Braves Off Season Actions

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     The new Owner/ President of Baseball Operations of the Atlanta Braves wasted no time getting to work this off season. One of his first actions as the new Owner was to fire several staff members and coaches.  He was quoted as saying "these staff members I have let go do not have the brains or drive to be affiliated with the new Atlanta Braves". He went on to say " to reach exceptional goals we need exceptional people". Many long time Braves fans were not happy with the moves of the new Owner, but its hard to argue with a World Series ring.
     Yesterday the Braves Owner took out a front page add in the local paper. Here is some highlights from this letter to the fans.         

                                                   A letter to the fans from the owner of the Atlanta Braves

    As the new owner of the Atlanta Braves I have one simple goal, bring a World Series title to Atlanta. How are we going to do that? I will not stop preparing for the upcoming draft. Already my staff and I have spent 40+ hours on draft prep. We will evaluate every single major league player and minor league player prior to the draft to see if they are "Braves material". We will consider multiple draft strategies. We will monitor FA players moves and ensure all Braves staff are on the same page and understand their roles. 
     The climb to the top is never easy. However one thing you can count on is your owner will never get bored and quit, never consider wasting his time with other sport ownership's, or fail to show up when times get tough. All I ask is you the fans come to the park everyday like its a playoff game. Get ready to win...losing is for the the unprepared.  
        

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This week the Atlanta Braves have had meetings on very specific draft depth scenarios. We assigned scouts to the international market and sent a few scouts to the AFL league. Back here at HQ the GM has taken in data from several scouts and updated the draft boards.

An update from the GM.

ATL continues to work toward the 2017 season and draft. We understand that many teams are not looking at baseball activities. We also understand many teams have not started any draft preparations. We welcome this attitude and hope it continues.

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The ATL Braves scouting department has had its final meetings with the GM to report on the AFL. All the draft boards are beginning to take shape and ATL is considering its drafting strategy. The ATL GM was interviewed today in his office by Baseball America (BA) and here is the transcripts.

BA- Good Morning and again congratulations on the job with ATL.
ATL GM- Thanks I am very excited to be with the ATL Braves. We have already changed a few things/ operations in preparation for the 2017 season.

BA- Speaking of changes, it didn't take long for you to fire some people. Many have said your style might be a bit abrasive and quick minded. What do you think of those comments?
ATL GM- I would hope that my track record would help convince some people that we know what we are doing here. As to the firings, I consider my mentality and leadership style as very progressive. I don't have time for staff members who aren't flexible and open to new styles of learning. The baseball world has never had as much data as it does right now. I firmly believe that data should be incorporated and used to help build not only a winning season but an ATL Braves Dynasty. Those who could not get on that train are now gone.

BA- How do you feel about your draft slot in the number 5 position?
ATL GM- We are very comfortable with the number 5 position. We wanted to be at the front end of the draft in the 3-7 range or in the final 5 picks of the draft. Our data suggest this draft position is a very good one to have. However we are aware their is a lot of very smart GM's in the league and plans are just that plans. We will be adaptive in the process and have a plan for every selection because of our staff's hard work and preparation. I am confident in the fact we are doing our best to be ready at every pick.

BA- Last season with the CLE Indians you traded over an unbelievable 40 times. Do you see that same plan of attack for the 2017 season?
ATL GM- Lol yes that was crazy. Its hard to say no we are not going to do that again, or yes. I can say we will be one of the most available and active owners in the trade market. Our doors will be open 24/7 365 days a year for sure. The thing is we believe every team has a type of trade that can help not only their own ball club, but both organizations in the trade. The question is do both GM's have the patience to work it out?

BA- Because of all those trades you seemed to get a negative reputation in the league. How do you respond to that? Also do you plan on changing that perception in the 2017 season?
ATL GM- That's tough to answer. If your're asking will we tone down or aggressive drive to win, then no. If you asking if the more trades you make and the more games you win that puts a huge league target on your back, ultimately making getting deals done then yes lol. It's a fine balance to stay aggressive and shed the target of "ultra active owner" at the same time. I can say the owner of the ATL Braves hired me to do one thing and that's to win. Everything we do is aimed at that one goal. If that puts a target on my back then so be it. I can say no matter the perception of me and my staff we will continue to treat other owners with respect no matter the situation.

BA- So who do you plan on taking with the 5th pick?
ATL GM- Who asked you to ask that COL? MIN? Next question...

BA- Ok ok, what percent do you feel you and your staff are towards being ready for the draft?
ATL GM- I would say we are about %60 ready right now. We have some more data to collect, we still have about 5 miles of game film to watch, and we want to take a good look at the winter trades that are taking place. Still a lot of work to do.

BA- Well thanks so much for your time today and good luck ATL in the 2017 season and beyond. I can say one think. Love them or hate them ATL will be very fun to watch next season.
ATL GM- Thanks for your time. Take care.

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Update Soon...

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Update

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