Braves News:
Why did the Braves move Simmons for more arms?
Looking back at last week's deal between the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Angels, this much is clear: the Angels gave up A LOT to acquire Andrelton Simmons. Their lofty package included Erick Aybar (a major league shortstop by league standards) and two top pitching prospects in Sean Newcomb and Chris Ellis. The saying goes 'you can never have enough good pitchers' but the Braves are certainly trying to push that theory to the limit. With Shelby Miller, Julio Teheran and Mike Foltynewicz in the majors and Kolby Allard, John Gant, Tyrell Jenkins, Touki Toussaint and Co. in the minors, the additions of Newcomb and Ellis raised a few eyebrows for a team in need of bats.
Potential targets for the Braves in the Rule 5 Draft
We're just about a month away from the Rule 5 Draft, and with the 40-man rosters already set, we've got a look at some of the potential picks in this year's "you're good, but just not that good" draft. Chances of finding a start next month are slim to none for just about all teams picking, but clubs have been lucky before (see: Delino DeShields Jr., Texas Rangers) so it's certainly worth taking a look at. We put together a list of potential picks for the Braves. There's nothing too flashy, but the way the Braves are looking, they could use all the help they can find.
Braves wanted Joe Panik or Matt Duffy for Shelby Miller
Keeping in character with every other name on the Braves' roster, Shelby Miller is a hot name on the trade market. Reports surfaced last week that a Miller-for-A.J Pollack deal was tossed around with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but nothing came about it. The newest suitor for Miller? The San Francisco Giants, who are poised to win a World Series in 2016, given the even-numbered year. The Braves reportedly wanted budding stars Matt Duffy or Joe Panik in exchange for Miller, but the Giants put the kibosh on the deal before it went too far. Heading forward however, it's likely that the Braves will use the likes of Pollack, Panik and Duffy as a potential frame for any Miller deal.
MLB News:
Robinson Cano unhappy in Seattle?
Believe it or not folks, apparently it is possible to be unhappy with a $240 million contract - or at least Robinson Cano has found a way. Reports surfaced today that the Seattle Mariner's second baseman is unhappy in Seattle, and would love to find his way back to New York. Cano still has $192 million remaining on his hefty deal, so it's hard to make any potential trade happen for financial reasons -- even for the Yankees. But if Cano isn't moved come opening day, this could become an interesting story line to follow. Given that the Mariners invested so much money for him to be the face of the franchise, Seattle can't be too pleased with Cano's comments.
First time managers are becoming the new trend
With yesterday's news that Boston Red Sox great and former San Diego Padres bench coach Dave Roberts would be taking over the managerial duties for the Los Angeles Dodgers coming down the pipe, this much is clear; teams are shifting towards first-time managers. Just in this off-season, Roberts, Andy Green (Padres) and Scott Servais (Mariners) joined Chip Hale (Diamondbacks), Craig Counsell (Brewers), Jeff Bannister (Rangers), Kevin Cash (Rays) and Paul Molitor (Twins) as first-time managers to earn jobs in the past two years.