Five Braves file for free agency
Welcome to Braves News World, a blog about all things Atlanta Braves. If you don’t mind, let’s skip the formalities and let the “news and views” begin!
Schuerholz has his work cut out for him this offseason (doesn’t he every year nowadays!). J.D. Drew, Jaret Wright, Russ Ortiz, Paul Byrd, and Julio Franco have filed for free agency. The exodus of pitching talent has the potential to decimate the Braves’ pitching staff so much that there has been discussion of John Smoltz returning to the starting rotation.
As much as I’m hoping the Braves can find a way to retain Wright’s services, I’m afraid it’s a lost cause. Rumors are already surfacing that the Phillies have contacted Wright and, for that matter, Russ Ortiz (possibly in breach of the league’s collusion laws).
But, regardless, I think these concerns are overblown and the Braves will still have a strong staff next year. I understand Paul Byrd has strong ties to Atlanta and may sign for less to stay in Atlanta. He quietly put together a very solid season in 2004. Hampton and John Thomson will be back and don’t forget Horacio Ramirez… Adding Smoltz to those four borders on overkill. If they do move Smoltz back, I don’t see them counting on Alfonseca to close. Rumors point to free agent Troy Percival as a more likely candidate.
That’s it for the inaugural post! I look forward to your comments and many great discussions about the Braves.
