mean, 19 00:01:08,600 --> 00:01:09,199 Speaker 2: it's the off. 20 00:01:09,040 --> 00:01:12,160 Speaker 1: Season, after all, I'm sure that's the life of someone 21 00:01:12,160 --> 00:01:15,640 Speaker 1: that covers baseball. Of course, Robert's referring to the Pirates 22 00:01:15,720 --> 00:01:18,560 Speaker 1: and Red Sox trade that just occurred. So you know, 23 00:01:18,640 --> 00:01:21,479 Speaker 1: Robert typically is on top of things, so we definitely 24 00:01:21,480 --> 00:01:22,760 Speaker 1: look forward to his insight. 25 00:01:23,040 --> 00:01:23,280 Speaker 2: Robert. 26 00:01:23,319 --> 00:01:26,120 Speaker 1: Of course, this is a Braves podcast, so let's jump 27 00:01:26,240 --> 00:01:28,520 Speaker 1: right into it. I know that you know, you cover 28 00:01:28,560 --> 00:01:30,679 Speaker 1: a lot of transactions and things like that as well, 29 00:01:30,800 --> 00:01:32,800 Speaker 1: but you do this because you're passionate about the game 30 00:01:32,840 --> 00:01:35,920 Speaker 1: and you follow the sport as a whole. The Braves 31 00:01:35,959 --> 00:01:39,280 Speaker 1: are entering a very pivotal off season. Past two seasons, 32 00:01:39,480 --> 00:01:42,800 Speaker 1: a lot of underperformance, a lot of injuries. Just where 33 00:01:42,880 --> 00:01:45,240 Speaker 1: are you're when you look at the Braves, where do 34 00:01:45,360 --> 00:01:48,000 Speaker 1: you kind of put them now in terms of what 35 00:01:48,080 --> 00:01:51,440 Speaker 1: this offseason means and just how important this soft season 36 00:01:51,560 --> 00:01:54,760 Speaker 1: is to a future they want to be as contenders. 37 00:01:55,160 --> 00:01:56,960 Speaker 1: How pivotal is this soft season for them to get 38 00:01:57,000 --> 00:01:57,360 Speaker 1: back there. 39 00:01:58,200 --> 00:01:59,440 Speaker 3: It's extremely pivotal. 40 00:01:59,560 --> 00:02:01,480 Speaker 2: And you look at that team and there is so 41 00:02:01,600 --> 00:02:04,080 Speaker 2: much talent on it, Like you have homegrown players. You 42 00:02:04,120 --> 00:02:06,920 Speaker 2: obviously traded for Matt Olsen, for Sean Murphy, you have 43 00:02:07,000 --> 00:02:10,240 Speaker 2: pitching two and Chris Sale and Spencer Stryder, Like there's 44 00:02:10,400 --> 00:02:13,040 Speaker 2: a tremendous amount of pieces here. But in recent years 45 00:02:13,080 --> 00:02:14,440 Speaker 2: the story of it has just been the amount of 46 00:02:14,440 --> 00:02:17,760 Speaker 2: injuries that they've had, and if Alexanthopolis can get this 47 00:02:17,800 --> 00:02:20,400 Speaker 2: thing right and get this ship back going, it's not 48 00:02:20,440 --> 00:02:24,440 Speaker 2: going to take much to get them back into the postseason. Like, 49 00:02:25,120 --> 00:02:26,800 Speaker 2: and even made it clear when I was talking about 50 00:02:26,800 --> 00:02:29,120 Speaker 2: the GM meetings, like he realized that there's holes on 51 00:02:29,160 --> 00:02:31,120 Speaker 2: this team, Like, it's not perfect, that he needs to 52 00:02:31,200 --> 00:02:35,280 Speaker 2: do stuff, but this core, this talent base, it's way 53 00:02:35,320 --> 00:02:37,640 Speaker 2: better than seventy six wins. It's way better than missing 54 00:02:37,680 --> 00:02:42,240 Speaker 2: the postseason. I honestly believe Alexanthopolis is the perfect guy 55 00:02:42,280 --> 00:02:44,120 Speaker 2: to get this thing done because one thing that I 56 00:02:44,840 --> 00:02:47,000 Speaker 2: hear a ton about behind the scenes is just he 57 00:02:47,120 --> 00:02:51,200 Speaker 2: is relentless. When he wants something he like, he more 58 00:02:51,240 --> 00:02:53,880 Speaker 2: often than not get it gets it done. I am 59 00:02:53,919 --> 00:02:56,760 Speaker 2: a huge fan of what he does, and this offseason 60 00:02:56,880 --> 00:02:59,640 Speaker 2: is going to be extremely active for him. And he's 61 00:02:59,639 --> 00:03:03,080 Speaker 2: made it clear he wants to get a lot of relievers, 62 00:03:03,520 --> 00:03:06,320 Speaker 2: he wants to get starting pitching, and he also wants 63 00:03:06,360 --> 00:03:08,000 Speaker 2: to get a shortstop. He's done some of that, but 64 00:03:08,040 --> 00:03:09,160 Speaker 2: he's still got a lot of work. 65 00:03:08,960 --> 00:03:09,399 Speaker 3: To do yet. 66 00:03:10,639 --> 00:03:13,160 Speaker 1: And Robert, you talked about that in an article a 67 00:03:13,200 --> 00:03:14,920 Speaker 1: few weeks ago. You're in the GM meetings, you know 68 00:03:15,000 --> 00:03:17,440 Speaker 1: exactly what the Braves were looking to get, and you're correct, 69 00:03:17,480 --> 00:03:19,720 Speaker 1: there are multiple needs out there. When you look at 70 00:03:19,720 --> 00:03:21,320 Speaker 1: this team, you talk about there being a lot of 71 00:03:21,360 --> 00:03:23,720 Speaker 1: talent and that talent needs to bounce back. That probably 72 00:03:23,760 --> 00:03:26,400 Speaker 1: remains the biggest thing for us to get back to contention. 73 00:03:26,680 --> 00:03:29,160 Speaker 1: But when it comes to adding to this team, what 74 00:03:29,360 --> 00:03:31,799 Speaker 1: stands out to you as being the biggest need, that 75 00:03:32,080 --> 00:03:34,760 Speaker 1: the most important hole to fill for this team this 76 00:03:34,840 --> 00:03:38,080 Speaker 1: offseason for you to categorize it as a successful offseason 77 00:03:38,200 --> 00:03:39,080 Speaker 1: for twenty six. 78 00:03:38,920 --> 00:03:42,119 Speaker 2: And beyond, Yeah, it's a great question, and that's something 79 00:03:42,160 --> 00:03:44,080 Speaker 2: they got to figure out. And I mean, you can 80 00:03:44,120 --> 00:03:46,360 Speaker 2: make an argument for being shortstop, you can make the 81 00:03:46,440 --> 00:03:49,840 Speaker 2: argument for being starting pitching because there's there's some holes 82 00:03:49,880 --> 00:03:53,760 Speaker 2: after you have i mean Stritter and Sale, the Gavronla 83 00:03:53,840 --> 00:03:56,320 Speaker 2: Lopez there and he feels like a pretty safe bet 84 00:03:56,360 --> 00:03:59,000 Speaker 2: to make the rotation. But after that, like what exactly 85 00:03:59,040 --> 00:04:00,560 Speaker 2: you're going to go out and do or who do 86 00:04:00,600 --> 00:04:03,440 Speaker 2: you have necessarily have a few different question marks, with 87 00:04:03,480 --> 00:04:05,880 Speaker 2: Bryce Elder being one of them. That to me is 88 00:04:05,920 --> 00:04:08,200 Speaker 2: a position they absolutely have to figure out. And it's 89 00:04:08,240 --> 00:04:11,160 Speaker 2: tricky too, and you can look at it from a 90 00:04:11,240 --> 00:04:13,960 Speaker 2: Freegio perspective. You can look at a Zach Gallon, you 91 00:04:13,960 --> 00:04:16,960 Speaker 2: could look at I mean fromer Valdez. You can look 92 00:04:16,960 --> 00:04:18,880 Speaker 2: at a Ranger Suarez. But what are those guys have 93 00:04:18,960 --> 00:04:22,320 Speaker 2: in common qualifying offer and do they want to part 94 00:04:22,360 --> 00:04:24,160 Speaker 2: with a draft pick to get them? Do you explore 95 00:04:24,200 --> 00:04:27,120 Speaker 2: the trade market? I mean there's the trade markets kind 96 00:04:27,160 --> 00:04:29,520 Speaker 2: of like there's there's names out there that have been 97 00:04:29,560 --> 00:04:32,600 Speaker 2: floated for sure, like Freddie Parolta has been one. Matt 98 00:04:32,720 --> 00:04:35,800 Speaker 2: Arnold and Mark Antinazio there in Milwaukee have basically said 99 00:04:35,800 --> 00:04:39,280 Speaker 2: that them extending the qualifying offer to Brandon Woodruff but 100 00:04:39,320 --> 00:04:41,640 Speaker 2: also him accepting it does not mean that Peralta is 101 00:04:41,640 --> 00:04:43,880 Speaker 2: going to be traded. I still think the door is 102 00:04:43,920 --> 00:04:47,600 Speaker 2: open there for sure. Mackenzie Gore, he is someone who 103 00:04:47,960 --> 00:04:50,640 Speaker 2: I think has a better chance of than Peralta being moved. 