Emergency Pod: Braves Acquire Jorge Soler and Luke Jackson

00:00:23
Speaker 1: Welcome to the Hammer Territory podcast. My name is Sean Coleman. Hope wherever you are and wherever you are listening, you are having a great Monday evening into Tuesday morning. Of course, Hammer Territory is a part of the foul Territory family of podcasts. Make sure you check out all the great content from the foul Territory family of podcasts, both the team specific podcasts as well as the main podcast. So much great content and coverage when it comes to the twenty twenty four MLB trade deadline, and finally an emergency podcast, So finally awesome to be able to talk about a significant move. And the even better thing about it involves some familiar names. Is the Braves are welcoming back to Atlanta, both Hoorge Selaire and Luke Jackson. And for this emergency podcast, we wanted to get the band together, so both Scott Coleman and Steven Tolbert are joining me to break down all the perspectives when it comes to Hoorge Selaire and Luke Jackson coming back to Atlanta. Scott, always a pleasure to talk with you. How are you doing this evening, sir.

00:01:25
Speaker 2: Hey, Sean I'm doing really well, buddy. I am glad that we were able to finally get one of these emergency podcasts, and as fate would have it, the news officially broke just before midnight Eastern time, so here we are deep into Monday night. But we of course wanted to do one of these emergency shows for a pretty big deal that not only is going to impact this year, but years beyond.

00:01:50
Speaker 1: And Steven, of course, you know me and you have talked about I know Scott and Brad have talked about it as well. Two weeks ago we did an in depth, our long podcast about why the Braves had to make a move for the outfield. We went through a ton of different names. I went back and counted it over fifteen different names were mentioned, but of course one that wasn't wound up being the guy that the Braves went to get. First off, it's good to talk with you as always, But second off, yeah, we're bringing the band back together, but a very interesting but also very intriguing way of addressing the outfield needs by getting Jorge Selaire returning to Atlanta.

00:02:28
Speaker 3: Yeah, I mean we didn't you know in our Outfield podcast. I guess we didn't talk enough about DH's I guess that's, you know, the blind spot we missed because Hoorge Zhilire is not played. I don't think he's played any outfield in twenty twenty four. He obviously played outfield for the Braves in twenty twenty one. We're obviously gonna talk about that tonight about where exactly he fits in. But yeah, I mean, the Braves needed a bat, and you know, we we're gonna talk about it all. But I think I think it's not more complicated than that that that Hilaric can get on base and he can hit, and there's just too many guys in the Braves lineup that can't do either one of those things. And you know, there's there's details that we'll get to about, you know, why San Francisco did this and why the Braves did this, but I you know, on the thirty thousand foot surface level, I think it's just the Braves needed another guy who can hit the baseball, and Horace Hilaric can hit.

00:03:20
Speaker 1: The baseball absolutely, So of course, the complete deal as was broke by Jeff Bassan, you know, just about thirty minutes ago, and the Braves official account confirmed the final deal is hoege Ceilaire and Luke Jackson coming to the Braves for Tyther Matzik and infielders, saving Sebalos who you know, if you look at the various sites, was was kind of in the fifteen to twenty range in terms of, you know, the Braves prospects. What stands out about this deal is that the Braves are basically taking on all of the salary of both Orge Ceilire as well as Luke Jackson. So by them taking on all that money, Celaire being in the first year of a three year deal with the Giants, the Braves taking all that money, they minimize the prospect costs took on what's o to bo Silaire and Jackson, and so that allows for them to keep you know, the majority of their prospects, which we'll also get into in just a moment. But Scott and Stephen, let's start off with initial reaction. Scott, you know, again, obviously we knew that the Braves needed to make some sort of move. There was a lot of speculation on what level it may potentially be. Could it be a star, could it be a rental. It seems like they kind of landed in between. But the big thing that stands out. They landed with a familiar name who we know was historic in terms of, you know, his impact when he was here with the Brazen twenty twenty one, but also has continued to show that he is very lethal with the bat when he's healthy and on.

