Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos had an interesting chat with David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in an appearance on the latter’s Truth, Lies & Sacrifice Flies Podcast. It’s essential listening for Braves fans, but we’ll highlight a few notes of broader consequence here.
On the subject of the upcoming trade deadline, Anthopoulos emphasized that the team is focused less on salary — though that’s certainly still a factor — than on carefully managing its “prospect capital.” As he explained it, particularly with amateur penalties slowing the farm intake and an ongoing need for affordable MLB depth, the front office will be calculated in dispensing with its young talent in trades.
“There hasn’t been a baseball opportunity that money has stopped us from doing it,” Anthopoulos said. While that statement was made generally, it seems to have particular importance in reference to the division-rival Nationals’ recent acquisition of late-inning reliever Kelvin Herrera from the Royals.
While he did not really discuss the matter directly, Anthopoulos suggested that the organization knew what it would have taken to land Herrera. Obviously, the Braves decided not to pay it. With over a month left until the deadline and limited flexibility to make additions, it seems the Atlanta brain trust decided to save its chips.
That certainly seems to be a sensible approach for an organization in the Braves’ position. Beyond the ever-present potential for injuries, a team with so many inexperienced performers arguably faces greater uncertainty from the core of its roster. With only so much willingness to part with long-term assets for short-term gains, it stands to reason that the Braves (like most teams) want to gather as much information as possible before making any significant moves.
That’s not to say that there’s any indication that the Braves won’t seek to capitalize on their excellent start to the current season. Anthopoulos says he has reminded himself not to “lose sight of … what’s happening before your eyes” when weighing moves, noting that the team has already shifted its thinking to put the focus on winning games now.
Anthopoulos also emphasized multiple times that he believes the financial assets will be there when they are called for. As he put it: “I believe we will have those dollars available when we think there’s a really impactful move to make.”
There’s plenty more to unpack from this interview, so you’ll want to listen for yourself. Anthopoulos discussed his approach to his first offseason with the Braves as well as the performances of Dansby Swanson and Nick Markakis. He also gave notable thoughts on the team’s still-uncertain future plans at third base, acknowledging some incoming skepticism about Johan Camargo (as well as newfound cause for optimism) and assessing the status of hot corner prospect Austin Riley.
atlho
in AA i trust
slider32
This team was built by Hart and company not AA, he has never won anything.
4eyedcoupe
Non-Braves fan here, but I agree that this was a team built by Hart and he deserves the credit. It is unfortunate that he stepped down but I think he had to based on what happened. He either knew, or was completely negligent in not knowing, But AA was a good GM in Toronto (IMO) limited by ownership as many/most GM’s are. I think the Braves did well bringing him in.
Chewbacca
I don’t see where Atlho was crediting AA with building the team. I trust Alex to make the moves that make sense and I think Atlho is probably in agreement.
its_happening
AA was adequate in Toronto. Some good, some bad. AA landed in a great situation.
juicemane
Kinda like Dave Stewart deserves all the credit for the dbacks season…last year too
chrisones
Ummm…Hart? Try Coppy.
fhunter1119
AA gave full credit to Hart and Wren in a podcast and although JC is a wreck everybody knows he did a lot of positives for the team, highlighted by Acuña Jr. AA takes risks and probably will make some controversial moves, but winning now is the objective.
xabial
If someone told you the Braves would be 43-30 leading the NL East by 3.5 games, would you believe it? (WAS, and PHI each 39-33) I’ve been watching from afar, and admire the work Braves have done building for the future. Wonder what (if any) they’ll have in store for us at the deadline, especially if they maintain the division.
its_happening
Yes. NL East is weak and vulnerable. The time was coming for a rebuilding team to take it to Washington. It was a matter of when, and perhaps it is now.
brewcrewer
I’ve never thought Washington was that good. just beneficiaries of an awful division. I’d like to see a run of Phil’s and braves at the top of the division for a few years
bravesfan88
Anyone who thinks Washington is a weak team obviously does NOT watch baseball on a regular basis..Their line-up, even with their injuries, is solid 1-8, except at Catcher..Their rotation is very solid, but albeit top heavy..
Much like the Dodgers, although to a lesser extent, they’ve dealt with a WIDE variety of injuries, yet they keep pulling out wins..I cannot believe I am defending the Gnats, but they are far from mediocre or a weak ballclub!!
