Boy…AA sure does know how to excite his fans. Not even a 1/2 day after Orlando Arcia injured his hamstring, the Braves get 2 HUGE transactions one of which would’ve never seemed possible without great need. Here’s the full transaction:

There is still some maneuverabilty when it comes to the active roster, especially when September comes and rosters go to 28, but this sends a clear message to the team and its fans: Braves are in it to win it.

Kirby Yates ends his MILB rehab stint carrying a 1.08 ERA in 8.1 innings, striking out 10 and only walking 2. The Braves could really use his arm right about now. If he can come close to the Yates of old, the Braves could very well have the best and deepest bullpen in the game. Wow…never thought I’d say that.

For those that aren’t familiar with 21 year old Vaughn Grissom, he’s a big kid, probably pushing 190-200 lb. and measuring in at 6’3. Because of his size many think he’ll have to move to 3B, but I still see a MLB SS, at least for 5-6 more years. His arm is strong so it won’t be a problem from 2B (obviously), and while’s he’s probably not as good with his hands or as rangy as Dansby, he makes up for it with a better arm. I’ve watched a lot of Grissom and he doesn’t move like a 6’3 200 lb. player. He’s an athlete.

What’s most impressive about Grissom is his plate approach. He’s like Acuña in that he’s selective while also being aggressive, so he gets his share of walks, although that number has decreased in 2022. Unlike Acuña, he hasn’t been prone to the strikeout (~12% K-rate) and that bodes well for his MLB future. One thing that Grissom worked really hard on in the offseason was creating lift. His ground-ball rate was way too high coming into 2022, which seriously deflated his power. This year, he’s been lifting the ball more and has seen a HUGE increase in home runs, collecting 14 in 442 PAs. The kid can also run, collecting 27 stolen bases between High A and Low A. However, stealing is much easier in the lower minors (especially High-A) and while he does have above average speed, I can’t fathom that he’ll be doing any sort of regular running like Acuña and Harris.

While it’s likely a pipedream, when (if) Ozzie Albies returns, I’d love for Brian Snitker to finally lay Marcell Ozuna to rest and, if he’s producing, utilize Vaughn Grissom as a super-utility infielder, allowing Snitker to rotate the DH around his infield to allow some field rest for Austin Riley, Dansby Swanson, Ozzie Albies, and Matt Olson, 3 of which have essentially been everyday players all year and could use some time off of their legs while also staying in the lineup.

Tonight’s going to be fun! I’m guessing Grissom sits his first game and we see him as the starting 2b tomorrow. Exciting times, indeed!