00:04:41
Speaker 2: Yeah, on the sentimental side, it's fantastic to bring back Jorge Solaire. Eddie Rosario at least as if we are talking, is on the big league roster. So is Adam Gavall. A couple of heroes from that World Series run. It's great, we have so many fond memories of it. But from an on the field perspective, I was pretty surprised, and really, as Steven outlined, Solaire's bat is still very good. Over the last month, Solaire has been crushing the baseball and on the whole his numbers are solid. But he is a DH and has effectively been a DH for the past two or three seasons now. He has not played a single inning defensively with the Giants in the outfield and only had a handful of appearances out there with the Marlins last season. So the Braves are taking a pretty big and calculated gamble here that he is going to at least not crush you with his glove. I would imagine he will play right field, given how truest parks dimensions play. But at the same time, while there are questions about his defense and maybe even a long term fit, it was silly to ignore the fact that the Braves desperately needed an influx of offensive talent and that's something that Solaia is going to bring. I would imagine he will hit right in the middle of the order. He gets on base at a good clip, He walks at a high rate, which is always going to help this team with the on base issues that it has. And then the power, even if it isn't quite what it's been in recent years, I would imagine getting away from San Francisco in that big ballpark, some of the power will begin to resurface. With the Braves so offensively, it obviously is going to help things. Defensively, there are questions, and down the road in twenty twenty five there are questions, But at least for the very interim I think my initial takeaway was honestly some surprise, because Solaire was really not on my radar at all.

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00:07:39
Speaker 1: Absolutely. And now I think the thing that kind of stands out about why he may not have made the most sense, you know, for the Braves. You know, of course, was the amount of money that he's owed over the next few years. You know the fact that he really, you know, does not play out the outfield anymore. But the other thing, Stephen, that stands out is is me. You know me, and you have talked extensively about it. The Brave's ability to hit right handed pitching is something that has stood out as a need. Now we know Solaara can do that. He did that for the Braves in twenty twenty one, he did that last year when he had an incredible season at the plate in twenty twenty three, but this year nearly two hundred points higher ops wise against left handers versus right handers. And what stood out is that Hoy Hilaire is matched right handers in San Francisco, but on the road he's gotten progressively worse. So not in any way ship form saying he can't hit right handers, but definitely a profile currently this year where it doesn't necessarily stand out. His strength offensively is hitting right handers. So the Braves are also banking on he should be able to handle that now that he's outside of San Francisco and probably in a place that he wants to be long term.

00:08:49
Speaker 3: Yeah, I mean just getting out of that ballpark. That's where right handed power goes to diamonds, where all power goes to die. And that's going to help one. You know, Solaire Celaire's go like a one to ten WRC plus for his career against right handed pitching, which is not like all world, but it's above average. And you know, in this lineup and the Braves lineup, above average is I mean above average is like a godsend right now with some of the stuff they're running out against right handed pitching every night. And you know, again, the prospect cost is basically minimal as long as you're willing to pay the money. And it's not my money, so I don't care. If the Braves are willing to pay it, then there's no downside because I mean, you've you've given up you know, the twentieth best prospect in probably a bottom ten farm system, or you know, maybe a little better than that. But like, the cost is so minimal that you know, he does improve your offense against right handed pitching, he obviously improves it even more against left handed pitching. This also might not be the only move that we see in the next you know, fifteen hours or how many it's left before we get to the deadline. But it does help. It does help against right handed pitching. You know, there's obviously, like Scott was talking about, there's a sentimental side. You know, when Braves fans see him put that uniform on again, and you know, the visions of twenty twenty one are gonna come flooding back. He's still a good hitter and trust is a much better place to hit than than San Francisco, So it will be interesting to see. I mean, where he plays is going to be fascinating. I think he's gonna play in right field just because that's the smallest part of Truest Park. It's the easiest part of the park to play. Left field is actually a much harder place to play in Truest because it's just so much bigger. So I would not be surprised at all if he's in right field and to see how he does. You know, he played a lot of right field in twenty one. It didn't hurt the Braves, you know, they didn't get burned by it too much. You can get lucky, you know, you can put a guy out there and he doesn't have a lot of impact plays and you can kind of hide him, but you can also get unlucky and there's a bunch of plays out there and he gets exposed quick. So it'll be embarras see what he does in the outfield and where they put him. But they needed more hitting. I mean, they just needed more hitting. Like it's we can break it down a lot, but they needed more offense. And you know, right before, right before Possan tweeted that out, I tweeted something about the Braves outfield. If you look at the Braves outfield since Ronald Coo Junior went out literally like the twenty ninth best outfield in baseball, since Acuna went out, like, they needed help, They needed some offense. So is the best fit in the world. No, but it helps with it helps the offense, and I'm not sure it's it's even more complicated than that, to.