Not to mention, they have a very solid GM in Rizzo, and watch him work more magic at the deadline..unfortunately..lol
jbigz12
Rough math there guy. 9 players on the field including a pitcher. if there 1-8 is solid except the catcher, does that mean you like their pitcher’s at the plate? Just giving you a hard time though. The Nats are good. Soto, Eaton, and Harper is a great OF. Rendon, turner, Murphy and some combo of adams/zim and Reynolds at first is a pretty good infield too. They need a catcher and if they could get another pitcher to go with scherzer stras and Gio in the postseason, that’d be lethal. Don’t think that arm is available this year though.
its_happening
I watched them get swept by the Blue Jays. I’ve also watched them lose spectacularly in the NLDS year in and year out. They have had quite a benefit from playing in a weak division for quite some time. Washington has been the big fish in a small pond.
chrisones
@TrimReaper the Braves are 19-16 against teams in the mix for playoff spots. I’m not sure how you’re trumpeting weak and vulnerable when the Cubs and Braves are splitting wins.
its_happening
@chrisones That record you stated is why the Braves are in first place right now. You also forgot to mention Atlanta’s 27-14 record against NL East teams. Atlanta is playing .500 ball against everyone else. Both Washington and Atlanta are sub .500 against the NL West.
Cubs are 13-6 against the NL East also.
I hope you’re now sure why I “trumpeted” my first statement.
Rumncoke
Liberty needs to quit being tight and spend some money.
baseball10
The article basically just stated money is there when needed. I think its great that they arent spending just to spend. A costly mistake can set a franchise back a good ways
UGA_Steve
The Braves have actually spent more than their income in most contending years under Liberty Media. While they are not as ‘go hog wild’ as some single owners, they are definitely willing to take a loss on the Braves. The real problem for years has been poor attendance (while downtown), a horrible TV contract, and also some horrible sponsorship contracts. I fault Liberty Media more for those issues than for a refusal to take a loss.
Besides, as baseball10 points out, the entire article states that money is not the reason for not making trades. The Herrara trade is an obvious point. They had more to offer than the Nats’, but why give up that much for a rental closer with bad peripherals (sorry, but pitch to contact closers get eaten alive in the playoffs).
Geebs
Except his peripherals support his counting stats, you can’t put a good spin on not getting him due to his performance although we don’t know what they might have wanted from the Braves system,
TLB2001
1) Kelvin is at 9 K/9 which isn’t great but it’s not horrible and he was 10.8 K/9 last year in a down year.
2) In 28 2/3 career playoff innings, Kelvin Herrera has 1.26 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP, including a 1.54 ERA in 11 2/3 World Series innings. I don’t think you can make the argument that Kelvin Herrera doesn’t play in the postseason.
bravesfan88
No, but you can make the argument he isn’t the same pitcher he was back then, even if it wasn’t that long ago.
Relief pitchers are notoriously volatile, and the Braves have rarely ever been a team that overspends to get a bullpen guy..Especially, if they are not 100% on a guy.
Herrera had a down year last year, and this year his fastball has been trending down..Thus season he has primarily pitched against weak lineups, and he only has a TOTAL of 4 innings versus playoff teams, including 2 versus the Indians, 1 against the Red Sox, and 1 against the Yankees..
The Nats got Herrera for 3 of their roughly top 10ish prospects, yet they don’t really have a very deep farm system whatsoever. I’m not suprised that they were asking for more from the Braves, since they simply have more to offer, even going deeper into their system.
Not to mention, AA is still getting a hang of the system, and I’m sure he doesn’t want to prematurely trade away an asset or two that he might regret.
As far as financially speaking, Steve Mayne hit the nail on the head. Liberty will provide the team with the necessary capital to field a contending team, and AA has even said that LM is willing to increase the budget if the right opportunity presents itself to improve the ballclub.
LM is just strapped with a long and overall TERRIBLE TV Deal, which hurts even more that other teams have been getting record setting new TV deals the past few seasons..The Braves TV Deal did receive a little boost by Fox Sports South agreeing to buy more games, but all that did was just make their horrendous deal only terrible..lol..Basically like putting whip cream on a terd sandwhich..lol
TLB2001
That seems like you made up your mind and then went to find a stat to support your conclusion instead of the other way around. For what it’s worth, BR says he’s pitched 9 2/3 IP against .500+ teams this year with an ERA of 0.93 and a WHIP of 0.724.
