FEB. 22, 2021
BY DAN MATHEWS
680 THE FAN, ATLANTA –

The best front office executive in Atlanta pro sports is Alex Anthopoulos and it’s not even close. 

The announced agreement between the Braves and former All-Star third baseman Jake Lamb is just another example of how good Anthopoulos is at this job. Lamb is not being brought in to help be a middle of the order bat and everyday player. He’s being asked to provide depth off the bench and get a spot start here in there. 

Austin Riley is your third baseman. However, giving him a night off here and there will not be a bad thing. Plus, we all know how streaky he can be at the plate. 

Anthopoulos have shown the ability to be able to find players that bring value to this team. Adam Duvall, Adeiny Hechavarria, Tyler Matzek and Charlie Culberson are just some players that you can point to. 

Lamb has been a National League All-Star in 2017 with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He hit 30 home runs during that season. Shoulder and quadriceps issues have struck him during the last few seasons. It even lead him to eventually being released by Arizona. 

The good news is that a change of scenery has already benefited Lamb. Just this last season, he caught on with the Oakland A’s, after being designated for assignment by the D-Backs. He hit .267, with 3 home runs and 9 RBI in 49 plate appearances with Oakland. 

If Lamb comes in to bring the Braves quality at-bats in pinch hitting and spot start situations, then this will be a huge success. This is only a deal that can provide upside. He’s not blocking any player’s development. 

These “ifs” are not going to be a mark against Anthopoulos, should Lamb not work out. If he doesn’t, then you can find another option to handle his role. Don’t forget that Jason Kipnis is here now too. These type of players have been hits with the Braves during Alex Anthopoulos’ tenure. There is no reason to doubt him with Lamb.