00:11:38
Speaker 1: Be honest, absolutely, because I mean, at the end of the day, you know, again, as you mentioned, we could talk about all the different breakdowns, all the different reasons why this may be odd someone and so forth, but it's pretty simple why the Braves did this. They have Austin Rowley, they have Marcelo zun and they have Mattleson hitting in the middle of that order. You have put Jorge Solayer in front of those guys, are behind those guys. That quartet of hitters, you can stack them up against any lineup in baseball. And it was with as well as Austin Riley's been over the past month, Selaire has been over the past month, though Zuna has been all season, and again we're starting to see, you know, some signs of life from Matt Olsen. That's what really stands out is being the reason why the Braves are made this move Alex Topless once again really investing in offense. So Scott, I'll ask you this question. The magic that was there in twenty twenty one for the Braves was Jorge Celaire adding power as well as on base percentage at the leadoff spot. So if we right now know that Riley, Ozuna and Olsen are manning the two, three and four spots in the lineup, do you put potentially so they're back in that leadoff spot or do you put him behind Olsen in that fifth spot. How do you feel he potentially could fit in the lineup It's good to have those four together, obviously, but would you put Celaire in front of the other three guys or behind them?

00:12:57
Speaker 2: It's a great question, and I'm looking forward to see that lineup in a couple of days. Whenever it comes out, I personally would lead so Layer off in the lineup. This is I don't want to have Jared kilnic catch astray here, but Jared Clnik has been unbelievably bad over the last month. I think Steven had the number. He is something like three for his last sixty four. You cannot have that in your leadoff spot. I don't care if you're the greatest defender in the world or the fastest player in the league. That is unacceptable for a leadoff hitter. So I would imagine that they will have so Lair in that leadoff spot. I think he actually had a little bit of experience in that top spot with the Giants and even the Marlins as well in prior years. And you mentioned that big four at the top, I'm all about it. Hopefully the catchers continue to hit, and at some point in the next two weeks or so, you should be getting Michael Harris back from the injured list. And of course now very curious to see over the next day, not even the next day, if Alex goes out and tries to add another bat to this lineup, because with Solaire it is an obvious improvement over Duval or Rosario or Loriano or whoever else they're throwing out there. And if Alex goes out and adds another bat, perhaps a middle endfielder, to help shore things up, all of a sudden, your lineup looks very very good compared to what they ran out just a couple of days ago in New York.

00:14:25
Speaker 1: Yeah, and Stephen, speaking of that outfield alignment right now, it seems like that what we could see is, you know, perhaps we could see, you know, the the usage of five different outfielders. You know, again, we'll see kind of how you know, it shuffles as time goes on. But is it as simple to you as you know, potentially seeing you know, like we saw Snicker go, you know, in the in the final game against the Mets on Sunday, he went to Val, he went Loreano, and obviously Solaire would be in that equation in the outfield in that scenario. But then against right handers, do we see them go Rosario as well as a Kilnik. So do we see basically Celaire in right and then you've got a platoon situation going on in center and left until Michael Harris the second gets back. Now, of course this question probably is is much easier to answer after the trade deadline. But say this is the only move that Atlanta makes when it comes to address their outfield, how do you feel they handle the outfield shuffle with So they're now in the equation until Michael Harris the second gets back.

00:15:26
Speaker 3: Well, the first part of that answer is we have to see who's getting cut from the roster because they're adding Solaire and they've got to get rid of one of their position players. So either Loreano or duvall or or you know, Luke Williams, you know somebody's getting cut tomorrow or at least options so and then you might have other deals. So the first part of that answer is where we've got to wait to see who who's on the roster once all this once all the dust settles. To answer your question in more of the spirit of the question, I think Solaire is gonna play. He's the best of the group against right handers. He's probably the best of the group against left handers. As long as he's not just absolutely butchering you in the field, I think he's gonna play. He definitely makes more money than all the other guys probably combined. So yeah, you know, when Michael comes back, my guess is it's gonna be Michael and center, Solaire and right, and then a platoon of sorts between Devaal and Kelnick and left. You definitely want to put Davall in Kelnick and left because they have more range, and especially in Truch's Park, you need more range in left field than you need you do in right field. So that would be my guess as we sit here today. But again there's more moves that could be made tomorrow. We have to see who's gonna be on the roster. We have to see how well Solaire does in right field. If he's gonna be in right field. I'm I'm that's my guess, but I'm just I mean, I'm totally guessing. I'm just using kind of what I would do, but that might not be what they do. So I would be surprised if they platoon Solaire though, because he's the best hitter. He's definitely the best hitter of the group against right handers, and he's probably the best hitter of the group against left handers as well. So I think he's gonna play. And we're just got to see what the roster actually looks like in you know, the next fifteen hours or so before we can figure out exactly who's gonna play where. But that would be my guess is Michael and center, Solaire and right, and a platoon of swords between Kelnick and somebody and left and Scott. You know.