104 00:04:51,160 --> 00:04:53,880 Speaker 2: That being said, like, it's still no guarantee. But there's 105 00:04:54,000 --> 00:04:57,160 Speaker 2: names in the trade market, but who exactly they identify 106 00:04:57,240 --> 00:04:59,920 Speaker 2: and go out and get to upgrade that starting pitchings 107 00:05:00,880 --> 00:05:02,839 Speaker 2: to me is a huge question mark. And also the 108 00:05:02,880 --> 00:05:05,640 Speaker 2: saying can be said too at shortstop because there's no 109 00:05:05,720 --> 00:05:09,120 Speaker 2: real questions or there's no real answers externally, especially in 110 00:05:09,200 --> 00:05:11,400 Speaker 2: free agency because the market is pretty thin, and I 111 00:05:11,440 --> 00:05:13,880 Speaker 2: don't expect Bobushet to be an option there for Atlanta. 112 00:05:15,440 --> 00:05:17,120 Speaker 2: And also Kim, I know we're going to get into 113 00:05:17,120 --> 00:05:20,360 Speaker 2: that a little bit later, but there's no real answers 114 00:05:20,440 --> 00:05:22,480 Speaker 2: or like I mean, they traded for Mariso Dubon too. 115 00:05:22,480 --> 00:05:24,560 Speaker 2: I don't want to forget about him, but I would 116 00:05:24,640 --> 00:05:26,800 Speaker 2: like him more in a reserve slash utility role than 117 00:05:26,800 --> 00:05:28,039 Speaker 2: a full time shortstop role. 118 00:05:29,040 --> 00:05:31,039 Speaker 1: That makes good sense, And you know, those are some 119 00:05:31,080 --> 00:05:33,200 Speaker 1: of the names that we've talked about. It agreed with 120 00:05:33,240 --> 00:05:36,800 Speaker 1: you that the Boat Bushitt option his offense certainly would 121 00:05:36,800 --> 00:05:39,120 Speaker 1: would make sense for Atlanta, but filling the in at 122 00:05:39,160 --> 00:05:41,839 Speaker 1: that shortop position the defense probably long term, is not 123 00:05:41,920 --> 00:05:45,839 Speaker 1: something that projects there. What you talked about Alex and Toopless, 124 00:05:45,880 --> 00:05:48,760 Speaker 1: you mentioned about the fact that he is relentless, especially 125 00:05:48,760 --> 00:05:52,599 Speaker 1: when he has a target in mind. One other unique 126 00:05:52,600 --> 00:05:55,880 Speaker 1: and beneficial aspect of this offseason, Robert, is that the Braves. 127 00:05:55,920 --> 00:05:57,839 Speaker 1: Of course, with Drake baud Win winning Rookie of the Year, 128 00:05:57,960 --> 00:05:59,800 Speaker 1: they got that extra draft pick we know which twenty 129 00:05:59,800 --> 00:06:02,600 Speaker 1: six in the draft. In that twenty sixth draft, they're 130 00:06:02,600 --> 00:06:06,040 Speaker 1: going to have more opportunity to influx talent back into 131 00:06:06,080 --> 00:06:10,400 Speaker 1: the system. That could make them more aggressive, potentially either 132 00:06:10,520 --> 00:06:14,120 Speaker 1: maybe going after someone with a qualifying offer or meeting 133 00:06:14,120 --> 00:06:16,240 Speaker 1: a price that they may not have met previously for 134 00:06:16,440 --> 00:06:20,880 Speaker 1: a significant trade target. Which avenue do you think Alex 135 00:06:20,920 --> 00:06:23,080 Speaker 1: and thopplss may go down? It's been trades in the 136 00:06:23,120 --> 00:06:24,840 Speaker 1: past for him, but could we see a bit of 137 00:06:24,839 --> 00:06:28,080 Speaker 1: an unorthodox free agent splash. Which avenue do you think 138 00:06:28,120 --> 00:06:29,200 Speaker 1: he may be most aggressive in. 139 00:06:29,800 --> 00:06:31,599 Speaker 2: It's a great question, and I feel like both are 140 00:06:31,640 --> 00:06:33,919 Speaker 2: gonna end up being under consideration for him, but also 141 00:06:33,960 --> 00:06:35,760 Speaker 2: the trade market too, like that's when he's done his 142 00:06:35,800 --> 00:06:38,000 Speaker 2: best work. And like the thing is with the Braves 143 00:06:38,080 --> 00:06:41,640 Speaker 2: is like I listed Peralta, I listed Mackenzie Gore. I mean, shoot, 144 00:06:41,640 --> 00:06:43,640 Speaker 2: there's gonna be other guys in the trade market as well. 145 00:06:44,040 --> 00:06:46,200 Speaker 2: But more often than not, he pulls a rabbit out 146 00:06:46,240 --> 00:06:48,560 Speaker 2: of as you know what, and all of a sudden 147 00:06:48,600 --> 00:06:51,440 Speaker 2: we see a Braves press release and it's Braves Acquire 148 00:06:51,600 --> 00:06:54,760 Speaker 2: don't know, Chris Sale, Braves Acquire Medals, and like it's 149 00:06:54,839 --> 00:06:57,840 Speaker 2: it's absolutely incredible how relentless he is. 150 00:06:58,040 --> 00:06:59,520 Speaker 3: But also like nothing. 151 00:06:59,200 --> 00:07:02,719 Speaker 2: With Atlanta Lee, it is so last minute when we 152 00:07:02,800 --> 00:07:06,919 Speaker 2: find stuff out, it's a tremendous credit to him. So Like, 153 00:07:07,000 --> 00:07:09,000 Speaker 2: but reading between the lines of what he said at 154 00:07:09,040 --> 00:07:12,160 Speaker 2: the GM meetings and what I've heard, is like starting 155 00:07:12,160 --> 00:07:14,520 Speaker 2: pitching is absolutely a priority for him. Like that to 156 00:07:14,600 --> 00:07:18,240 Speaker 2: me is the ultimate area where they explore for agency. 157 00:07:18,280 --> 00:07:19,960 Speaker 2: And I mean it's not like they've been against for 158 00:07:20,040 --> 00:07:22,520 Speaker 2: agency in years past, like they made a very competitive 159 00:07:22,560 --> 00:07:25,040 Speaker 2: offer in Aaron Nola before he ended up going back 160 00:07:25,040 --> 00:07:28,600 Speaker 2: to Philadelphia, but they've been open to both. I still 161 00:07:28,640 --> 00:07:30,760 Speaker 2: think the trade market is probably what he explores the 162 00:07:30,800 --> 00:07:33,600 Speaker 2: most there. I'm curious to see what exactly what he 163 00:07:33,680 --> 00:07:36,360 Speaker 2: ends up getting or who ends up targeting because at 164 00:07:36,360 --> 00:07:38,960 Speaker 2: this point, as it always is with Atlanta, it's kind 165 00:07:38,960 --> 00:07:39,520 Speaker 2: of a mystery. 166 00:07:40,760 --> 00:07:42,920 Speaker 1: And one other note that I'll ask your opinion on 167 00:07:43,000 --> 00:07:44,880 Speaker 1: when it comes to Atlanta in the trade market. I 168 00:07:44,920 --> 00:07:46,800 Speaker 1: know that other teams, you know, especially when it comes 169 00:07:46,840 --> 00:07:50,000 Speaker 1: to national rankings and things like that, you may have them, 170 00:07:50,040 --> 00:07:53,040 Speaker 1: you know, potentially being able to offer better prospect packages. 171 00:07:53,160 --> 00:07:55,720 Speaker 1: But the brave strength, once again is young pitching, and 172 00:07:55,760 --> 00:07:57,600 Speaker 1: there are a lot of teams out there that could 173 00:07:57,640 --> 00:08:00,640 Speaker 1: use that could that potentially position them better than people 174 00:08:00,640 --> 00:08:03,040 Speaker 1: may expect for a big name target, whether it be 175 00:08:03,040 --> 00:08:05,760 Speaker 1: a starting pitcher or some type of position player. Is 176 00:08:05,840 --> 00:08:07,720 Speaker 1: that something that could get at lant up further in 177 00:08:07,800 --> 00:08:10,640 Speaker 1: talks than some people may anticipate for a high value 178 00:08:10,640 --> 00:08:11,240 Speaker 1: trade target. 