We continue to wait, impatiently, as the Braves slow-play yet another offseason. The club still has a glaring vacancy in the middle of the order and could use some fortification in the bullpen, but there is still time to address those needs. Alex Anthopoulos has shown that he always has a plan, but payroll restrictions have yet to be discussed publicly this offseason. The signing of Drew Smyly, as many have pointed out, points to very little resistance on pushing the payroll upward, but to what extent remains to be seen.
The Padres continue to set the trade market ablaze, which naturally captures the imaginations of Braves fans who wish to see the front office be more aggressive in improving the major league roster for the near-term.