Also, I’m too lazy to dig into the pitchfx stuff, but having watched nearly every Royals game of his entire career, I can tell you anecdotally that his struggles last year were almost always on the slider, which he has gone way down on throwing this year. Obviously, his injury and poor overall numbers last year drag down his trade value, but there is also an explanation for that and when compared to seven years of not just good but extremely good performance and numbers this year returning to his previous form (which also coincide with strong numbers to finish last season after he came off the DL, it’s reasonable to say he’s still a very, very good pitcher.
That said, this is why I support the Royals jumping now and taking the first tolerable deal they got because anything can happen between now and July 31 and we can’t really afford to be left with an asset like Herrera on August 1 because we got greedy.
Salionski
I feel like a broken record posting about how the finances of the Braves works. I wish MLBTR would do an article about it to clear things up.
Liberty can’t invest money into payroll. They can’t even invest into hiring more hot dog vendors. They also can’t lower payroll either.
The acquisition of the team carried a condition that the Braves would operate independently. They have nothing at all to do with how much the team can spend.
Youtube.com/@PINGTR1P
Then who decides how much they can spend? Who gets authority on how big or small the Braves payroll is?
SaltLakeBrave
Source please? I knew that they promised Bud that they wouldn’t lower payroll, but they are the owners of the Braves, therefore without Liberty’s money the team could not operate.
SaltLakeBrave
Salionski, never mind, found the source.
baseballfanforever
I really thought it was odd with a new stadium that they didn’t try harder to bring in a couple of low cost players in the off season. Look how much some of these guys cost. These deals were tremendous bargains ! They simply lucked out tremendously this year which got them off the hook. Last year there was no way to predict what would happen in 2018 so why not bring in a couple of guys to buy a few wins to gain better interest and bring more fans out? They certainly had more than enough money with this new park.
RunDMC
Man, AA JUST said money hasn’t been the stopgap and still people continue to bicker about the budget. While is in 1st place and WSH most productive positional player is also the cheapest and youngest (Soto).
melochejohn
that kinda also the way AA is…. he always said that in Toronto. Part in because he doesn’t like to show his hand and generally when he was in TO he could get a little more if he made the case for it. So likely it means there really isnt much money but if they make a good case to ownership they can get a little more
baseballfanforever
I like AA but I think he is trying to protect Liberty. This is total CRAP. They are out of money. I think AA is trying to keep fan interest and he making excuses about the payroll. It appears the budget is limited to $120 million otherwise they would have tried harder to get Kelvin Herrera. Anyone think it’s odd that the Braves didn’t make a single significant deal in the off season other than trade $$$ ? They have basically done nothing. It’s pretty clear they will make deals next off season since they will be without a starter, their RF, and no catchers – and obviously a lot of money to spend. I’m certain they will resign Flowers and Suzuki since this combo is probably the best performance vs cost ratio out of any catchers in the majors. They may even try to get a third baseman depending on the status of Austin Riley who is still on the disabled list. Anyway I don’t believe liberty. Maybe I’m wrong and they will increase the payroll since their revenue increased by 50% in 2017 because of the new Suntrust Park (and they are going to bring in substantially more with increased attendance from a more competitive team and from finishing the rest of the Suntrust plan outside the park).
UGA_Steve
Why trade three prospects for Herrara? Wait a month and there will be a handful of relievers on the open market that are better and will cost less (Hand, Greene, Soria, Brach, and a boatload of non-closer specialists),. The only negative is the WAR he might provide for a few extra weeks over a better closer taken later.
People are in love with the ERA and WHIP, but Herrera rarely misses bats against good hitters and his BABIP against is abnormally low right now (meaning he will regress). He is basically a Arodys Vizcaino clone, but would cost us multiple prospects (you know, the same prospect type folks that are helping us to be in first place). I am glad we didn’t overpay for Herrara.
lord vincent
If you really think Hand will cost less than I’d have to ask what you’re on?
getright11
Errrrrr!! Hand will not cost less, EVER. Showed your ass with that statement
brucenewton
Prospect cost will not be less in a month when the bidding is hot and heavy. The cost to buy at the 11th hour of the deadline is the calendar’s highest. The Nats beat the rush and didn’t spend any of their top 10 prospects for Herrera.