179 00:08:11,800 --> 00:08:14,200 Speaker 2: Oh, for sure, Like it's that for me, it opens 180 00:08:14,200 --> 00:08:16,440 Speaker 2: a door for any kind of possibility. I don't believe 181 00:08:16,440 --> 00:08:17,960 Speaker 2: they're not going to get stupid by any because they're 182 00:08:17,960 --> 00:08:19,840 Speaker 2: not going to end up market mortgaging the farm by 183 00:08:19,840 --> 00:08:23,080 Speaker 2: any means. But they are in a position where from 184 00:08:23,080 --> 00:08:27,440 Speaker 2: a prospect capital from I mean shoot peril perspective as well, 185 00:08:27,720 --> 00:08:29,200 Speaker 2: because they made it clear that they want to be 186 00:08:29,200 --> 00:08:31,640 Speaker 2: a top five name or like a top five option 187 00:08:31,720 --> 00:08:35,160 Speaker 2: in peril in Major League Baseball. That opens a door 188 00:08:35,240 --> 00:08:38,120 Speaker 2: for any particular option that Nthopless wants. He can go 189 00:08:38,160 --> 00:08:42,679 Speaker 2: shopping down any aisle. And I am, like, I feel 190 00:08:42,679 --> 00:08:45,120 Speaker 2: bad not having like an an answer, like a direct name, 191 00:08:45,280 --> 00:08:47,640 Speaker 2: but I think, you know, covering the braves, it's just 192 00:08:47,679 --> 00:08:51,960 Speaker 2: so difficult to pinpoint who Anthopoless is targeting. It's yeah, 193 00:08:52,000 --> 00:08:54,760 Speaker 2: he operates in silence more than anybody I've ever met. 194 00:08:54,800 --> 00:08:58,160 Speaker 2: Like it's it's actually incredible, But everything should be at 195 00:08:58,160 --> 00:09:01,720 Speaker 2: his disposal. That much I can say, Well. 196 00:09:01,640 --> 00:09:04,839 Speaker 1: While much may not be known, that doesn't mean much 197 00:09:04,960 --> 00:09:07,000 Speaker 1: is being done. And that is one thing that is known. 198 00:09:07,320 --> 00:09:10,600 Speaker 1: Alex is going to do his work. But the thing 199 00:09:10,640 --> 00:09:13,040 Speaker 1: about it is go ahead. Do you have something else 200 00:09:13,040 --> 00:09:13,720 Speaker 1: to at yourself? 201 00:09:13,760 --> 00:09:16,040 Speaker 2: Oh no, I'm glad you said it, because like the 202 00:09:16,120 --> 00:09:18,199 Speaker 2: silence and like the lack of reports does not mean 203 00:09:18,240 --> 00:09:21,040 Speaker 2: he's not operating. Like that's something that I've heard from 204 00:09:21,040 --> 00:09:24,160 Speaker 2: so many people is like he's doing nothing, Like I've 205 00:09:24,200 --> 00:09:26,840 Speaker 2: not seen any reports about the Braves being interested. No, 206 00:09:27,000 --> 00:09:29,800 Speaker 2: he lurks behind the scenes. He makes sure things stay 207 00:09:29,880 --> 00:09:32,720 Speaker 2: quiet because they have a very small circle of trust 208 00:09:32,760 --> 00:09:37,320 Speaker 2: there in Atlanta, and he is as relentless as any 209 00:09:37,400 --> 00:09:39,760 Speaker 2: executive that I can, like I bet around in baseball, 210 00:09:39,800 --> 00:09:42,160 Speaker 2: maybe I mean besides a j Preller and Jerry Depoto, 211 00:09:42,280 --> 00:09:46,160 Speaker 2: but he's uh, it is very unique. But it's also 212 00:09:46,400 --> 00:09:47,120 Speaker 2: I'm clearly it. 213 00:09:47,120 --> 00:09:50,920 Speaker 1: Works absolutely and it's what's put us in success in 214 00:09:50,960 --> 00:09:53,440 Speaker 1: the past. And hopefully we'll continue in a bit, but 215 00:09:53,720 --> 00:09:56,320 Speaker 1: of course with Robert here we'll at least talk about 216 00:09:56,320 --> 00:09:58,000 Speaker 1: a few names. So we'll discuss those in just a 217 00:09:58,040 --> 00:10:01,640 Speaker 1: moment after a word from our partners. So Robert, you know, 218 00:10:01,720 --> 00:10:03,560 Speaker 1: I know we talked about pitching. I know we talked 219 00:10:03,559 --> 00:10:06,000 Speaker 1: about the shortstop position. But let's get to a name 220 00:10:06,040 --> 00:10:08,000 Speaker 1: that probably is creating the most buzz right now and 221 00:10:08,080 --> 00:10:10,880 Speaker 1: especially when it comes to Atlanta, and that's Byron Buxton 222 00:10:10,920 --> 00:10:14,080 Speaker 1: of the Minnesota Twins. Now, there's a lot of connections 223 00:10:14,120 --> 00:10:16,080 Speaker 1: that make sense for Atlanta. They could use as bad. 224 00:10:16,320 --> 00:10:19,240 Speaker 1: It makes it sta at another outfielder with their outfielder situation. 225 00:10:19,520 --> 00:10:22,680 Speaker 1: He's from Atlanta, and there's previous interest that was reported 226 00:10:22,720 --> 00:10:26,200 Speaker 1: from multiple outlets earlier this year. Your thoughts on that. 227 00:10:26,280 --> 00:10:29,000 Speaker 1: We all know that Atlanta makes sense for a lot 228 00:10:29,000 --> 00:10:33,319 Speaker 1: of reasons, but how sensible is this to actually consider 229 00:10:33,360 --> 00:10:34,760 Speaker 1: it being a realistic option. 230 00:10:35,640 --> 00:10:37,960 Speaker 2: I think it's very sensible. This is an option that 231 00:10:38,040 --> 00:10:41,040 Speaker 2: to me, this is the This should be the top 232 00:10:41,080 --> 00:10:44,280 Speaker 2: target for the Braves and you. Byron Buxton is an 233 00:10:44,320 --> 00:10:48,160 Speaker 2: incredible player offensively, defensively. If he can stay healthy, we're 234 00:10:48,160 --> 00:10:50,040 Speaker 2: talking about one of the best players in baseball. But 235 00:10:50,080 --> 00:10:53,280 Speaker 2: he's also on a super affordable contract as well, and 236 00:10:53,880 --> 00:10:57,439 Speaker 2: he is very open to waiving his no trade clause 237 00:10:57,480 --> 00:11:00,600 Speaker 2: to go to Atlanta. There's other teams that are we'd 238 00:11:00,640 --> 00:11:03,720 Speaker 2: be open to. I believe as Jeff Passing and ESPN reported, 239 00:11:04,200 --> 00:11:06,920 Speaker 2: So shout out to Jeff for that. But this also 240 00:11:06,960 --> 00:11:09,160 Speaker 2: depends on the direction of the Minnesota Twins. Like that 241 00:11:09,320 --> 00:11:11,880 Speaker 2: trade deadline sell off that they had was super like 242 00:11:12,720 --> 00:11:15,760 Speaker 2: We've we've barely seen anything like that in baseball before. 243 00:11:16,200 --> 00:11:18,640 Speaker 2: And now what do they do this offseason? Do they 244 00:11:18,679 --> 00:11:21,280 Speaker 2: trade Joe Ryan, do they trade Pablo Lopez? Do they 245 00:11:21,800 --> 00:11:24,040 Speaker 2: trade off the major league roster? Even more, if that 246 00:11:24,200 --> 00:11:26,600 Speaker 2: ends up happening, then if Buxton trade really becomes a 247 00:11:26,640 --> 00:11:30,160 Speaker 2: possibility for Minnesota, and that's exactly when everyone's gonna start 248 00:11:30,160 --> 00:11:32,800 Speaker 2: speculating all of this could be when Anthopolis strikes, like 249 00:11:32,840 --> 00:11:35,040 Speaker 2: that could be the one move with Atlanta that we 250 00:11:35,120 --> 00:11:38,080 Speaker 2: really forecasts, like oh yeah, like that could be something 251 00:11:38,120 --> 00:11:43,160 Speaker 2: that that Anthopless would absolutely pursue. But until the Twins 252 00:11:43,240 --> 00:11:45,440 Speaker 2: end up trading someone off of their major league roster, 253 00:11:45,559 --> 00:11:48,439 Speaker 2: I'm skeptical about Buxton being moved. But I'm telling you, 254 00:11:48,640 --> 00:11:51,160 Speaker 2: throughout this entire offseason, I'll be tracking that. I'll be 255 00:11:51,200 --> 00:11:54,520 Speaker 2: watching that like a hawk because the talk about Atlanta 256 00:11:54,640 --> 00:11:55,400 Speaker 2: is not going to go away. 257 00:11:55,480 --> 00:11:56,640 Speaker 3: Like that Atlanta. 258 00:11:56,280 --> 00:11:58,120 Speaker 2: Connection where he grew up in Georgia, Like that's a 259 00:11:58,240 --> 00:12:02,199 Speaker 2: very real thing. He's comfortable there. I'm watching it. I'm 260 00:12:02,200 --> 00:12:04,560 Speaker 2: not guant guaranteeing it by any means, but it braves 261 00:12:04,559 --> 00:12:05,960 Speaker 2: to me and make the most sense of any team. 262 00:12:05,960 --> 00:12:07,680 Speaker 2: If the trade that actually does go through. 263 00:12:08,000 --> 00:12:09,960 Speaker 1: Yeah, it seems like it's one of those situations where 264 00:12:10,000 --> 00:12:13,520 Speaker 1: it's still more likely than not he stays in Minnesota. 