Wipe the tears from your eyes, get the lighter away from your jersey and pull yourself together. It’s going to be okay. Trust me, I too was extremely upset with the news of our beloved Andrelton Simmons being traded to the Angels. In all honesty, it even stung a little more than losing Kimbrel, Heyward and Justin Upton. But, unfortunately, this is how baseball works.
I was angry, and still am slightly angry, however, I understand and support what John Hart is doing for this organization, and the only thing that makes me angrier than trades are fans who bash their favorite team to the point of pure hatred and act like their isn’t a method to the madness. I can tell you one thing, contrary to what seems to be popular belief, Hart isn’t setting out for this team to suck. As a matter of fact, he has a pretty impressive track record of building teams from the dirt into very successful clubs.
I can’t tell you what’s going through John Hart and John Coppolella’s mind, but I can take a good guess. Goal number one: Build the farm system from the ground up with the best pitching in Major League Baseball. Goal number two: Free up cap space to get a few consistent bats. Goal number three: Be ready to compete for the division in 2017.
If we go back and look at the Bobby Cox and Paul Snyder method, they did nearly the same thing. Traded for and drafted young pitchers. Within five years they built a dynasty that went on to win 14 straight division titles and a World Series. I don’t know about you, but I would love another reign like that (hopefully with more World Series titles).
It is hard right now. Downright awful, really. We lost Cameron Maybin too, and although he was new, fans loved him just the same. It’s hard to watch and support a team that you might not recognize anyone on and that you constantly fear will trade one of your favorite guys. I fear losing Freddie Freeman everyday, despite Fredi Gonzalez saying he will be on the 2016 roster, and I struggle sometimes to remember who is still a Brave, who isn’t and who will be playing what position come April.
But these guys we’ve gotten through trades will be the guys who become household names. They will be the ones pitching complete game shutouts and the envy of other teams in just a few short years. I, for one, am going to take the time now to get to know them and support them on their way up so that they have a warm welcome when the make it to The Show.
Just remember the 90s. Remember that at one point, people didn’t know who Glavine (second round draft pick) or Smoltz (a 22nd round pick originally drafted by the Tigers) were either. Have faith in this team that’s going back to its roots. I know it hurts now, and it’s okay to be angry, but quit bashing a team you claim to be a fan of. Welcome the new guys to the team, wish well to those leaving us, consider not buying anything with a player’s name on it for a while and keep on chopping, we’re going to be just fine.
As always, Go Braves!