00:17:27
Speaker 1: Obviously, Soelaire is the big, you know, thing to talk about when it comes to this deal. But you know, let's talk a minute about the other part of this deal, in which you had you know, two members of the Night Shift exchanged for one another, you know, after the twenty twenty one World Series run, you know, the Braves, you know, it had both Luke Jackson and Tyler Matzik have experienced you know, I believe they both experienced Tommy John surgery. Since that occurred, and you know, Matsk obviously is kind of you know, trying to work his way back. He's never really recaptured the magic. Luke Jackson has struggled this year. Those He's remained pretty healthy. But you know, just your thoughts on that Luke Jackson definitely isn't the reliever that he once was, but he also could potentially still offer valuable innings. But you know, just your breakdown of that portion of the trade. You know, as it seems as if the Braves feel that maybe they can recapture, you know, some of Luke Jackson's effectiveness, you know that we saw in the past, now that he's back in Atlanta.

00:18:21
Speaker 2: Yeah. Curious note here from Mark Bowman, the very long time Braves Beat reporter that for the most part, including Luke Jackson and Tyler Matsek in this deal was largely more just a financial component of the trade. I am sure for luxury tax purposes on San Francisco's end, which was obviously a driving factor in this trade as a salary dump. So, you know, for Luke, he's been okay this year. On the surface, his numbers are pretty bad. He has a five point four ERA, although if you dig a little deeper four point four FIP and a three point nine x SPIP, he still gets a decent amount of swing and miss. He has that slider that was one time really really affective for him. So I'm guessing if you're the Braves, you are just kind of hoping for a bounce back. As things currently stand, Luke is the fourth or maybe even fifth right handed arm in this bullpen, so it's not like you're throwing him out there into the ninth inning anytime soon really in any kind of high leverage. I don't think Luke's gonna see a ton of work. And you know, I wouldn't be shocked on Tuesday if Alex went out and added a bullpen arm and they just kind of say goodbye to Luke and just shake hands and say thanks, and maybe he signs on elsewhere, or maybe they do plan to keep him and see if they can kind of revamp him and get him back on track. But regardless, when I think of this trade, it really was the Jorge Sol layer trade, and it just happened that a couple of friends in Tyler Matzik and Luke Jackson happened to be a part of it.

00:19:57
Speaker 1: And Steven Askedcott mentioned, you know, one of the things that stay ends out about this is the financial impact of the Braves. The Braves have shown, you know, they did it with the Jared Kilnick trade. They have shown a willingness to get creative by taking oning, you know, some money responsibility in order to be able to drive down the prospect cost to go get players that they want. They once again again do it in this steal. But you know, you've got to broke down, you know, where the money, you know, kind of goes in terms of making it fit for Atlanta, you know, who obviously have one of the biggest pay rolls in baseball. But you know, some unique components to Jorge Selaire's contract I believe allowed for this to be a fit for Atlanta, you know, for this year and obviously beyond that. But just when it comes to the finances, how did this come together and work for Atlanta for them to be able to take on a lot of the financial responsibility, especially to Solaire, to keep from having to pay a significant prospect cost.

00:20:51
Speaker 3: Yeah, the Braves are right up against the third tier luxury tax I think most most fans probably are, you know, at least people that track this stuff probably know that by now. And so Laire's contract that he signed with San Francisco was a bit odd because he signed a three year forty two million dollar contract, but nine million of it was a signing bonus, so his actual salary for twenty twenty four is only seven million, and obviously we're halfway more than halfway through the year, so there's only probably right around three million left on that contract for this year, so you know, that's what the Braves are taking on for this year. And then obviously he makes thirteen million for the next two years. So the twenty twenty four impact in terms of the payroll is actually not significant, at least from the solayer side, and then from the Jackson side. You know, he was making six point five and twenty twenty four, so cut that in half because we're more than halfway through the year, so probably around three, and then subtract what you took out when you sent Matzick away. So it's actually not a massive payroll ad in terms of twenty twenty four. It's notable. And the Braves are certainly right up against the luxury tax. Now know they know the numbers much better than we do because they're you know, when you're when you're calculating luxury tax. There's some stuff that is not always completely public knowledge that we have to kind of guess on. So it's tough to say exactly where they are to the dollar for that third tier. They know and obviously they've done the math and but you know, just looking at the numbers like that, the big financial component to this is more about next year. You know, Celeart makes you know, real money thirteen million in the next two years. Luke Jackson's got a club option. I'm guessing that won't be picked up. It's got a two million dollar buyout. But that means the Braves financial, uh, they're not financially tied to him past this year. So, like Scott said, this is mainly the whole whoy Hilart trade and the thirteen million he makes the next two years is kind of the big chunk of it what they added on for twenty twenty four. While while it is real money, it's not like crazy crazy money. And there's still a way they could probably get under that third tier luxury tax with some you know, with some financial finaglings in it. And again we still have I don't know how many you know, fourteen fifteen hours to the trade deadline, so they could do more. But yeah, this this trade is not as you know, when you see the numbers, three year, forty two million dollar contract. You might think the Braves are adding like fifteen million dollars to the payroll in this move for this year. They're not. Really. They're adding about five probably around five million total for the twenty twenty four and then the big stuff comes, you know, twenty twenty five, twenty twenty six.