265 00:12:13,559 --> 00:12:16,120 Speaker 1: But if a trade actually happens, it's even more percentage 266 00:12:16,120 --> 00:12:18,360 Speaker 1: that he could come to Atlanta. But to your point, 267 00:12:18,480 --> 00:12:21,520 Speaker 1: it's conditional more than anything, Right, This isn't something that 268 00:12:21,640 --> 00:12:23,400 Speaker 1: likely is going to happen at the Winter Meetings. Other 269 00:12:23,440 --> 00:12:26,679 Speaker 1: moves have to happen for the twins, and I'll kind 270 00:12:26,679 --> 00:12:28,480 Speaker 1: of hint at that real quickly when it comes to 271 00:12:28,679 --> 00:12:32,000 Speaker 1: what you anticipate Alex and Thoppless may do, especially at 272 00:12:32,040 --> 00:12:35,840 Speaker 1: the Winter Meetings. Position player wise, Buxton is someone that 273 00:12:35,880 --> 00:12:38,000 Speaker 1: we could see them go after. We're gonna get into 274 00:12:38,040 --> 00:12:40,000 Speaker 1: Hasan Kim in a minute. But do you think that 275 00:12:40,040 --> 00:12:42,680 Speaker 1: there could be a surprise move, some other type of 276 00:12:42,720 --> 00:12:47,440 Speaker 1: move that maybe Alexandoppolss inquires about Byron Buckson. He doesn't 277 00:12:47,480 --> 00:12:49,520 Speaker 1: get the response that he likes, and so we pivot 278 00:12:49,600 --> 00:12:52,880 Speaker 1: somewhere at the Winter Meetings because another opportunity rises. Could 279 00:12:52,920 --> 00:12:55,800 Speaker 1: you see there being we talked about off the law opportunities. 280 00:12:55,880 --> 00:12:58,079 Speaker 1: Could you see that being in the position player aspect 281 00:12:58,080 --> 00:13:00,640 Speaker 1: of things, them adding the surprise source of hour maybe 282 00:13:00,760 --> 00:13:03,000 Speaker 1: or to the outfield other than names have been mentioned. 283 00:13:03,520 --> 00:13:05,800 Speaker 2: Yeah, And first of all, I'll go back to the 284 00:13:05,800 --> 00:13:08,080 Speaker 2: Buston thing for a second because I'm gonna like tie 285 00:13:08,640 --> 00:13:11,320 Speaker 2: two of these things together. Is his relentlessness can end 286 00:13:11,400 --> 00:13:14,880 Speaker 2: up really benefiting him. Let's say the twins say, now, 287 00:13:15,160 --> 00:13:17,800 Speaker 2: in two weeks from now, three weeks from now, yeah, 288 00:13:17,800 --> 00:13:20,559 Speaker 2: we're not trading Buston. But in week four he calls 289 00:13:21,120 --> 00:13:23,200 Speaker 2: and next thing you know, they're suddenly open to moving home. 290 00:13:23,600 --> 00:13:26,440 Speaker 2: That's when that can end up really benefiting him, and 291 00:13:26,480 --> 00:13:29,080 Speaker 2: his relentless or relentlessness can end up getting him a 292 00:13:29,080 --> 00:13:33,400 Speaker 2: Buckston type or anybody else like that. But that being said, 293 00:13:33,480 --> 00:13:36,720 Speaker 2: like going, okay, so let's go back to the position 294 00:13:36,800 --> 00:13:39,880 Speaker 2: player market here, because I said I don't believe Bobaschet's 295 00:13:39,880 --> 00:13:41,439 Speaker 2: get end up being an option for them. I think 296 00:13:42,080 --> 00:13:45,280 Speaker 2: Bishett is a player who I believe could do much 297 00:13:45,320 --> 00:13:48,120 Speaker 2: more meaningfully better in free agencies than some of the 298 00:13:48,120 --> 00:13:51,000 Speaker 2: projections here. I've seen the William Domas projection of one 299 00:13:51,080 --> 00:13:53,400 Speaker 2: hundred and eighty two million. I've seen I believe Emily 300 00:13:53,400 --> 00:13:56,400 Speaker 2: trade Ermers predict two hundred and eight million. I could 301 00:13:56,400 --> 00:13:59,199 Speaker 2: see it being closer to Xander or Xander Bogarts is 302 00:13:59,200 --> 00:14:02,240 Speaker 2: two hundred eighty MILLI like that's but Schet's got a 303 00:14:02,240 --> 00:14:04,800 Speaker 2: lot of fans in baseball, and that is part of 304 00:14:04,880 --> 00:14:08,880 Speaker 2: also the part of my logic and thinking that Atlanta 305 00:14:08,960 --> 00:14:11,720 Speaker 2: may not be the best fit for Bishet. But that 306 00:14:11,840 --> 00:14:16,200 Speaker 2: being said, the position player market, like infield wise, is 307 00:14:16,520 --> 00:14:19,200 Speaker 2: not very good in free agency this year, so that 308 00:14:19,240 --> 00:14:22,160 Speaker 2: could be something where they end up exploring it through trade. 309 00:14:22,520 --> 00:14:25,400 Speaker 2: Willie Castro, you never know, he's a pre agent right now. 310 00:14:25,640 --> 00:14:27,240 Speaker 2: It was an option that was moved to the deadline. 311 00:14:27,360 --> 00:14:29,440 Speaker 2: Maybe that could end up being a possibility. But if 312 00:14:29,480 --> 00:14:31,840 Speaker 2: they're gonna end up coming off of a surprise at 313 00:14:31,880 --> 00:14:34,320 Speaker 2: the Winter meetings or just somewhere in the offseason as 314 00:14:34,360 --> 00:14:37,920 Speaker 2: far as a position player goes, that to me kind 315 00:14:37,920 --> 00:14:41,040 Speaker 2: of screams and thopless making a trade. But again, who's 316 00:14:41,040 --> 00:14:42,520 Speaker 2: out there that he would end up trying to do 317 00:14:42,560 --> 00:14:43,840 Speaker 2: that with, And. 318 00:14:43,840 --> 00:14:45,760 Speaker 1: Of course, you know, depending on what happens when the 319 00:14:45,760 --> 00:14:48,360 Speaker 1: Pirate bucks in front, certainly plays into that. But one 320 00:14:48,400 --> 00:14:50,920 Speaker 1: other name that many in Braves Country are interested to 321 00:14:50,960 --> 00:14:53,560 Speaker 1: know about is Hasan Kim, who the Braves of course 322 00:14:53,640 --> 00:14:55,760 Speaker 1: claimed off of waivers from the Rays for one month 323 00:14:55,960 --> 00:14:58,480 Speaker 1: at the end of last year. Declined his player option 324 00:14:58,560 --> 00:15:00,240 Speaker 1: for this year, which makes sense, but they're not being 325 00:15:00,280 --> 00:15:02,760 Speaker 1: many shortstop options. Robert, what are you hearing as far 326 00:15:02,800 --> 00:15:04,960 Speaker 1: as is the market for halas On Kim? Maybe the 327 00:15:04,960 --> 00:15:07,480 Speaker 1: Braves involved in there, because even with the acquisition of 328 00:15:07,560 --> 00:15:10,240 Speaker 1: Maurisio Debon you said it yourself, he's probably better in 329 00:15:10,240 --> 00:15:12,840 Speaker 1: a utility role. And hey, if haws On Kim, if 330 00:15:12,840 --> 00:15:15,480 Speaker 1: the price is bride, he's still a winning player, which 331 00:15:15,480 --> 00:15:17,720 Speaker 1: the Braves want to do. Just your thoughts on where 332 00:15:17,800 --> 00:15:19,560 Speaker 1: things are kind of with him and where the Braves 333 00:15:19,600 --> 00:15:20,160 Speaker 1: mixed into that. 334 00:15:20,800 --> 00:15:23,720 Speaker 2: Yeah, this is a player that Atlanta likes and he 335 00:15:23,960 --> 00:15:26,280 Speaker 2: liked being in Atlanta, and I believe the interest is 336 00:15:26,280 --> 00:15:27,160 Speaker 2: going to be mutual there. 