Written by Liam McGuire at Bloguin
The Atlanta Braves are in the trying start of a long rebuild.
Braves fans were given another reality check this week when the club traded star shortstop Andrelton Simmons to the Los Angeles Angels. If that wasn’t a tough pill to swallow on its own, reports suggested the team was willing to move first baseman Freddie Freeman as well. The Braves are truly exploring every opportunity.
Braves general manager John Coppolella understands fans being frustrated with the tear down of a team that won 96 games two years ago, but admits rebuilding is a long proccess, while not mincing his words about his frustration.
“I know it’s hard for our fans, but I’m not running for office. We are doing what I believe is what’s best in for the long-term interest of the Braves. I’ll trust our scouts and analytics.
“I’m getting so tired of this,’’ Coppolella told USA TODAY Sports. “If guys want to take shots, or (degrade) us, fine. But let’s let it play out for a few years before we start branding our pitchforks and torches.
“I feel in my heart this is the best for the Braves.”
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