Atlanta Braves: We’re About To Find Out How Much They Love The Game

The Atlanta Braves Front Office passed the MLB Trade Deadline this afternoon without making any moves. The current lot of veteran players are about show how much they love playing the game.

Ok. So, now we know. Lots of ink has been spilled here, and in other places, loaded with conjecture about who, if any, would be dealt. Now we know. Jaime Garcia was it. Kind of uneventful. But, that tells us exactly where the Atlanta Braves are headed.

Meaning, the every day starting roster includes veterans Matt Kemp, Nick Markakis, Matt Adams, Brandon Phillips, Tyler Flowers, and Kurt Suzuki. Every single one of those guys contributes. All have won games for us at times this year.

But some of them won’t be here much longer. Some of them, if they want to stay, will have to make very interesting financial decisions. Because, clearly, the Braves Front Office believes that they have enough coming down the line to be successful, at some point.

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The worm has turned. There were times this season when we thought silently, but hopefully, “Hey, maybe these guys can do something.” That “do something” was a winning season and possible playoff berth. Those thoughts have faded recently like a certain Closer that wears our uniform.

Now our weight is firmly planted on the front foot with an eye to the future. That’s a strange statement going into August of the MLB season. But it is. Young players are being fast tracked, while performing well, through the minors at a crazy pace. It was reported today that Lucas Sims has been called up to the big club. It’s already starting.

As these guys move up, though, what do you do with the vets on the team who play well? None of those guys have had terrible years. Slumps and injuries, sure. But when they are out there, from Kemp to Suzuki, they’ve helped the team.

They know this. The players know this. All of it. So, how hard will these guys play for the rest of the year? What is the chemistry like when they all know some won’t be here next year, but some might?

And we’re not talking about fringe players here. Team chemistry seems pretty good. There is a good vibe with this team. Even when they ridiculously get swept by a gawd awful Phillies team.

The Atlanta Braves didn’t move much earth today. But what they didn’t do spoke loudly.

Next: Atlanta Braves: Fading as the Summer Continues

That’s a tough environment to play in. We’re about to find out how much these guys love playing the game of baseball. And it will be evident.