337 00:15:27,200 --> 00:15:28,560 Speaker 3: But one of the things that his. 338 00:15:28,560 --> 00:15:31,120 Speaker 2: Agent, Scott Bores, is known for is waiting out the 339 00:15:31,120 --> 00:15:34,800 Speaker 2: market and he lets the market establish the values for 340 00:15:34,800 --> 00:15:37,400 Speaker 2: their players or for his players, and if the opportunity 341 00:15:37,480 --> 00:15:40,320 Speaker 2: presents itself like he'll sign, they'll sign quick like we 342 00:15:40,360 --> 00:15:42,000 Speaker 2: saw it with Dylan Cees where he got two hundred 343 00:15:42,000 --> 00:15:45,000 Speaker 2: and ten million. He took that deal right away. Signs 344 00:15:45,000 --> 00:15:47,640 Speaker 2: super aggressively in free agency. But we've also seen players 345 00:15:47,960 --> 00:15:50,800 Speaker 2: linger into like June or not June, but like into 346 00:15:51,200 --> 00:15:53,760 Speaker 2: March or something like that. And that feels to me 347 00:15:53,920 --> 00:15:55,720 Speaker 2: like something that can end up happening here with haus 348 00:15:55,800 --> 00:15:58,920 Speaker 2: On Kim, So I would imagine Anthopolis is going to 349 00:15:58,960 --> 00:16:01,200 Speaker 2: want to answer as sooner rather than later. I mean, 350 00:16:01,280 --> 00:16:04,000 Speaker 2: maybe an offer like an offer is made that entice 351 00:16:04,040 --> 00:16:06,360 Speaker 2: is Kim and Boris to take it. But if they 352 00:16:06,400 --> 00:16:08,640 Speaker 2: want an answer sooner rather than later, my guess as 353 00:16:08,640 --> 00:16:12,120 Speaker 2: they look in a different direction. But neutral interests sometimes 354 00:16:12,160 --> 00:16:13,480 Speaker 2: lead to deals. You never know. 355 00:16:13,640 --> 00:16:14,640 Speaker 1: But I don't know. 356 00:16:14,680 --> 00:16:16,200 Speaker 2: I think the Braids are gonna have to go exploring 357 00:16:16,240 --> 00:16:17,120 Speaker 2: some other options here. 358 00:16:18,200 --> 00:16:20,560 Speaker 1: So that's the thing. We know two names that the 359 00:16:20,560 --> 00:16:22,920 Speaker 1: Braves are really tied to, but hey, there's also other 360 00:16:22,960 --> 00:16:25,800 Speaker 1: teams that are interested. So don't be surprised if you 361 00:16:25,840 --> 00:16:28,240 Speaker 1: hear more rumors about Hassan Kim and Byron Bucks and 362 00:16:28,280 --> 00:16:31,720 Speaker 1: the Braves, but be just as you know, competent that 363 00:16:31,720 --> 00:16:34,000 Speaker 1: they can pivot somewhere else. That's kind of the the 364 00:16:34,080 --> 00:16:36,040 Speaker 1: overall theme that I'm getting from you. 365 00:16:36,080 --> 00:16:37,120 Speaker 3: No, that's exactly it. 366 00:16:37,200 --> 00:16:39,360 Speaker 2: And like I again, I wish I had more answers 367 00:16:39,400 --> 00:16:43,440 Speaker 2: like on direct names with Atlanta, but man, they runs 368 00:16:43,440 --> 00:16:47,600 Speaker 2: a tight ship there, man, yeah, yeah, absolutely. 369 00:16:48,000 --> 00:16:50,480 Speaker 1: Of course, though we talk about the position player side 370 00:16:50,520 --> 00:16:53,240 Speaker 1: of things, but as you mentioned, going to talk about 371 00:16:53,280 --> 00:16:55,200 Speaker 1: a few names maybe on the pitching side of things 372 00:16:55,200 --> 00:16:57,520 Speaker 1: that could make sense with the thoughts, especially for you, 373 00:16:57,600 --> 00:17:00,400 Speaker 1: that Atlanta could feel those needs. More on that in 374 00:17:00,480 --> 00:17:03,880 Speaker 1: just a moment. So, Robert, we talked about in the 375 00:17:03,880 --> 00:17:07,040 Speaker 1: first segment. We know Alex Andthopolis you really felt coming 376 00:17:07,040 --> 00:17:08,960 Speaker 1: away from that we could talk about the offense under 377 00:17:08,960 --> 00:17:11,919 Speaker 1: performance and how a difference maker is needed. Their depth 378 00:17:12,119 --> 00:17:14,560 Speaker 1: is probably what is needed on the starting pitching front, 379 00:17:14,600 --> 00:17:17,760 Speaker 1: especially for the Braves. What is kind of the assessment 380 00:17:17,760 --> 00:17:20,280 Speaker 1: that you get about the braves pursuit of starting pitching. 381 00:17:20,480 --> 00:17:22,200 Speaker 1: You know, we know the big names that are out 382 00:17:22,200 --> 00:17:24,880 Speaker 1: there with the qualifying offers attached to them. A name 383 00:17:24,960 --> 00:17:26,639 Speaker 1: or two, maybe I'll met second tier that could be 384 00:17:26,680 --> 00:17:28,679 Speaker 1: more of a depth option, or could they go the 385 00:17:28,720 --> 00:17:31,240 Speaker 1: trade route for maybe a controllable pitcher. What kind of 386 00:17:31,280 --> 00:17:32,760 Speaker 1: direction do you think the Braves may take when it 387 00:17:32,760 --> 00:17:33,920 Speaker 1: comes to their pitching pursuits. 388 00:17:34,520 --> 00:17:37,640 Speaker 2: Yeah, I believe they're gonna end up having every avenue 389 00:17:37,760 --> 00:17:40,320 Speaker 2: available here for them that you like. You can look 390 00:17:40,359 --> 00:17:43,240 Speaker 2: at the top tier guys ra Anger Suarez, fran Ravaldez 391 00:17:43,640 --> 00:17:46,400 Speaker 2: like players like that. Zach Gallen is a player who 392 00:17:46,440 --> 00:17:49,960 Speaker 2: obviously is attached to the qualifying offer. Another one that 393 00:17:50,320 --> 00:17:52,879 Speaker 2: is not attached to the qualifying offer who could make 394 00:17:52,960 --> 00:17:57,400 Speaker 2: some sense is Merril Kelly, and he is someone who 395 00:17:57,560 --> 00:18:00,480 Speaker 2: a reunion in Arizona is absolutely in play for Ki Like, 396 00:18:00,560 --> 00:18:03,240 Speaker 2: so there's gonna be plenty of competition for him. But 397 00:18:03,440 --> 00:18:07,159 Speaker 2: he was really good in Arizona, was good in Texas. 398 00:18:07,640 --> 00:18:09,840 Speaker 2: He is someone who I believe is going to be 399 00:18:09,840 --> 00:18:11,639 Speaker 2: having a really strong market. He kind of, to me, 400 00:18:11,840 --> 00:18:15,720 Speaker 2: fits exactly what Atlanta likes. And one thing that I've heard, 401 00:18:16,840 --> 00:18:20,040 Speaker 2: like continuously from the Brave side for years ever since 402 00:18:20,040 --> 00:18:23,840 Speaker 2: I've gotten into baseball, really is Anthopolis likes players who 403 00:18:23,880 --> 00:18:26,040 Speaker 2: are really good locker room guys like That's something that 404 00:18:26,359 --> 00:18:29,040 Speaker 2: he prides himself on. He wants to have good people 405 00:18:29,119 --> 00:18:31,119 Speaker 2: and make it really easy for him to come to work. 406 00:18:31,400 --> 00:18:34,560 Speaker 2: I was around Kelly here in Arizona, and he's a 407 00:18:34,600 --> 00:18:37,840 Speaker 2: great dude. People Rave about him. So from a culture perspective, 408 00:18:37,920 --> 00:18:40,560 Speaker 2: from a performance standpoint, like, that's a really good fit 409 00:18:40,600 --> 00:18:43,879 Speaker 2: there too. But also we got to like start thinking 410 00:18:43,920 --> 00:18:46,040 Speaker 2: a little bit outside the box here because we saw 411 00:18:46,119 --> 00:18:49,400 Speaker 2: them sign Ronaldo Lopez. It's a bullpen guy and they 412 00:18:49,440 --> 00:18:52,719 Speaker 2: moved him to the rotation. Could that be something that 413 00:18:52,880 --> 00:18:56,080 Speaker 2: say they do with Brad Keller. Keller has been drawing 414 00:18:56,080 --> 00:18:58,639 Speaker 2: interest from teams from as a starting pitcher as a reliever. 415 00:18:59,000 --> 00:19:00,800 Speaker 2: He was awesome with the Hubs last year, So I 416 00:19:00,840 --> 00:19:02,760 Speaker 2: don't know, a minor league deal, had a two point 417 00:19:02,760 --> 00:19:06,120 Speaker 2: oh eight r and sixty eight appearances. Again, I don't 418 00:19:06,160 --> 00:19:09,160 Speaker 2: know exactly what the Brave view him as, but that 419 00:19:09,240 --> 00:19:11,359 Speaker 2: to me would make a lot of sense there. You 420 00:19:11,480 --> 00:19:14,359 Speaker 2: never know, but those are two options that to me 421 00:19:14,480 --> 00:19:16,720 Speaker 2: kind of stand out at least initially here. 422 00:19:17,600 --> 00:19:19,960 Speaker 1: Yeah, a lot of versatility guys that can also eat 423 00:19:20,000 --> 00:19:22,080 Speaker 1: innings as well. You know that that's something else that 424 00:19:22,280 --> 00:19:25,720 Speaker 1: durability is something that definitely the Braves could use. So 425 00:19:26,040 --> 00:19:28,800 Speaker 1: speed of a current Brave Robert you know, of course, 426 00:19:28,800 --> 00:19:32,560 Speaker 1: Spencer Strider came off of elbow surgery last year and 427 00:19:32,560 --> 00:19:35,560 Speaker 1: the results were, you know, they were not encouraging for 428 00:19:35,640 --> 00:19:37,560 Speaker 1: much of the year. Did a little bit better towards 429 00:19:37,560 --> 00:19:39,720 Speaker 1: the end of the year, but it was a figure 430 00:19:39,720 --> 00:19:44,000 Speaker 1: it out as you go type situation because the trademark 431 00:19:44,080 --> 00:19:47,080 Speaker 1: velocity just was not there. With what you talk with 432 00:19:47,160 --> 00:19:50,480 Speaker 1: folks about around baseball, your own assessment as well, seems 433 00:19:50,520 --> 00:19:52,080 Speaker 1: like there could be a lot of outcomes with Spencer 434 00:19:52,119 --> 00:19:53,959 Speaker 1: Strider and twenty six and beyond, just where do you 435 00:19:54,000 --> 00:19:56,280 Speaker 1: think he is? Because for the Braves to get back 436 00:19:56,320 --> 00:19:59,200 Speaker 1: to contention, that becomes a lot more likely with Spencer 437 00:19:59,200 --> 00:20:00,520 Speaker 1: Strider getting back was old. 438 00:20:00,400 --> 00:20:03,320 Speaker 2: Self thousand percent. I think I couldn't have said it 439 00:20:03,320 --> 00:20:06,440 Speaker 2: better myself. And Strider is a key part of this thing. 