BravesCanada
They did give up number 8. So you don’t know what you’re talking about.
TLB2001
I must’ve missed the “bats missed against good hitters stat.” Other than parts of last year when he got overly reliant on the slider, Herrera has been consistently one of the best relievers in baseball for 7 years, including outstanding in two consecutive World Series runs. At some point the sample size is large enough that you can’t just call it luck.
BravesNomad
Yes they did have a jump in revenue, and yes they got 50mil from the BAMTECH stock sale. However they also are WAAAAYYYY overbudget for STP and the Battery, as well as being overbudget for the new spring training site. Furthermore there’s a little thing that MLB keeps an eye on which is the income to debt ratio…which the team has been well over since the construction started. The team took the BAMTECH money and used it to pay down their debt ratio, as well as a large portion of last yrs revenue. SO please just stop… you’ve been saying this same crap for a while. Try a little research.
Knowthemarket
When the Braves needed another starting pitcher in 2014, they we’re already at budget and went out and got Ervin Santana. Liberty Media isn’t to blame for not getting Herrera. The Braves made a baseball decision.
As for last off-season, who do you feel the Braves should have spent money on?
E-Rock
Good point
majorflaw
“While that quote was stated generally, . . . “
Uh, Jeff. Anthopoulos answered a question, made a statement, issued an edict or simply commented. He did not state a quote. His words weren’t a “quote” until you transcribed them here. This has been a public service announcement from your local usage and grammar gendarmerie.
riffraff
That quote refers to the specific quote in the article.- was stated generally as in not aimed at one particular trade or non trade. “while that quote was stated generally” means the quote was generally speaking and not a response to a point blank question about the Herrera trade/ lack there of. Perfectly fine sentence to me and I would guess most. I’m going with Jeff is correct on this one
majorflaw
“That quote refers to the specific quote in the article.”
What article? This piece links to a page where one can download/listen to a podcast. See:
“There’s plenty more to unpack from this interview, so you’ll want to listen for yourself. “
There were no “quotes” until Jeff quoted him here. Get it?
“was stated generally speaking and not a response to a point blank question about the Herrera trade.”
Yeah, I understood what Jeff was trying to say. But he did say it poorly.
“Perfectly fine sentence to me . . . “
And your qualifications are? Read the definition of a “quote”. One gets quoted, one doesn’t “state a quote.” I’m perfectly content to rest on the record on this one.
riffraff
Can someone get a hold of Jeff and get a ruling on this? lol. I think its fine… most will not even think it was phrased poorly.
Jeff Todd
I agree that I used the word improperly. I will edit the post.
Generally, I strive to be precise with language. Mistakes, though, are inevitable in any writing process, particularly the one we utilize at MLBTR.
Using the term “quote” in the manner I did is probably fairly common in everyday usage, particularly on the internet. But that doesn’t make it correct. I have always cringed a bit at how that particular word is used at times by journalists.
riffraff
dammit – i was hoping i was right but kinda figured I was out of my league with the whole grammar thing. My apologies to majorflaw for doubting your now obvious grammar skills.
majorflaw
“Generally, I strive to be precise with language. Mistakes, though, are inevitable.”
Of course. While I can’t control the way you receive my criticism it is intended to be constructive, to make you a better writer. I do recognize the difference between a piece containing news which you want to post as quickly as possible and a piece which is the result of consideration and, presumably, self editing however there’s no harm in cleaning up a quick post, if needed.
I also trust that you notice that my criticism is on point and not abusive or insulting. I generally like your writing style, you inject more personality in your pieces than other writers here; it’s easy to recognize your work even without a byline. And, for selfish reasons as a consumer of this site, I want you to be the best writer you possibly can be. I am never gonna be a bigtime baseball writer, it isn’t even something I aspire to. But you might, particularly if you continue getting better at your craft.
“Using the term “quote” in the manner I did is fairly common in everyday usage, particularly on the internet. But that doesn’t make it correct.”
And now it’s fixed. No harm, no foul, and you get bonus points for your classy response.
majorflaw
“My apologies to majorflaw for doubting your now obvious grammar skills.”
