The
Atlanta Braves have been one of the most active teams so far this winter in
baseball, and it does not look like they are going to be slowing down anytime
soon. After their latest move involving outfielder Nick Markakis, it sets up a
number of other possible opportunities. The team is going to be trying to do
whatever possible to get back into playoff contention, and it seems like they
are focused mostly on shaking up the team chemistry.
For
one reason or another, Atlanta regressed a little bit in 2014. Some people feel
like the clubhouse was not exactly the best in baseball. It didn’t really leak
out into the public eye all that much, but there is a reason why so many
players are rumored to be on the move.
Perhaps
their best trade piece currently on the roster is fantasy baseball
stand out Justin Upton. The outfielder can be a little bit streaky at times,
but he is in the prime of his career and he has MVP type potential when
everything is clicking. Now that they have another outfielder in Markakis, they
might be willing to trade away Upton to try and improve in other areas.
While
it is important for Atlanta to make changes in general, they don’t want to make
any silly mistakes when it comes to getting players too much money. It is a
pretty good deal to get Markakis for 4 seasons and about $44 million. He has
been productive for the Baltimore Orioles throughout his career, and he is a
guy who grew up in Georgia and should be happy to be home. The Atlanta Braves
want to be playoff contenders again, and making some of these under the radar
moves might be exactly what they need to catch up with Washington and also hold
off teams like Miami and New York.
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