No reason to beat around the bush: the Braves’ lack of action at the trade deadline is demoralizing. Atlanta has many talented pieces, but without revamping their starting rotation, it’s going to be nearly impossible for them to make noise come the postseason, which has been their issue for several years now.
Alex Anthopoulos did acquire Tommy Milone on Sunday, but that’s not going to move the needle much, if at all. The Braves’ fanbase has a right to be discouraged. However, it’s impossible to call today’s result a failure without knowing what teams were asking Anthopoulos for in return. According to Atlanta’s GM, it wasn’t about the money; it was merely a matter of not finding proper value.
Anthopolous said money wasn't factor in #Braves not adding an impact starter at trade deadline, said it was purely talent — they couldn't or wouldn't line up with what teams with such starters wanted. (In other words, they wouldn't give up the young talent teams were asking for)
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) August 31, 2020
That very well could be the case. We saw what the Padres were forced to give up to acquire Clevinger, and the Rangers decided not even to part ways with Lance Lynn. Outside of those two, there weren’t many high-quality starting pitchers on the market, leaving Anthopoulos to hold onto what he’s got.
Braves’ manager Brian Snitker also commented on the team’s strikeout at the deadline; however, he’s not nearly as discouraged as most of the fan base. Snitker said he didn’t necessarily expect the team to acquire a starting pitcher and believes that they can right the ship with what they have.
Snitker said he wasn't necessarily expecting a trade for another starter and isn't disappointed. Acknowledged that it's been a struggle when Fried (and Soroka before injury) not pitching, but they'll maneuver through and he expects to stay good.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) August 31, 2020
Of course, Snitker can’t come out and say he doesn’t think the team has what it takes to win a World Series right now. Part of his job is instilling belief in the 28 men on the active roster. Personally, I believe the Braves are going to regret not adding at least one more piece at the trade deadline, but moving forward, they don’t have a choice but to put their head down, keep chugging, and hope for the best in October.
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