The lineup the Atlanta Braves put out on the field against the Miami Marlins on Sunday looked like a 2016 team of old. Abraham Almonte batted cleanup... in a division game. Let that sink in.
Is this just 'one of those things' like manager Brian Snitker would tell us or are there bigger issues Braves fans should be concerned about? The club is dealing with a handful of injuries, one unforeseen legal issue and unexpected production drops.
Do the Braves need to make a move by the MLB trade deadline on July 30? 92.9 The Game Braves reporter, Joe Patrick, joined The Midday Show to discuss whether he thinks the Braves will be buyers or sellers at the deadline.
"You've got these holes that you need to fill, but I think the issue for the Braves is going to be whether they see themselves as buyers or sellers honestly," Patrick told Andy and Randy. "It's kind of weird to think about this Braves team being a potential seller; I don't know if they would actually trade anybody away."
Patrick said it will likely depend on where they are in the standings in the next month and a half. If they do decide to be buyers, and see themselves as contenders, he said there's one specific area they need to target.
"I feel like if they see themselves as that kind of team, they have to solidify the outfield. They have to improve there," Patrick continued. The Braves are currently rolling out with guys like Ender Inciarte, Guillermo Heredia, Abraham Almonte, who have been solid sparks but aren't everyday role players.
"When you're talking about a team that's a World Series contender, which is what you would think the Braves would see themselves as if they're trading to acquire talent at the trade deadline, then I feel like they really would need to solidify that portion of the team."