440 00:20:06,560 --> 00:20:10,120 Speaker 2: And like typically it takes some time or it takes 441 00:20:10,160 --> 00:20:13,159 Speaker 2: time for guys to build up after undergoing such a 442 00:20:13,200 --> 00:20:16,320 Speaker 2: serious surgery. So you're two to me and from other 443 00:20:16,320 --> 00:20:18,240 Speaker 2: people around the league, is gonna end up faring better 444 00:20:18,280 --> 00:20:20,840 Speaker 2: for a glex Spencer Strider. And if that's the case, 445 00:20:21,280 --> 00:20:24,040 Speaker 2: and let's say you have Ronald Lacune a junior healthy, 446 00:20:24,200 --> 00:20:27,959 Speaker 2: Austin Riley healthy, all these guys healthy, you're looking at 447 00:20:28,000 --> 00:20:30,600 Speaker 2: a totally different Braves team. But the pitching perspective is 448 00:20:30,680 --> 00:20:32,719 Speaker 2: such a key for them. There is a reason why 449 00:20:32,800 --> 00:20:35,160 Speaker 2: they ended up signing Strata to an extension all those 450 00:20:35,240 --> 00:20:38,960 Speaker 2: years ago and bet on him early. They when he's right, 451 00:20:39,000 --> 00:20:42,160 Speaker 2: when he's healthy, he's a difference making ace. He's one 452 00:20:42,160 --> 00:20:44,600 Speaker 2: of the best young pitchers in baseball. I mean he's 453 00:20:44,640 --> 00:20:46,800 Speaker 2: also got one of the best mustaches in baseball as well. 454 00:20:46,840 --> 00:20:48,480 Speaker 2: I think we got to call like we see it there. 455 00:20:49,640 --> 00:20:51,840 Speaker 2: But he's He's one of the biggest keys of this 456 00:20:52,200 --> 00:20:55,680 Speaker 2: and my feeling, my indications from talking to people is 457 00:20:55,760 --> 00:20:57,760 Speaker 2: will be better. And if that's the case, so all 458 00:20:57,800 --> 00:20:59,720 Speaker 2: the Atlanta Braves awesome. 459 00:20:59,800 --> 00:21:02,360 Speaker 1: Yeah. Probably the biggest storyline with Strider was the one 460 00:21:02,400 --> 00:21:04,240 Speaker 1: day towards the end of the year where he showed 461 00:21:04,320 --> 00:21:06,800 Speaker 1: up without the mustache. We were all like, what is 462 00:21:06,840 --> 00:21:07,360 Speaker 1: going on. 463 00:21:07,920 --> 00:21:09,200 Speaker 3: I'll tell you I would scare the crap. 464 00:21:09,520 --> 00:21:11,560 Speaker 2: It would be like, I'm actually a nick, I'm an 465 00:21:11,560 --> 00:21:14,439 Speaker 2: Eagles fan and Nick Sirianni. He shaved his head and 466 00:21:14,480 --> 00:21:16,560 Speaker 2: it changed the Eagles season. So maybe him shave of 467 00:21:16,560 --> 00:21:19,480 Speaker 2: the mustache is going to be changing his entire outlop 468 00:21:19,520 --> 00:21:20,360 Speaker 2: for twenty twenty six. 469 00:21:20,400 --> 00:21:22,600 Speaker 3: Who knows. I'm also a guy who's. 470 00:21:22,400 --> 00:21:25,720 Speaker 2: Optimistic to and I love Spencer Strider, so fingers crossed 471 00:21:25,760 --> 00:21:26,120 Speaker 2: for him. 472 00:21:26,520 --> 00:21:28,200 Speaker 1: I also want to touch on the bullpen a bit. 473 00:21:28,280 --> 00:21:30,639 Speaker 1: You know, the Braves of course re signed Russell Iglesias. 474 00:21:30,640 --> 00:21:33,080 Speaker 1: We're seeing a lot of heavy movement on the closer front. 475 00:21:33,440 --> 00:21:36,280 Speaker 1: I thought maybe the Braves could go after a few 476 00:21:36,280 --> 00:21:39,960 Speaker 1: big names on that end as well, but they may not. 477 00:21:40,080 --> 00:21:42,160 Speaker 1: They may find a value bill there. But it also 478 00:21:42,240 --> 00:21:44,200 Speaker 1: seems like that the Braves may feel that they are 479 00:21:44,280 --> 00:21:47,560 Speaker 1: internal options are a bit more than the people may think. 480 00:21:47,600 --> 00:21:50,439 Speaker 1: I know, Alexanthopoulis mentioned a lot of relievers. Do you 481 00:21:50,440 --> 00:21:52,760 Speaker 1: feel that that could be more you know, these minor 482 00:21:52,840 --> 00:21:55,680 Speaker 1: league waiver claims or something along those lines, or could 483 00:21:55,760 --> 00:21:58,320 Speaker 1: you see another significant addition to the bullpen if the 484 00:21:58,320 --> 00:21:59,000 Speaker 1: price was right. 485 00:21:59,880 --> 00:22:03,000 Speaker 2: I could see a significant addition to the bullpen. I 486 00:22:03,080 --> 00:22:06,000 Speaker 2: absolutely could. And I mean there's plenty of guys out there. 487 00:22:06,040 --> 00:22:09,000 Speaker 2: We have, I mean, Pete Fairbanks. We have so many 488 00:22:09,040 --> 00:22:11,280 Speaker 2: different guys that are out there. And Fairbanks is drawing 489 00:22:11,280 --> 00:22:13,359 Speaker 2: a ton of interests, by the way, like he's like 490 00:22:13,440 --> 00:22:15,880 Speaker 2: he's a very coveted guy. Evan Phillips is out there. 491 00:22:15,880 --> 00:22:17,760 Speaker 2: He's also drawing a lot of interests as well. So 492 00:22:17,800 --> 00:22:20,440 Speaker 2: it's not like these these top tier guys like Edwin Diaz, 493 00:22:20,520 --> 00:22:23,359 Speaker 2: Roberts Suarez, all those guys, they get like the bulk 494 00:22:23,400 --> 00:22:26,400 Speaker 2: of the attention. But Fairbanks, as I said, is drawing 495 00:22:26,440 --> 00:22:29,000 Speaker 2: a ton of interest. Brad Keller, who I mentioned as 496 00:22:29,040 --> 00:22:31,680 Speaker 2: a maybe even could be an option for the rotation, 497 00:22:32,480 --> 00:22:34,280 Speaker 2: is a guy who's going to be drawing a lot 498 00:22:34,280 --> 00:22:36,040 Speaker 2: of interests as a reliever too, and he's a strong 499 00:22:36,080 --> 00:22:38,320 Speaker 2: option there. So there's a bunch of different avenues here. 500 00:22:38,640 --> 00:22:40,600 Speaker 2: And with just the bulk of options that are in 501 00:22:40,640 --> 00:22:43,040 Speaker 2: the bullpen, these guys are going to get paid. But 502 00:22:43,160 --> 00:22:45,240 Speaker 2: maybe what are some of these prices down a little 503 00:22:45,280 --> 00:22:48,600 Speaker 2: bit too? You never know, But I think the bullpen 504 00:22:49,160 --> 00:22:51,800 Speaker 2: and just the rotation are two of the biggest needs 505 00:22:51,800 --> 00:22:53,280 Speaker 2: in two of the biggest areas where they're going to 506 00:22:53,320 --> 00:22:55,679 Speaker 2: spend the most money, because really there's no option for 507 00:22:55,720 --> 00:22:58,720 Speaker 2: them to spend big at shortstop. I mean, Hassan Kim, 508 00:22:58,920 --> 00:23:00,719 Speaker 2: He's not going to get like a huge deal by 509 00:23:00,720 --> 00:23:02,720 Speaker 2: any means. And I can't see them training for anybody 510 00:23:02,960 --> 00:23:06,000 Speaker 2: that's going to requiring a big, big deal. Watch now 511 00:23:06,000 --> 00:23:07,600 