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Atlanta Braves: Brandon Phillips Could Have Been a Brave

By Kit Anderson

Sep 26, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips (4) hits a two-run single off of St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Michael Wacha (not pictured) during the fourth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips (4) hits a two-run single off of St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Michael Wacha (not pictured) during the fourth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Atlanta Braves had a trade ready that would have brought Red’s second baseman Brandon Phillips to Atlanta.

The Atlanta Braves reportedly were close to acquiring Brandon Phillips back in November in a deal that would have brought the Red’s second baseman to Atlanta. The deal was ready to be sent through and was vetoed by Brandon Phillips. Phillips has vetoed two trades before this one opting to stay with the Reds even though management obviously is ready to move on from the veteran.

Knowing that the Braves were this close to acquiring Phillips shows both how much they felt they needed to address a right-handed option at second base as well as the fact that they are still looking to add veterans that they can move on from easily if the season turns sour before the trade deadline.

Shortly after the trade fell through with the Reds the Braves went out and signed Sean Rodriguez. Opting to sign a utility option instead of acquiring Phillips was a good move for the Braves when you consider what the combination of Rodriguez and Jace Peterson will bring to second base. Peterson is an under-rated player who will be less of a distraction than Phillips and is a better option for the Braves.

Fans should not be disappointed that Brandon Phillips is not headed to Atlanta. Phillips is a better hitter then Jace Peterson or Sean Rodriguez but that does not make him the best option for a young Atlanta team that is focused on youth and rebuilding.  Phillips has a history of making hot headed decisions and causing issues on the field in the past. The distraction of Phillips would only be worth it if the Braves considered adding Phillips a move that would make them contenders.

Brandon Phillips would make little difference on a Braves team that just isn’t quite ready for postseason contention. With that in mind and knowing Phillips would be a thirty-five year old on a one year rental Brandon Phillips made the right decision for the Braves.

Next: Braves' To Five Players

Jace Peterson and Sean Rodriguez are both more than capable of holding down second base until one of the Brave’s many prospects proves themselves ready. Even after the Braves fill the 2nd base position long term Peterson is a great utility bench player and can back up a lot of positions much the same as Martin Prado did in his tenure with Atlanta.

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