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Atlanta Braves: Top Five Alex Anthopoulos Moves So Far

By Kit Anderson

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 04: General manager Alex Anthopoulos and manager Brian Snitker #43 of the Atlanta Braves talk during batting practice prior to Game One of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 4, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 04: General manager Alex Anthopoulos and manager Brian Snitker #43 of the Atlanta Braves talk during batting practice prior to Game One of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 4, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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ANAHEIM, CA – SEPTEMBER 11: Pitcher Jim Johnson #33 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitches during the first inning of the MLB game against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium on September 11, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA – SEPTEMBER 11: Pitcher Jim Johnson #33 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitches during the first inning of the MLB game against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium on September 11, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /

4. Moving on From Players Who Symbolized a Losing Roster

Another underrated move for Anthopolous in his limited time in Atlanta was trimming the roster right away when he joined the front office.  He didn’t waste time attempting to keep veterans or players he viewed as part of the losing culture.

Players like Jace Peterson, Jim Johnson, and Adonis Garcia were all unceremoniously moved on from.   Realizing they were part of the losing culture of old Alex quickly cut or traded any and all players who had contributed to the losing culture.

It was a good move for a GM who was setting the team up for a culture switch. One in which the Braves and their fans no longer were required to watch Jim Johnson blow saves. Or unathletic infielders attempt to play outfield.

Sometimes the players you move on from are more important than the ones you add. For the Braves this was very much the case over the last two seasons. Changing their culture and adding in young players in place of losing pieces was a move that set the Braves up for their surprising run in 2018.

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