00:23:24
Speaker 1: Well, and I'll open this question up to both of y'all because it is at least an interesting aspect of this trade. And that you know, again, two weeks ago when we were talking about what potential outfield options the Braves would go after, we had the whole discussion about do you go with the rental or to keep things kind of clean as far as your contracts go going into twenty twenty five, or do you get a controllable piece. We now know that they got a controllable piece, and not only that, they got a controllable piece that you know, with each passing year probably becomes a bit more of a clear DH possibility. Well, now going into next year, you've got so layer, You've got the ability to pick up Marcello Zuna on a sixty million dollar contract, but you also have Ronald Akunyu Junior returning and you don't necessarily know where he's going to be in the field. Don't spend too much time on it, because of course, you know, it is the focus for this year. But it is a very interesting aspect of this deal, having Slayer as well as Ozuna and Akunya, along with Harrison Kilnick, you know, going into twenty twenty five, Scott, just a few thoughts that you have on Matt. It's certainly a good problem to have, I think, but again it's it's very interesting to see how it's all going to play out.

00:24:30
Speaker 2: Yeah, definitely something that Alexandopolos and team are going to have to figure out a couple of months from now. As we kind of suspected with the current state of the outfield trade market, it wasn't like there were two dozen perfect fits for this team. I think in a perfect world, sure you would have been able to add a reliever or a reliever a rental who fixes all of your problems. But frankly, I don't think that player was on the market. Matter I I'm pretty confident that player was not on the market, given how many other outfielders have moved that the Braves feasibly could have been on and decided to pass. It does create a bit of a logjam for next season. Who knows what the future holds for Solare and Ozuna. You know that whenever he's healthy. Quite obviously, rond Accunya Junior is a focal point of this organization, but we just don't know what his knee is going to be like come April of twenty twenty five. Ozuna has been unbelievably good. Once again, It's hard to fathom the Braves not having Ozuna picked up for the twenty twenty five season with his team option. And then so Lare is owed enough real money that it's not like they can just send him off on his own or just dump him on another salary dump. I mean, maybe they could do that, but that's easier said than done. That is a long winded way of saying. They have a glut of outfielders and potential dhs for next year, and that is something that Alex will have to start figuring out come, you know, hopefully November first, after a deep playoff run.

00:26:09
Speaker 1: And Steven, I'll throw it to you again. I know that it is a lot of dhs. I know that it's you know, something that he's got to figure out. But also coming from the point of you know, hey, offense, especially in this year, offense is something that's needed. I don't think it's a bad thing to have too much offense, but again, you know, just some odd fits. It's going to be something that's you know, going to be interesting to see play out. But I think that it's more of a good problem than you know, something that you know, they're not looking forward to taking on.

00:26:36
Speaker 3: Yeah, and one thing I want to point out, and it's not like the Braves are getting like gold Glove caliber defense in the outfield right now with a group they have, Like we've seen some horrendous outfield play from Duvall, from Loriano, from Kellnick. Like like if Boris Hilaria is not great out there, it's not going to be like some major change for what we've seen in the last few weeks. Like the Braves outfield has been essentially the worst collection of players in baseball for that for that position group at least, Like they've had the worst outfield of baseball since a Kunya went down. So like, yeah, Celeire, is he a perfect fit? Is he a great defender?

00:27:12
Speaker 2: No?

00:27:12
Speaker 3: But you know, the Braves have had plenty of really poor you know, plenty of plays out in right field lately that have been very poor. And on top of that, you know, no one's hitting. So you know, if Claire hits, then I think they're fine with it. And you know, in terms of what Scott was talking about about next year, yes, it doesn't fit like they're going to have to do something. But there's plenty of time, I mean, and you know, they could pick up Marcel's option and then trade him, or they could, you know, if Solaire has a decent stretch here with the Braves. You know, he's only got two years and twenty six million left on his contract, that's nothing crazy. You could potentially trade him. Celtic might be traded. I mean, there's a million things that could happen. Like it does it all fit right now? No, But it doesn't have to all fit right now. Kunya is not coming back this year and Michael Harris is still out and the Braves don't have a decent They basically have like half a decent outfit on the roster right now. So you know, those are problems for November and December and January alics. It's got plenty of time to figure that out. But right now they needed some They needed somebody that can hit and stand in the outfield. And so there can do that. And so I understand some people are confused about like the fit and stuff. I would just say he can hit and that's what the Braves needed, and that's what they went and got.