No apology is necessary. You simply disagreed with me and did so without being abusive or insulting. How can I take offense from that.
Seem to recall us having a lengthy exchange before—on the topic of DraftKings, iirc—wherein we also disagreed civilly. I don’t have any problem with folks disagreeing with me and arguing their POV, it’s kinda the whole point of the discussion forum. However I don’t have much use for folks whose contribution to this thread is limited to an abusive, and now obviously wrong, comment. That’s obviously not you, riffraff. We’re cool.
getright11
Idiot
seth3120
Riffraff, I’m going with Majorflaw is a complete douche on this one. There’s a handful of guys on here who go article to article verifying stats and looking for mistakes in grammar. They get their rocks off pointing out mistakes. Don’t understand the appeal
retire21
Amen
Jon429
I wish more Braves fans understood the need to protect the farm. I’ve seen far too many “lets trade Soroka, Allard, Fried, Riley, et al for Machado” posts. The Braves lost 13 players last Fall and will not be signing anyone of value on the international market again for several years. Do fans really want to win now and be forced to suffer another rebuild in a few years?
Braveslifer
It would not be smart for AA to come out and say we have $X amount available at the deadline, that’s poor negotiating tactics. Well played by AA and I trust he will do what is necessary to get the Braves to the post season without damaging the farm that is needed for a long, sustainable run.
RunDMC
Yes, but that amount could also change if we get some cash back in a deal by unloading a contract or take on someone from a team for a better prospect haul. This idea that people want to know exactly how much is left to spend is all relative, which is why AA continues to push the “so far, dollars haven’t stopped a transaction” button. Yes, it’s GM-talk, but it looks to also be true as of today.
Point is: nobody better be messing up our chances in 2019 on for a team with Camargo at 3B, a terrible bullpen and Teheran being relied upon in any capacity.
baseball1600
I think they should be buying. Yes, they have a great farm and can be good for years to come, but you just don’t get production from your veterans the way the Braves have gotten this year. It’s a rarity to see guys like Markakis performing at an all-star level, and who knows what happens next year? Maybe the Phillies get Harper and go into a serious run for the division. Maybe one of your young stars gets hurt. Maybe the league starts figuring out Soroka. You just don’t know, and the Braves have an opportunity to be a pennant winning team if they make the right deadline moves, because the talent is there. I hope the FO isn’t too scared of letting go people like Riley and Soroka (only if the return is great).
Geebs
The fact that it’s such a rarity is exactly why they shouldn’t go trading valuable pieces, these guys long track record don’t support what they are doing so rid it as long as possible but don’t be surprised if it falls apart. The Braves have a very bright future, they shouldn’t blow the future away because a couple vets played over there heads for a few months.
smeezie
I get trying to strike while you think the iron is hot because you never know what the future holds but at the same time we need to play the long game smart. The talent is there but I don’t think this team is seasoned enough for a strong playoff run to invest heavily now. Ozzie is batting around .250. You really think come Oct he’d all of a sudden hit for average again and find ways to get on base? That .250 would be sub .200 in the playoffs. There are too many other guys hitting around that average too. That would put a bigger burden on Freddie and Nick so their average would take a playoff dip too. Then you’re expecting pitchers without much or any playoff experience to hold 1-0 leads. Not going to happen.
I say, keep riding out this season and hopefully get at least a WC bid. Bring up some late season help from the minors to get them some MLB experience. With some of the major salary issues off the books this offseason, hopefully we can bring in some solid FAs and become a true contender since the East should become a 2 horse race (Philly/Braves) while Nats and Mets take a step back and Marlins are the Marlins for at least the rest of this decade.
Caseys.Partner
” Maybe the Phillies get Harper and go into a”
Hmmmmmmm
” Maybe the Phillies get Harper and Machado”
There, fixed.
BravesCanada
Braves traded Feliz, Andrus, Salty, and Matt Harrison for Teixeira….those guys were all in the World Series for Texas….they won’t be trading Soroka and Riley for any return that’s available this year. Not a chance.
bigalcathey
Texieira trade was one of the ones that really care back to bite ATL. I’m not saying let’s ship off a bunch of prospects, but, what prospects did ATL trade for McGriff, Hudson, etc? That’s right, no one remembers because they didn’t do crap in the majors
BravesCanada
I remember Chucky T
acarneglia
If I’m the Braves I would only make minor moves at the deadline. I know anything can happen in the postseason but this team isn’t ready to compete with teams like Arizona, Washington, Milwaukee, Chicago, and LA yet. I don’t mean that disrespectfully either.
citizen
do you even watch the braves?
they are 4-3 vs washington, 3-2 vs cubs this year.