Speaker 2: that I say that, the thought this is going to 512 00:23:07,640 --> 00:23:09,880 Speaker 2: do something massive there, it's just typically how it goes. 513 00:23:09,960 --> 00:23:13,040 Speaker 2: He's gonna age like a glass of milk. But I 514 00:23:13,080 --> 00:23:14,879 Speaker 2: would imagine the majority of their money's going to up 515 00:23:14,880 --> 00:23:16,120 Speaker 2: going to the pitching side for sure. 516 00:23:17,880 --> 00:23:20,600 Speaker 1: So in general, it seems like you definitely think Atlanta 517 00:23:20,760 --> 00:23:22,919 Speaker 1: still is due for a lot of opportunities, still going 518 00:23:22,960 --> 00:23:24,919 Speaker 1: to see a lot of movement on Atlanta's In the 519 00:23:24,920 --> 00:23:27,200 Speaker 1: one final thing that I'll ask in terms of potential 520 00:23:27,280 --> 00:23:30,520 Speaker 1: offensive moving, could there be a surprise in terms of 521 00:23:30,560 --> 00:23:32,720 Speaker 1: a move where it includes a major league piece? You know, 522 00:23:32,800 --> 00:23:35,320 Speaker 1: I know that you know Sean Murphy for instance, I 523 00:23:35,359 --> 00:23:38,200 Speaker 1: know that he's going through off season surgery. Great Baldwin 524 00:23:38,280 --> 00:23:41,320 Speaker 1: of course, you know one rookie of the year. Braves 525 00:23:41,320 --> 00:23:43,399 Speaker 1: are going to probably be looking to add quite a 526 00:23:43,440 --> 00:23:45,920 Speaker 1: bit when it comes financially. They may look to move 527 00:23:46,040 --> 00:23:48,280 Speaker 1: off someone that's already on the roster to kind of 528 00:23:48,280 --> 00:23:50,600 Speaker 1: even that out. Could you see that as a possibility 529 00:23:50,840 --> 00:23:52,800 Speaker 1: or do you think there's probably not that big of 530 00:23:52,800 --> 00:23:56,359 Speaker 1: a chance of some type of significant subtraction from the 531 00:23:56,400 --> 00:23:57,000 Speaker 1: current roster. 532 00:23:58,000 --> 00:24:00,160 Speaker 2: I'll say there's a chance, but I'm going to say 533 00:24:00,200 --> 00:24:03,200 Speaker 2: there's not a great chance. And Sean Murphy is somebody 534 00:24:03,200 --> 00:24:05,440 Speaker 2: who I thought could end up being an option. And 535 00:24:05,440 --> 00:24:08,080 Speaker 2: I asked Anthopolis that when we were at the GM meetings, 536 00:24:08,600 --> 00:24:11,560 Speaker 2: and he made it pretty clear he likes having multiple 537 00:24:11,600 --> 00:24:14,920 Speaker 2: catchers like he had that for years previously. Travis Darnaut 538 00:24:14,960 --> 00:24:17,719 Speaker 2: is somebody that he absolutely loved there, and having Murphy 539 00:24:17,760 --> 00:24:20,199 Speaker 2: and having Drake Baldwin like that gives them such a 540 00:24:20,280 --> 00:24:23,720 Speaker 2: luxury because it's very difficult for a catcher to have 541 00:24:23,760 --> 00:24:25,720 Speaker 2: one hundred and sixty two games slately, you can end 542 00:24:25,760 --> 00:24:28,439 Speaker 2: up divvying it up between those two guys, and especially 543 00:24:28,440 --> 00:24:30,480 Speaker 2: if one of them gets hurt like them like we've seen, 544 00:24:31,040 --> 00:24:34,440 Speaker 2: they have a backup option. So for me, I don't 545 00:24:34,480 --> 00:24:37,520 Speaker 2: see them moving a guy like Murphy. But also, like 546 00:24:37,640 --> 00:24:41,120 Speaker 2: we've seen rumors about Akunya, we've seen rumors about all 547 00:24:41,200 --> 00:24:43,720 Speaker 2: these other guys, and I at the deadline, I asked 548 00:24:43,840 --> 00:24:47,280 Speaker 2: Ron about it and I was told zero, Like no shot. 549 00:24:47,600 --> 00:24:49,800 Speaker 2: Off season maybe a bit of a different story where 550 00:24:49,800 --> 00:24:51,399 Speaker 2: you can listen to these guys and see exactly what 551 00:24:51,440 --> 00:24:54,280 Speaker 2: you're gonna get. But for me, I see absolutely no 552 00:24:54,400 --> 00:24:56,720 Speaker 2: hurry for them to move any of those big core 553 00:24:56,800 --> 00:24:59,960 Speaker 2: pieces off the major league roster because they want to compete, 554 00:25:00,040 --> 00:25:01,760 Speaker 2: they feel like they're close to competing, and that they 555 00:25:01,760 --> 00:25:04,960 Speaker 2: have holes they're going to address those holes and moving Murphy, 556 00:25:05,040 --> 00:25:07,560 Speaker 2: moving ACONYA move in any of those guys creates a 557 00:25:07,560 --> 00:25:09,879 Speaker 2: further headache. And I just can't see how Thought was 558 00:25:09,920 --> 00:25:10,880 Speaker 2: doing that. 559 00:25:10,880 --> 00:25:13,520 Speaker 1: That makes perfect sense. So adding to what they already have, 560 00:25:13,640 --> 00:25:15,800 Speaker 1: that seems like a pretty good way to have a 561 00:25:15,800 --> 00:25:18,720 Speaker 1: successful offseason. As we're wrapping up this edition of the 562 00:25:18,720 --> 00:25:22,119 Speaker 1: Hammer Territory podcast with Robert Murray of Fans Sided as 563 00:25:22,160 --> 00:25:26,679 Speaker 1: well as Foul Territory, Robert just last question you yourself, 564 00:25:26,960 --> 00:25:29,600 Speaker 1: what does the next week look like? For you? Again? 565 00:25:29,720 --> 00:25:32,560 Speaker 1: You were exit when it comes to your consistency of 566 00:25:32,720 --> 00:25:35,880 Speaker 1: providing great reporting, great insight. But this time of year, 567 00:25:35,880 --> 00:25:37,879 Speaker 1: I'm sure it's fun. I'm sure you're passionate about it. 568 00:25:37,960 --> 00:25:40,359 Speaker 1: I'm sure you may get maybe two hours of sleep 569 00:25:40,359 --> 00:25:42,479 Speaker 1: at night. But what's the next week like for you? 570 00:25:42,520 --> 00:25:44,720 Speaker 1: With winter meetings and just going through all the stuff 571 00:25:44,720 --> 00:25:46,640 Speaker 1: that you go through to stay on top of what's 572 00:25:46,680 --> 00:25:47,040 Speaker 1: going on? 573 00:25:47,680 --> 00:25:50,560 Speaker 2: Pure chaos and I absolutely love it, like it's so 574 00:25:50,760 --> 00:25:53,159 Speaker 2: much fun. And I was told I was telling you 575 00:25:53,200 --> 00:25:55,199 Speaker 2: before we ended up hopping on here, Like the majority 576 00:25:55,240 --> 00:25:57,360 Speaker 2: of the moves that I break are either while I'm 577 00:25:57,359 --> 00:25:59,040 Speaker 2: working on at the gym or when i'm taking my 578 00:25:59,080 --> 00:26:01,040 Speaker 2: dog Cooper out to go to the bathroom. Like it's 579 00:26:01,280 --> 00:26:04,200 Speaker 2: it is unbelievable how these texting calls are just time 580 00:26:04,280 --> 00:26:08,560 Speaker 2: like that, but it's it's continuously like phone calls texting. 581 00:26:08,880 --> 00:26:11,639 Speaker 2: I'll be eating food and I'll have like like this 582 00:26:11,720 --> 00:26:13,639 Speaker 2: is like going away behind the scenes, so hopefully you 583 00:26:13,640 --> 00:26:15,320 Speaker 2: don't end up mind in this. I have like a 584 00:26:15,320 --> 00:26:17,120 Speaker 2: full bite of pizza in my mouth and I'll get 585 00:26:17,119 --> 00:26:18,880 Speaker 2: a call. I'm like, oh crap, I have to spit 586 00:26:18,920 --> 00:26:21,159 Speaker 2: it out, and it's just sitting on my plate and 587 00:26:21,200 --> 00:26:23,000 Speaker 2: I'm like talking to this person, I'm like, oh, you 588 00:26:23,040 --> 00:26:24,840 Speaker 2: got to be kidding me. But where it's the way 589 00:26:24,880 --> 00:26:28,600 Speaker 2: to get information. It's a constant, steady flow of information. 