Counter Moves

Whenever a NL East team obtains a player, some fans think the Braves must immediately make a corresponding counter move - regardless of the current roster plan.

Fans want the roster to be built now. If the Braves don’t make moves this week the front office is considered weak. ”They don’t care about winning” is the cry. These fans have no patience, forgetting that players can be added at any time. Spring training doesn’t start for another two months. Opening Day is two months after that. What is their hurry?

Though they really weren’t, in hindsight past moves could be considered counter moves. Signing Derek Lowe and Kenshin Kawakami. Trades for Teixeira and JD Drew. Last year the Nats and Phillies traded valued prospects for centerfielders. To counter the Braves signed the best available free agent centerfielder. Instead of sating the fan’s desire, the moves only drew complaints. Fans will complain no matter what the Braves do.

Fans complained when Dale Murphy was traded. Dale’s body was worn out from years of pounding. He gave his all for the Braves. Based on his performance in Philadelphia and Colorado, it was the right move. To get anything in return was a plus. The same could be said for Tom Glavine and John Smoltz and Jeff Francoeur. Or even the great Hank Aaron, who asked to be traded to Milwaukee to finish his career. Rafael Furcal has continuously battled injuries since he left the Braves. The Braves did well to not overpay for aging, oft-injured veterans Brian McCann and Tim Hudson. There are other fish in the sea.

Rosters are not put together haphazardly. There are plans at every position, and backup plans. A wise team does not sign players just because another team makes a move. Sometimes a player will fall into a team’s lap, but most of the time it’s best to stick to the plan. Better to not sign an expensive free agent with questionable ability and instead wait to see how the rookie performs. Most times the numbers are the same – at the worst. And for less money.

Fans often tout players that when you check their numbers, aren’t any better than what the Braves already have at a less expensive price. “Why don’t they get so & so?” they ask. Other fans agree, not connecting the dots. Then there’re all mad at the team for not making moves, when in fact the Braves are following the best course. It’s not worth arguing with the fools, or trying to prove them wrong. Their mind is made up. They don’t listen to reason – or facts.

DOB is riddled with inane proposals, so much so that a Twitter was set up to highlight them. Many come from young fans, or ignorant fans who just recently set up their Twitter. They tweet first and think later.