I'll be honest. I love the trade deadline. It's exciting to think of all of the trade possibilities that might make the Braves better now or in the future. So, when I heard that the Braves are exploring trades for the likes of Archer, Gray, Fulmer, etc, my initial reaction was hopefulness. But then when I saw what the Cubs had to give up for Quintana, I got a bit squeamish. Thankfully, it's been reported that the Braves wouldn't consider including Acuna in trade talks. But were willing to offer Albies. That is a perfectly reasonable place to start for a guy of Qunitana's ability, but within the perspective of this whole rebuild effort, I just wonder if a move like that would benefit the Braves as much as it would other teams who have the rest of their pieces in place.
The Cubs can move major prospects without it hurting as much, because they have young talent at every position at the big league level. Why hold on to a top outfield prospect who is blocked at every outfield position, or a pitcher who is 3 years from the majors when your time is now? Sure, if you are the Cubs, you pull the trigger now. But the Braves aren't there yet. Their current major league RF, LF, 2B, 3B (no I'm not talking about Freddie), and C will likely not be around in 2-3 years from now. Acuna and Albies could help mitigate this if they make their way to the majors next year, and with a little patience, Soroka, Allard, and Gojara (insert several other names here if you want) are not that far away either on the pitching side of things. So, what am I calling for? Patience.
The Astros have provided the best blueprint for a mid-market team like the Braves. They went through a painful rebuild, but remained patient, and never decimated their farm system with major trades. And what is the end result? Did you watch their recent series against the Braves? They are stacked at every position to the point that I doubt they will even be hurt that much by the recent Correa injury.
Sure I want the Braves to contend this year, and in 2018. But I would rather them be dominant for a decade, like they were in the 90s. One ace pitcher won't make that happen. A team of great players will though, and the only way to construct that if you're the Braves is through the farm system. So, trade Jaime Garcia, and Brandon Phillips, and Matt Adams, and maybe even Julio for the right price, but now is not the time to buy an Ace. Pump the breaks, Coppy
