Atlanta Braves: Reviewing Key Subtractions

The Atlanta Braves have had a busy off-season here are the key subtractions from last year’s roster.

The Atlanta Braves off-season has been yet another busy one with a flurry of trade moves and free agent signings that may have left some fans confused exactly who is on the team and who is now moved on to other rosters. Here are the key players that are no longer on this years Braves’ roster.

A.J. Pierzynski- The Braves opted to move on from the veteran catcher opting to add Kurt Suzuki and count on Tyler Flowers to continue to start.  Pierzynski has been a lightening rod of a player throughout his career and will be missed in Atlanta although his recent production level will not.

Mallex Smith- Smith was a fun player to watch whether he was trying to take an extra base or taking an odd route in the outfield there was no denying he was one of the most entertaining young players the Braves had over the last few seasons.

The problem for the Braves was the fact that they didn’t have an obvious hole for the outfielder to fill. Even with his high strikeout rate Mallex could develop into a talented outfielder. Dealing him was one of the few mistakes that the Braves made in their rebuild so far.

Shae Simmons- At one time Simmons was one of the most talented young set-up men in the game. Just a few years later Simmons is coming off of his second serious injury and it is fair to wonder if he has anything left? Braves fans should continue to pull for the reliever who at one time was one of the most talented players in Atlanta.

Tyrell Jenkins- Jenkins and Mallex Smith were both a lot alike energetic players who you wanted to find success with the Braves. The biggest difference was that Jenkins was unable to ever show Major League level talent. Moving on from Jenkins was the right decision considering the talent that the Braves have in the minor leagues.

Williams Perez-  Watching Perez pitch was entertaining he had flashes of pitching well and inducing a lot of ground balls but the Braves know Perez wasn’t a long term option and have moved on.

John Gant/Rob Whalen- Both pitchers were acquired for next to nothing and turned into a legitimate starting pitching option in Jaime Garcia. They both could have a future in the bullpen but neither are legitimate starters in the Braves rotation.

Chris Withrow- Letting Withrow go was one one of the most surprising move that the Braves made considering the talent he would have added to the bullpen. Considering the price however could have influenced the Braves to go with their younger and cheaper talent.

Next: Braves Off-season Targets

Overall the Braves have had a great off-season that had great additions that outweigh the talented players they they did lose.