What presents did you get on the Big Day? Well, at my household, we got an early start.  On Big Day Eve, we were surprised with an early present.  When we opened it, it turns out we got a couple of old toys that we had earlier discarded.  Sure they are old, but they had been two of our favorites three years ago.  It could be fun to play with them again—and we are often told that it can be good to have veteran presents.

Anyway, these old presents were just the beginning, we were sure. We woke up on the Big Day so excited to see the presents yet to come!  But then on the Day itself, we waited, and we waited, and we waited.  And nothing was delivered!

But we were told, don’t be disappointed!  We didn’t need any more presents.  The toys we have that are broken will be fixed soon—that’s like new presents!  And the ones that haven’t been working like they did before will start to work again—and that’s like more new presents!  So we can expect an entirely new and exciting toy box for the next couple of months.

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So far so good.  The post-trade deadline Braves are now 1-0.  Behind an excellent start by Bryce Elder and 14 hits, our guys cruised to a 5-1 victory over the Brew Crew.  Elder went six and a third, striking out seven and walking only one.  The top tier bullpen guys did their usual stellar job.  On offense, everyone had at least one hit, except Olson, and he walked twice.  Jared Kelenic had a double and a homer in front of a townful of family and friends. Austin Riley had four hits—don’t look now, but he’s quietly turned into his old self.  Even Sean Murphy and Orlando Arcia had two hits apiece.  And Eddie Rosario of all people had a big two out two run single.  Maybe this is a new team!

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 Let’s talk briefly about the big present that we did get this deadline.  I don’t think acquiring Soler is just a nostalgia-inducing, get the band back together kind of move.  The Braves desperately needed a corner outfielder who can hit, and if you squint really hard he could be the best of the available bunch this deadline season.  His full season numbers don’t look so great, but he has been very good since June 1.  At his best, he both gets on base and hits with power, which he’s been doing lately.  He’ll take over the leadoff spot starting today.

Of the other outfielders that were traded, I’m not sure any would obviously provide more offense than Soler.  Sure, If Chisholm continues to hit two homers in every game, I will change my tune.  Arozarena has on OPS over 1.300 in three games with the Mariners.  But neither of those guys was hitting as well as Soler before the trades.  Winker may have been more of an upgrade, but that’s a close call.

The two big downsides to Soler are: (1) He is not a good defender.  Or a defender at all; this year he hasn’t played the field even for one inning; I hope he can find his old glove at the bottom of the closet, and that he remembers how to use it. (2) He is expensive, and under contract for two more years. Early reports were that he moved the Braves deeper into luxury tax territory, but that is apparently not the case.  Still, he and Ozuna (almost certainly) will both be on the roster next year, along with RAJ, Harris, and Kelenic.  Which one sits?  As they say, though, depth is a good problem to have.  You don’t have to look any further than this year’s Braves outfield to see that.

As to not acquiring a pitcher at the deadline, AA is counting on the good MRI’s on Fried and Lopez.  If they are both fine after brief hiccups, then the pitching staff did not need reinforcements.  That’s a big gamble, but he has better medical information than I do.

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The undefeated post-deadline Braves take on the Brewers this afternoon in a 2:10 eastern time start.  Chris Sale takes the hill against Freddy Peralta.  Ought to be a pitcher’s duel, but you never know, do you?

[Bonus points for the first to recognize why I chose the picture above for this recap]

Wednesday Game Thread

Jorge Soler and Luke Jackson have reported to the team which prompted the following transaction:

First and foremost, I think Nacho Alvarez will be an average big leaguer with chances of having a few really strong seasons, but the evidence that he wasn’t ready is undeniable. I believe in his bat to ball skills, but he’s going to have to make a strong effort to adapt to the high velo that ate him alive. Bryce Elder was very impressive and utilized the fastball up and sinker down approach brilliantly, and he was rewarded with a demotion.

Braves Lineup

Whit Merrifield gets his first start for the Braves at 2B, which will probably be better than Nacho Alvarez, but still not great and we can only pray that Ozzie Albies comes back soon and can stay off the IL.