Since the beginning of October, Braves fans have had the specter of MLB investigations into possible (probable) violations of rules governing the international free agent market and the domestic draft weighing on their minds. The initial consequences were swift as general manager John Coppolella and special assistant Gordon Blakeley both resigned which, in many respects, seemed to confirm that there was a serious issue on the Braves’ hands. However, since then, there has been a rather painful wait as the MLB playoffs unfolded for news regarding the Braves’ fate.
This should not be surprising, as MLB wants to keep the focus on the playoffs and the associated positive press that comes with it. However, now that the World Series is over, many fans have been clamoring for news on basically any front here. It appears that they may have to wait a bit longer.
MLB may wait until at least next week to reveal the penalties, which could include fines and losses of both prospects and draft picks https://t.co/ebwKS4GX27
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) November 2, 2017
It is unclear as to whether this is speculation from Bowman or if this is sourced, but typically when Mark says something...there is a reason and the timeline does seem very specific, so it seems like we could have to wait a bit longer. However, he did give a sneak preview of what the Braves could expect when penalties come down.
I think you'll see fines and losses of both prospects and draft picks. It's still uncertain whether they'll be able to keep Maitan https://t.co/fsSlU1GlIC
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) November 2, 2017
This is less than good news for the folks as the loss of current and future assets in the form of prospects and picks is pretty brutal, although we do not know yet what prospects or picks would be affected...so there is that.
One last interesting note, MLB is not the only one that has been investigating the Braves as Liberty Media has done internal investigations of their own.
Liberty Media has also conducted its own investigation over the past month. Their findings will also determine who is held accountable https://t.co/JQOhHcmUST
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) November 2, 2017
This last bit is particularly interesting when you consider the future of John Hart amidst all of this. ESPN had a report recently that claimed that the results of MLB’s investigation would show that Hart was not connected to the Braves’ misdeeds and claimed his leadership style was “disengaged”. Even if that is true, it is possible that Liberty Media will not take kindly to one of the Braves’ chief executives not only being uninvolved, but also not providing important checks on those below him due to situations exactly like this one. With all of the news and rumors regarding the Braves looking around for a new president of baseball operations as well as a general manager, it is possible that Hart leaving the organization could be the next shoe to drop in this painful start to the offseason.
Stay vigilant and steadfast folks...this is far from over.