Atlanta Braves: Rumors Surrounding Chris Sale Continue
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Braves are continuing to try and acquire White Sox ace Chris Sale. This may raise some concerns considering Sale’s tantrum.
The Atlanta Braves have continued to dominate the rumors surrounding a possible Chris Sale trade. Despite saying multiple times earlier this off-season they would not be looking to add an ace or willing to spend top prospects they are pursuing a trade that would fall under both of these categories.
Making an exception for Chris Sale makes sense for the Braves. Sale would instantly transform the Braves rotation to one that could be able to help an under rated offense for a wild card spot this season and continue to show improvement after the short rebuild.
Some Braves fans may be hesitant to add Chris Sale considering the tantrum that Sale threw over not being able to wear the uniform he wanted. For the few that missed it Sale was not comfortable pitching in the throwback uniforms that the team had scheduled for Sale’s start. Sale felt that it would effect his performance and that team management didn’t care. So in retaliation Sale proceeded to cut up the uniforms forcing the team to wear other uniforms.
Needless to say Sale served a short team suspension and trade rumors heated up surrounding the Sox ace. While it is concerning that Sale took it as far as he did his track record and talent out weighs any concerns that Sale’s actions should cause.
The problem with any deal for Chris Sale would take a hit on the farm system the Braves have worked so hard to build over the past two seasons. If they do decide to pull the trigger on a Chris Sale deal they will do it with the thought that they are an ace away from returning to contention.
Next: Players the Braves Need to Add
The Braves played over .500 the last two months of the season scoring with regularity. Their rotation was short the talent of even recently added veterans Colon or Dickey relying on inconsistent prospects who have proven themselves not to be ready. Adding Chris Sale could be the final move the Braves need to make to return to relevance again.