00:28:30
Speaker 1: So we knew the outfield was a big need for them. You know, they they added a bullpen or we'll see, you know what occurs when it comes to Luke Jackson. You can definitely say they got plenty of depth in their bullpen. So again I'll throw another question out to each of you, what potential moves could be there left for the Braves, because the one other thing that stands out about this is, you know, saving Sebalos Again, he was a top twenty prospect in the Brave system. But the Braves still have all of their prospects in place from a over farm system that we've seen multiple sources over the past, you know, a few weeks kind of say you know, hey, this is a better prospect system than some may think. Do you think there's another significant move maybe for another arm of some sort that the Braves could go out and do do you think that they pretty much, you know, taking care of what they needed. Scott all through it to you first, what do you think potentially we could see Alex and Thoppolis do over the next let's see, sixteen or so hours before the trade deadline comes tomorrow.

00:29:28
Speaker 2: So I think at this point there's probably two areas that Alex could address. And we should note on this podcast that if you somehow missed it, the Braves got fantastic news on Monday that Rinaldo Lopez is seemingly going to be okay. He underwent an MRI after leaving the game early on Sunday, and by all accounts, I mean, he might be able to make a start next weekend. And I know at least the three of us we were in our slack chat going, man, this is just another crushing blow for the Braves. So the fact that Ronaldo Lopez seemingly avoided a serious injury is a huge deal. If he really is healthy and if Max Freed is really progressing the way that it seems like he is. I don't think Alex is going to add anything to the rotation, but just knowing that pictures can get injured at literally any moment. It wouldn't shock me if he goes out and adds a veteran to the rotation. Probably not a high end starting pitcher, because there's just not a ton of those available, but it wouldn't be a surprise if he adds an innings eater. And then the other area that could really stand to be upgraded would be second base, na Cho Alvarez. It is just clearly not ready right now. Wit Merrorfield was terrible with the Phillies, so much so that they released him. So if the Braves went out and traded for a middle infielder, it would be something I would be in favor of. I don't know how you feel about it, Steven, but to me, I would imagine that maybe a starter, although I think the chances are much lower now that Ronaldo is seemingly healthy U And then I would be in favor of trading for a second basement of some kind because that middle endfield situation is pretty bleak.

00:31:18
Speaker 3: Yeah, I want a second basement for sure, because yeah, I mean not sure. It's just not ready and it's not a knock on him, He's just not ready. And like you, said, Murfield's very much a bench player. If that so, a second basement, definitely, I do. I don't think they get a starter. I think the news with Ronaldo, the good news with Max, the emergence of Swellenbach. Uh, you know all of these minor league guys coming back, aj waldrop Ian Anderson, you know, all of those guys being back in Gwinnett and healthy. I think the Braves can probably reasonably look at their rotation and their rotation depth and feel like it's it's pretty good and it you know, acquiring pitching is so expensive that you really, you know, it has to be a need that's kind of slapping you in the face for you to jump into that market. So I don't think they're going to do a starter, but yeah, second basement would be tremendous. I mean, there's one in Tampa. We talked about it last night. The Braves didn't use any of their top prospects in this deal. I would love I would love to do that deal. I don't know if it's gonna happen, and probably not, but I would love it. And the only other thing I'll say is they could still go get another outfielder. I mean honestly, you know, you go look at the active roster in the outfielders and the names on that list. It's still rough. I mean it's very rough, you know, and Solaire's probably gonna end up replacing I don't know, Luke Williams or Loriano, but like they could add another one if they wanted to. And you know, he replaced somebody else that's on that list right now. You know, Rosario hasn't been good, the wall hasn't been good, Kelnick hasn't been good for a long time. You know, the bench guys are pretty forgettable, so it wouldn't be surprised at all they added another outfielder. They also might be done. We'll see. Getting another big bat was the big thing, and they did that. So yeah, the next it's fifteen sixteen. That was interesting. But I agree with Scott, I think second base, some sort of middle infield help. I think I think now jumps to the top of my list of where I would be looking for the next fifteen hours or so.

