The Athletic’s beat writer for the Braves Dave O’Brien joined Dukes & Bell to talk about Ronald Acuña ’s new deal, who the Braves might try to lock up next, plus what does Folty’s return mean for the bullpen?
Dave gave the guys the latest on Bobby Cox.
“He’s still in the hospital obviously.” O’Brien said “A bunch of people here saw him today, including Brian Snitker who said he’s a tough guy and he’ll get thru it. I don’t think he’s in great shape, but the good news is he’s conscious and alert, that’s about all I know about his condition.”
O’Brien said that he thinks the bullpen is better than how it looked in Philly.
“I would think a little closer to what you saw on Monday.” O’Brien said “I don’t think what we saw in Philly was a representative showing of what the pitching staff will be, it was cold, it was windy so I’ll give them a pass on that one. Kyle Wright actually pitched well, he showed some stuff, that team in those conditions really impressed me, Bryse Wilson not so much and the offense was really good up there.”
Dave talked about how shocked he was with the details of Acuña ’s deal.
“I was shocked at how low it was I really was.” O’Brien said “An unbelievable good deal for the Braves, any fan that doesn’t understand that and tries to find the negative is crazy. The last six years he’s going to make $17 every year, there are guys now making double than that, in the last few years he may well be the best player in baseball, it’s a terrific deal for the Braves.”
When asked if the Braves had offered Acuna a deal before he reached the majors.
“Coppy approached him when he was still in AAA.” O’Brien said “I’m not sure of the details, I don’t think it was nearly as long, plus at that point he didn’t have nearly the fill of the organization with guys like Ozzie who is his really good friend. He loves it up here, it was a stroke of genius by the organization, and they didn’t take advantage of a young agent this guy has been around for a while.”
O’Brien told the guys that he thinks Ozzie Albies could be next in line for a contract extension.
“Ozzie makes the most sense, and Dansby makes sense if he continues to make strides like he has so far.” O’Brien said “But Ozzie you have to look at it hat he’s the best friend of Acuña , I know you can get him for a little less than Acuña , what’s he going to say he knows Acuña is more talented so if you could lock him up for maybe 8 years and then Dansby you could really have a good core with financial flexibility.”
What does Folty’s return mean for the Braves pitching staff?
“Folty was far and away the best pitcher last year.” O’Brien said “So if he’s healthy and pitching like he was last year that’s huge, Gausman was a really good middle of the rotation guy, and once I think you get both those guys back you might see one or two of those young guys moving the bullpen which would really help your pen.”