590 00:26:28,960 --> 00:26:30,879 Speaker 2: It's so much fun. Like it's also you got to 591 00:26:30,880 --> 00:26:33,359 Speaker 2: figure out what's right and what's wrong. Because a couple 592 00:26:33,320 --> 00:26:35,080 Speaker 2: of days ago, I'll give you an example, I had 593 00:26:35,080 --> 00:26:38,320 Speaker 2: somebody who I trust pretty well around the league text 594 00:26:38,320 --> 00:26:41,119 Speaker 2: me that the signing was going down, and I'm like, oh, okay, 595 00:26:41,160 --> 00:26:43,320 Speaker 2: this is pretty It was a pretty notable one, I'll 596 00:26:43,320 --> 00:26:45,840 Speaker 2: give you that, And all of a sudden I sent 597 00:26:45,920 --> 00:26:49,280 Speaker 2: some texts and I immediately got a denial and then 598 00:26:49,320 --> 00:26:52,640 Speaker 2: another denial. So weeding out exactly what's right and what's 599 00:26:52,680 --> 00:26:56,600 Speaker 2: wrong is a big part of this. But also off 600 00:26:56,640 --> 00:26:59,440 Speaker 2: seasons and this kind of thing are they're one during 601 00:26:59,480 --> 00:27:01,480 Speaker 2: the regular season because that's when the majority of the 602 00:27:01,520 --> 00:27:04,120 Speaker 2: networking is done, when you can just like actually get 603 00:27:04,119 --> 00:27:06,480 Speaker 2: to know somebody on a personal level and not just 604 00:27:06,600 --> 00:27:08,199 Speaker 2: you don't like, the last thing you ever want to 605 00:27:08,200 --> 00:27:11,159 Speaker 2: do is reach out to somebody for the first time 606 00:27:11,320 --> 00:27:14,480 Speaker 2: when you need something, because that sends an immediate bad precedent. 607 00:27:14,560 --> 00:27:17,439 Speaker 2: But it's a steady flow. It's so much fun. I 608 00:27:17,440 --> 00:27:19,200 Speaker 2: can tell you this, There is nothing that I can 609 00:27:19,280 --> 00:27:22,280 Speaker 2: ever envision doing in my life besides this because it's 610 00:27:22,320 --> 00:27:26,159 Speaker 2: such a such an adrenaline rush. And hopefully just hopefully 611 00:27:26,240 --> 00:27:29,879 Speaker 2: we break some big ones because it's possible, I'm telling you, 612 00:27:30,119 --> 00:27:32,120 Speaker 2: stay tuned, I'm hoping. 613 00:27:31,880 --> 00:27:34,560 Speaker 1: So we'll certainly see and hope the Braves are involved 614 00:27:34,560 --> 00:27:36,120 Speaker 1: with that as well. And just one of the things, well, 615 00:27:36,119 --> 00:27:38,720 Speaker 1: you know you talked about, you know during season networking, 616 00:27:38,760 --> 00:27:41,760 Speaker 1: you know, you establishing those sources. I think also that's 617 00:27:41,800 --> 00:27:43,920 Speaker 1: a similar setup with you. When you see these big 618 00:27:43,960 --> 00:27:46,480 Speaker 1: trades go down or see these big signings go down. 619 00:27:46,560 --> 00:27:49,160 Speaker 1: This isn't something that happens that comes together just within 620 00:27:49,240 --> 00:27:52,200 Speaker 1: seventy two hours or so conversations happened at previous trade 621 00:27:52,240 --> 00:27:55,320 Speaker 1: deadlines in previous off seasons. Is that pretty accurate, especially 622 00:27:55,320 --> 00:27:57,080 Speaker 1: the bigger the deal that happens. 623 00:27:57,040 --> 00:27:59,119 Speaker 2: Oh, one thousand percent. And I'll give you the perfect 624 00:27:59,200 --> 00:28:01,919 Speaker 2: example of this was So I was talking about it 625 00:28:01,920 --> 00:28:04,440 Speaker 2: with a j Preller the GM meetings this year, and 626 00:28:04,560 --> 00:28:07,320 Speaker 2: we were talking trade deadline and just talking trades in general, 627 00:28:07,400 --> 00:28:09,919 Speaker 2: and well, one of the funny things that I was 628 00:28:10,119 --> 00:28:11,760 Speaker 2: talking I asked him was like, so, what, like, what 629 00:28:11,800 --> 00:28:12,920 Speaker 2: do you eat on deadline? 630 00:28:12,960 --> 00:28:13,080 Speaker 3: Dan? 631 00:28:13,160 --> 00:28:16,199 Speaker 2: It's it's typically like for roll ups, Phoebe and Jay's like, 632 00:28:16,480 --> 00:28:19,040 Speaker 2: he'll drink gatorade or chocolate milk. I mean, he's just 633 00:28:19,160 --> 00:28:21,200 Speaker 2: he runs on adrenaline, is basically what he said, and 634 00:28:21,240 --> 00:28:22,639 Speaker 2: he gets maybe an hour and a half to two 635 00:28:22,680 --> 00:28:25,760 Speaker 2: hours of sleep at night during the deadline. But the 636 00:28:25,840 --> 00:28:29,080 Speaker 2: first conversation that he had about the wan Soto trade 637 00:28:29,119 --> 00:28:32,200 Speaker 2: with the Yankees, it ended up happening the first or 638 00:28:32,240 --> 00:28:34,320 Speaker 2: one of the first days of the GM meetings of 639 00:28:34,320 --> 00:28:38,040 Speaker 2: that offseason, and it ultimately ended up getting done at 640 00:28:38,040 --> 00:28:40,000 Speaker 2: the winter meetings. So it took over a month of 641 00:28:40,120 --> 00:28:43,040 Speaker 2: conversations a month of talks to get that deal done. 642 00:28:43,440 --> 00:28:45,080 Speaker 2: And that can be said for so many of these 643 00:28:45,120 --> 00:28:47,320 Speaker 2: other deals as well. And the perfect example for me 644 00:28:47,400 --> 00:28:51,240 Speaker 2: now is Freddie Peralta, and Peralta is a player obviously 645 00:28:51,320 --> 00:28:53,920 Speaker 2: mentioned tremendously in trade rumors, like we've heard about him 646 00:28:53,920 --> 00:28:56,400 Speaker 2: since the deadline, hearing about him now and almost every 647 00:28:56,400 --> 00:28:58,480 Speaker 2: team in baseball is checking in to see exactly what's 648 00:28:58,480 --> 00:29:01,480 Speaker 2: going to take. It's going to take months, maybe weeks, 649 00:29:01,560 --> 00:29:04,440 Speaker 2: of conversations to get that Donner. Shoot, maybe it doesn't 650 00:29:04,440 --> 00:29:07,360 Speaker 2: even get done, but the groundwork for that deal and 651 00:29:07,560 --> 00:29:10,080 Speaker 2: so many others has been laid at the GM meetings 652 00:29:10,560 --> 00:29:12,440 Speaker 2: and it's gonna end up being what leads to every 653 00:29:12,440 --> 00:29:14,640 Speaker 2: deal happening throughout the entire offseason. 654 00:29:14,640 --> 00:29:17,880 Speaker 1: Here that is tremendous insight and again follows through with 655 00:29:17,920 --> 00:29:20,400 Speaker 1: what we've known for you from years. Robert, if you'll 656 00:29:20,400 --> 00:29:22,200 Speaker 1: stick with this for just a moment afterwards, but can't 657 00:29:22,200 --> 00:29:25,160 Speaker 1: thank you enough. You can find Robert's work on Twitter, 658 00:29:25,240 --> 00:29:27,360 Speaker 1: slash x, you can find it across all forms of 659 00:29:27,400 --> 00:29:30,720 Speaker 1: social media as well as fancited now a regular contributor 660 00:29:30,760 --> 00:29:33,080 Speaker 1: as well to foul Territory. Just one of the best 661 00:29:33,160 --> 00:29:36,360 Speaker 1: sources of insight when it comes to covering baseball. Robert, 662 00:29:36,400 --> 00:29:39,440 Speaker 1: thank you so much for your time and again, happy holidays. 663 00:29:39,000 --> 00:29:41,040 Speaker 2: Hey, Happy holidays. I appreciate you having me and hopefully 664 00:29:41,040 --> 00:29:42,160 Speaker 2: we can do this again sometime soon. 665 00:29:42,560 --> 00:29:44,760 Speaker 1: Absolutely look forward to it. Of course, you could find 666 00:29:44,760 --> 00:29:47,840 Speaker 1: a Hammer Territory across all forms of social media Foul 667 00:29:47,920 --> 00:29:51,400 Speaker 1: Territory as well. Make sure you stick with Hammer Territory 668 00:29:51,440 --> 00:29:53,680 Speaker 1: throughout the next week. In particular, we're going to have 669 00:29:53,760 --> 00:29:56,520 Speaker 1: your covered on nearly a daily basis when it comes 670 00:29:56,520 --> 00:29:59,800 Speaker 1: to the Braves and hopefully a few moves that Robert 671 00:29:59,840 --> 00:30:02,000 Speaker 1: him himself will break when it comes to Atlanta. For 672 00:30:02,160 --> 00:30:04,920 Speaker 1: Robert Murray, my name's Sean Coleman. Until next time, we'll 673 00:30:04,960 --> 00:30:07,240 Speaker 1: talk to you again soon here on the Hammer Territory 674 00:30:07,280 --> 00:30:07,800 Speaker 1: Podcast