00:33:23
Speaker 1: And the other fun thing, Scott, I want to get your opinion on this. The other one thing that stands out to me is that we can see we see a continued trend. You know, when it comes to Alex Nthopolis, sure he'll go out and get new guys who he'll go out and address needs, you know, as he needs to. You know that definitely master of the move on the margins is definitely there. But another trend that we continue to see Alex loves to run it back with players that had been successful under his watch. You know, we even saw it, you know, with Jose Patista and Josh Donaldson. You know, he was there with they were there with him in Toronto. They both came to Atlanta. Obviously Batista didn't work out like Donaldson did, but Alex has this trend of going back and getting guys who were successful in Atlanta. I definitely think it's a good thing because he's getting guys that have had success before. But it's just very very interesting that he's that he has this connection. It goes back to I think some some you know, people talk about at the clubhouse presence. He also wants to bring in guys that he knows were very positive impacts on the clubhouse. But I just think it's pretty cool, you know, to see just how much he loves to run it back with guys who have been successful in the past, you know, with his teams, and it's just very interesting that, you know, now we're gonna have Jorge Silaire in Atlanta for you know, possibly the next two and a half years.

00:34:39
Speaker 2: Yeah, there's that familiarity, which is obviously a comfort. And clearly whatever the Braves did with Solaire following that trade a couple of years ago, it worked. Solaire, I mean, just set aside the postseason heroics, but he was very, very good for them in the regular season. So I'm sure it will be great to have him back in the club house again. We've talked about the impact I think he's going to have on the team offensively, and just to add a player who has kind of been through the battles of a postseason before at the very highest levels. I don't know, some people probably swear by it, Others say it's just, you know, another ballgame. But I think at the end of the day, anytime you can add a player who has been through the trials and tribulations of a World Series run, not only once but twice Solaire was with the Cubs, you know, I think that's valuable in the clubhouse and I am sure whenever he makes it to the team in the next couple of days, there'll be a lot of hugs and high fives, because clearly those guys who were still around from that World Series team have a connection for life, and it really was great just to kind of relive those memories tonight. I know a lot of folks were posting videos of the World Series run and it brought a big smile to my face. So, yes, that familiarity, I'm sure is something that Alex covets and and let's hope there's a similar impact this time around.

00:36:00
Speaker 1: Steven and the thoughts that you have on that.

00:36:04
Speaker 3: No, I just think, I mean, he knows what he likes. He likes good players, he likes good clubhouse guys. You know, I think sometimes with so lair, like I think the postseason stuff, I agree with Scott, I think the postseason stuff kind of overshadows the fact that during the regular season after they got him, he was a monster. Yeah, like he you know, he he really fixed the problem for the Braves when Acuna went down in twenty one because he got on base. He had like a three sixty on base percentage in the regular season. After they got him. He walks a ton, and like that's another huge hole on this team. Like they need on base. They need somebody who can be on base. And even this year, he's got an eleven percent walk rate. The last month, he's got a fifteen percent walk rate. He's got a you know, like a three forty on base for the year. He's got like a three to eighty on base in the last month. Like that that's massive, even outside all the clubhouse stuff, like just getting like stop making out's like get on base. Like the Braves just need somebody on base in front of Riley and Ozuna and Olsen. I mean that's why with Scott about putting them at the leadoff spot, I think that's where it's going to have the biggest impact. So yeah, I understand people's reservations about the fit and right field and DH and all that stuff, but I mean, they just needed they needed somebody can get on base. They need somebody could hit right handed pitching, and he can do both of those things. And that's why I'm a fan of the deal. They're gonna have to figure some stuff out in the off season. They probably have to figure some money stuff out, but again it's not my money. If they're good spending it, then I'm good spending it. And you know, Alice can figure out the roster stuff in the off season, but he his right handed pitching and can get on base, so I'm good with it.

00:37:34
Speaker 2: Yeah.

00:37:35
Speaker 1: I think that's what the biggest thing that it comes back to is that you know, we talk about it, and it's not just familiarity, right, it's really successful familiarity. You needed offense, You needed someone that could add some value when it came to getting no base. We know that this team prioritizes power above all, and you found a singular source that can help out in all those areas. But to each of your points, and it's a great point. He's added you in those areas at the highest level back when the Braves were looking to make their playoff run. So you know again that you know that quartet in the middle of the Braves order. So there Ozuna, Riley and Olsen. If you can find it where maybe heading into September or in October, if then three or four or all four of those guys are going, that's a very formidable lineup to go along with hopefully of healthy one of the best pitching staffs in baseball again, we can get players back healthy. Not saying we're gonna be the World Series favorites, but things could certainly look a lot better than many may perceive they do now when it comes to a playoff run for this team. But guys, any final thoughts. I know that we need to, you know, still see some some roster decisions made. Obviously, any more potential moves will impact that. You know, we'll also need to see Bryce Elder, you know, be added to the roster tomorrow for him to make the start. But Scott start with you. Any final thoughts when it comes to another significant move when it came to alex in Thop But I think at the end of the day, one that makes a ton of sense and you just kind of, you know, leave yourself smile and being like, you know, man, he did it again. A creative way to go out and get a beloved player that we know has been successful here and one that could be here for multiple years for future playoff runs.

