FanPost

Eliminating the {Good} Clutter

There has been opinions after opinions on this topic. Here is mine:

Atlanta, as we all know, is dealing with a good problem to have. Particularly in the infield the Braves are attempting to play six players over four spots. Freddie Freeman will be manning either 1B or 3B on any given night. The best defensive lineup includes him at first base. Brandon Phillips has generally played everyday at 2B, with Johan Camargo occasionally spelling him the day off. Virtually, that leaves four players to fill two spots (SS and 1B/3B on any given night).

Those players are: Dansby Swanson, Johan Camargo, Matt Adams, and fresh off the DL, Sean Rodriguez.

Two of the biggest questions to answer will surround Brandon Phillips and Matt Adams. Can the Braves sustain success if they are traded away for future prospects? Can Johan Camargo maintain a pace that puts him in line as an everyday player? His current pace is unsustainable.

If Camargo can do just that, then Brandon Phillips becomes expendable. I love the type of player Phillips is and I truly believe he has done a great job in the 2-hole for Atlanta. However, the contract a potential suitor would inherit coupled with his on-field results would be attractive. The problem is that many contenders are already set at 2B.

If Phillips is retained past the trade deadline, would an infield of Camargo-Swanson-Phillips-Freeman be enough to continue pushing for a Wild Card spot? It certainly is the better defensive option. You will always have the option to plug Rodriguez and Danny Santana around the infield if need be. There is also the bigger question about bringing up top prospect, Ozhaino Albies to the big league level.

Personally, I'm uber conservative. Probably too conservative. I hate the fact that I feel like Wisler and Blair were brought up before they were ready and their future was hurt because of it. Maybe I am overthinking it. However, I think Ozzie would hold his own in Year One. (side note: Acuna needs the rest of the year in Gwinnett, no need to start his clock) I actually hope Atlanta takes an approach similar to Milwaukee. With that being, do not sacrifice the future of your franchise in order to get an aging SP who would be your #3-4 (ahem, Verlander).

In the end, the value for Brandon Phillips and Matt Adams will never be higher. It will benefit the future Atlanta more so if deals are found. The same goes for Jaime Garcia, who I believe falls into the same category. I will even go so far as to throwing a potential lineup out there because why not:

8 Inciarte

5 Camargo

3 Freeman

7 Kemp

9 Markakis

2 Flowers/Suzuki

6 Swanson

4 Albies

This lineup may be seen as a slight drop-off than what Atlanta is currently using, but the experience the rest of the way for these young guys will be invaluable to them to be on a team in a playoff hunt. Same goes for the kids on the Rome Braves in 2016.

The situation regarding Swanson is rather difficult. I know he is not playing everyday anymore with the rise of Camargo, but the lessons he can learn while sitting back could help him immensely. One opinion I have seen is to demote him to AAA, but that would ultimately alter the public opinion on him and would do more damage than good.

Now as far as next year, you can evaluate the outfield the remainder of the year as LF and RF has seen a drop in production over the dog days. Who knows, maybe Acuna and Dustin Peterson wins the corner outfield spots and the two current veterans are in different uniforms next year. If so, I appreciate them and everyone else who comes through Atlanta and represents the Braves namesake. The future is upon us, gentlemen...I hope you are ready for the ride.

This might be the most ridiculous post you have seen regarding an approach to these next two weeks, but

This FanPost does not express the views or opinions of Battery Power.