The Braves' new stadium is scheduled to be ready for the 2017 season.
photo by Atlanta Braves
Winter is almost here and most news from the world of sports is still football, basketball, volleyball, wrestling swimming, etc. but a little news from the world of baseball won't hurt.
The main item from the Chattanooga Lookouts, the 2016 Southern League Champions, is that manager Doug Mientkiewicz returns for his second year as team manager. From my point of view having watched him for a year, I believe Mientkiewicz will one day manage in the Major Leagues.
Next: Atlanta Braves:
Braves' fans with whom I have spoken seem disheartened with the moves of the Atlanta Braves. Long gone is right-fielder Jason Heyward, top reliever Craig Kimbrel, and outfielder Juston Upton. More recently gone is top defensive shortstop, Andrellton Simmons, and, as of Tuesday night, gone is the Braves' best starting pitcher, Shelby Miller. Many fans have given up already; some have changed loyalties.
While it appears that the 2016 season is not going to be one to remember, Braves' management appears to be putting all their eggs in a basket that could be called "future prospects". It is far too soon to know whether these trades, and other minor moves, will be successful. Hopes turn to the move into the new stadium in 2017. Once again -- time will tell.
Mark Bowman, beat writer for MLB.com, believes that in trading Miller to Arizona, the Braves have obtained two excellent prospects in right-hander Aaron Blair and shortstop Dansby Swanson, along with a starting ouutfielder, Ender Inciarte. Below are some of Bowman's takes on the trade.
"Though the Braves might be a few years away from being considered legitimate postseason contenders again, they certainly further enriched their future hopes Wednesday, when they got the D-backs to provide a rich return in exchange for the immediate luxury to add Shelby Miller to their suddenly imposing starting rotation."
Atlanta traded Miller and (Minor League reliever Gabe Speier) to Arizona in exchange for outfielder Ender Inciarte, right-hander Aaron Blair and shortstop Dansby Swanson, who was the top overall selection in the 2015 Draft. Swanson and Blair are on MLB.com's Top 100 Prospects list. Inciarte, will seemingly serve as Atlanta's leadoff man and center fielder. If Swanson makes steady progress next season, he could reach the Majors during the 2017 season.
"It remains to be seen whether he or Ozzie Albies will make the transition from shortstop to second base. But Swanson has a stronger arm than Albies, who also ranks as one of Atlanta's top five prospects.
As the past week progressed (Major League Winter meetings in Nashville) the Braves made it clear they wouldn't trade Miller unless they gained a significant return. But based on overwhelming reaction to the trade within the industry, it seems obvious that they gained more than most had envisioned possible.
"Inciarte instantly enriches Atlanta's outfield with the speed and defensive abilities he has shown since reaching the Major League level last year. The versatile 25-year-old outfielder batted .303, compiled a .747 OPS and recorded 21 stolen bases in 132 games with Arizona in 2015. He was also credited with 29 Defensive Runs Saved as he skillfully manned each outfield position.
Swanson provided a glimpse of his tremendous potential as he batted .289 with a .876 OPS as he played the first 22 games of his professional career with Class A Hillsboro this year. The 21-year-old Vanderbilt University product is ranked by MLB.com as the game's 10th-best prospect and fourth-best shortstop prospect. The suburban Atlanta native was raised approximately 10 minutes from SunTrust Park, which will become the Braves' home stadium in 2017."
Blair could provide the Braves the Major League-ready arm they were seeking to eat some of the innings lost via Miller's departure. The 23-year-old right-hander produced a 2.92 ERA over the 26 appearances he combined to make at the Double-A and Triple-A levels this year. He ranks as MLB.com's 61st-best overall prospect.
The Braves seem to feel the same way about each of the three players acquired in this deal who will have a great impact on their attempt to create longstanding success, similar to what the Atlanta fans celebrated throughout the 1990s."
-- Source: MLB.com
Post Script: I've been reading the fans' comments about this trade. Most of the Diamondback fans seem to believe that their team gave up too much to get Shelby Miller.
AJC's Mark Bradley had this to say. "Of all the moves the New Braves have made, this is my favorite."