00:39:17
Speaker 2: Yeah, in the next couple of days should be quite busy just from a roster management perspective. There's going to be a lot of coming and going and we will see what Tuesday holds before the trade deadline hits again. Six pm Eastern Time on Tuesday is the deadline, and we'll see what the front office decides to ultimately do. Hopefully we can do another one of these emergency podcasts for a trade or maybe even two. But yes, the Atlanta Braves right now are a better baseball team than they were just a couple of hours ago. I'm excited to have Jorge there, as we have talked. I like the idea even more of him batting lead off with the skills that he provides, and if he can provide a jolt to this outfield offensively. You get Michael Harris back in a couple of weeks, and who knows what other additions but might be made in the next day. All of a sudden, you just kind of rub your eyes a little bit and go, Okay, this lineup looks a lot better than it did with all the injuries. The rotation, especially if you have good news on Rinaldo and Freed, is obviously encouraging, and you kind of buy low on a talented reliever in Luke Jackson and we'll see if he makes any kind of impact. But on the whole the Braves are a better team now than they were, and I think you have to be excited for that. And we'll see what the next day holds.

00:40:37
Speaker 3: Steven, go get Brandon Laue. Go get Brandon Law. That's what I want. Go get a second basement. Can you imagine that top five if you had Solaire, Lao, Azun, O'Reilly and Nelson.

00:40:48
Speaker 2: I know we're getting deep into this podcast, but in Steven, you have been one of the leaders on the Brandon Lao train, but I'm happily on that same train with you. He makes so much sense for this team. He does so many things that this team does not do offensively. And you're not kidding. If you could get Brandon Law from Tampa, this lineup could suddenly go from a disaster as it has been for most of the year, to very very good in a hurry.

00:41:16
Speaker 3: Hey yeah, bon Brandon Lowe's got a one thirty five career WRC plus against right handed pitching. He plays second base, he can play a little outfield. He's got two dirt cheap options, plenty of time, plenty of control. You didn't use any of your top prospects to do this deal. I'm just saying. I'm just saying, if we're if we're signing off with something, go get Brandon Law and see if you can make a run at this thing, because that lineup would be nasty. But yeah, this is cool. This is a fun trade. I know I'm looking at my mentions right now on Twitter. I know people are very confused. They don't get to fit all that. But I love this trade.

00:41:50
Speaker 1: They got what.

00:41:51
Speaker 3: They needed, they added in areas where they're deficient, and it's gonna make a very interesting next fifteen hours because now you know the pressure is off little bit. Alex doesn't have to do anything. I still think they need a second basement of some sort, but they don't have to do that. They could probably figure something out, you know, even if it's a smaller move of some sort. But getting a big bat was kind of the big thing and they've done that. So it'll make the next fifteen hours interesting. But I like this move and I love having Horey back, and yeah, it's gonna be fun.

00:42:21
Speaker 1: To watch for anybody else who's who's considering it. You know, if they really want to run the full band back together, I don't think they're gonna get Jock Peterson because Arizona's still fully in it. Steven vote, he's not coming back because he's managed in one of the best teams in the American League. And while we may not get Guirmo Heredia back, who's currently playing baseball in South Korea, Scott that the Pink Swords may have to make another appearance. Do you think that we need to get that going again or do we need to come up with their own thing for twenty twenty four.

00:42:50
Speaker 2: You know, I would love to have Guirmo and his Swords back in the clubhouse, but I think he's actually doing really well overseas, so good for him for getting a chance to play. Well. Let's hope that this is a big step in the right direction. This has been a very frustrating season. It really has been for months at this point. But anytime you can add and infuse some new talent into your clubhouse, it's only going to help things. So an exciting trade. Very very curious to see what happens come trade deadline time. And yeah, boys, this was a lot of fun. I'm glad we were finally able to do an emergency podcast. As it is one four am on the East Coast, so that is the current operating So for all sounding a little delirious and tired, you probably know why.

00:43:36
Speaker 1: Hey, but that's what makes it fun being able to do this with Scott and Steven as well as Brad and some variation of the Hammer Territory team. Will be back with you doing another emergency podcast potentially later on, hopefully not you know, in the next few hours, but tomorrow. We'll also do a recap obviously of everything as will but for Scott Coleman at Scott Coleman fifty five on Twitter, slash Chicks, Steven over at b Underscore Outliers on X. My name is Sean Coleman. You can find me at Stat's Sac. A lot of fun doing these podcasts, and a lot of fun when we know we're doing them about something that's going to make this Braves team better. Until next time, Go Braves. We'll talk to you again soon here on the Hammer Territory Podcast, part of the Foul Territory family of podcasts.