DS1
Arm chair GM’s!!
Gotta love you guys.
johnrealtime
isn’t that kind of the point of mlbtr commenting? they should call the comment section “Armchair GM”
casualatlfan
A simple note for the people complaining about Liberty Media: They can’t do anything such as injecting or withholding money from the Braves for the simple reason that they are legally barred from doing so by SEC rules. Quit using them as a scapegoat for everything.
Caseys.Partner
ROFLOL!
Seek help.
Search: Mental Health emergency
Include your zip code in the search.
casualatlfan
CaseysPartner, I know arguing with facts might be a foreign concept to you, but it’s true that they can’t. Liberty Media is a publicly-traded company, and as such is subject to SEC laws, which among other things prevents Liberty Media from interfering in the financial affairs of the Braves, including affecting the payroll. If anything, the Braves are actually more akin to an investment they’ve made instead of a company that they own. All of which is explained here: outfieldflyrule.com/2015/11/13/the-atlanta-braves-…
Salionski
Nice to see another person here that actually knows the truth about their finances. It blows me away how many hardcore Braves fans still don’t know this information after this long.
braves25
I personally hope the Braves do not really “spend” this season! Would it be nice to make a run deep into the playoffs? Certainly!! However, this article brings up a great point! Due to the restrictions put on the Braves over the next few years it will be hard for the Braves to make significant amateur additions.
So to send out the prospects it has to be a sure fire win and long term investment. Something that will impact the team positively for a few years. Not a WIN NOW move!
So the Braves long term future might still be better to wait until the offseason and make some bigger moves, like the Brewers did.
To me meaningful baseball in September is a WIN for this Braves team!! If they make it to the playoffs that is GREAT! It will give these young players some experience in the post season. I don’t need a World Series to call 2018 a WIN for the Braves.
its_happening
AA won’t blow it up. He’ll make small moves. He may ask about Happ, and if the Jays ask for a lot AA will hang up the phone.
chippahawk
Do not get rid of our blue chips, I’d rather be more than relevant continuously getting better than go back to being totally irrelevant in a couple years again.
This rebuild has been built and now we need to sit back and reap the benefits, making repairs via low key trades, and adding via free agency.
Dont fight a long war by getting rid of your ammo.
smeezie
I wouldn’t say “sit back and reap the benefits” but I also don’t think trading pieces for short term gains is a good idea just yet.
mrdadbod
This team reminds me a lot of the 2015 Astros. They don’t need to make the mistake of trading a Josh Hader type to get a Carlos Gomez type. They’re a good team with good prospects. No need to make a trade just to appease fans if the trade doesn’t help or doesn’t make sense for the team.
jmac2121
As a Jays fan, AA brought a lot of excitement to Toronto when acquiring Tulo and Price, but we lost a lot of prospects in his days…never will let Syndergaard trade go haha Braves are building a great future, keep the young talent!
doxiedevil
Most organizations when they have a shot at post season they go for it, I think Atlanta is going to take it slowly and not make many moves money or not.
I have no faith in ownership, they are not baseball people, all they look at is the bottom line.
The pitching staff holding up in late August/September as is will be a huge gamble.
sovtechno
Has any front office employee ever in any situation publicly stated that ownership is hamstringing their ability to improve the team by being cheap? Seems like career suicide. As far as AA goes, its the same meaningless stuff he was saying when he was being asked the same questions in Toronto. It really isn’t even worth your time to read it.
E-Rock
Doubt we’ll see a significant move before the deadline but next off-season should be interesting. Personally I’d like to see Julio traded for a 3B and a true ace brought in to anchor the staff.
citizen
With Adrian Gonzalez and kazmirs salary on the books, and these players aren’t even playing, I doubt the braves would addd too much payroll. Maybe next year when the payrolll is off the books.
some251guy
I’d feel comfortable as hell right now if I was a braves fan…which in fact I am!