The Bear Cave Is Growing Too Dark....And I Don't Like It!

I have a really good reason for such a title to this entry. The constant mixed signals of John Hart and the equally as annoying bullying by beat writers and a chunk of Braves Country are all making fans of Evan Gattis rightfully agitated. That sentiment grows with the constant emergence of articles like this:

Evan Gattis Likely To Be Moved With Atlanta Braves’ Signing Of A.J. Pierzynski

By Brandon Williams on December 27, 2014

Mark Rebilas – USA Today

While the Frank Wren regime was a complete disaster for the Atlanta Braves during his seven-year tenure, what GM John Hart has done in a few short months is shaping up to be a pleasant surprise for Braves fans.

As a last-minute Christmas gift, the Braves acquired veteran and former All-Star catcher A.J. Pierzynski by signing him to a one-year deal on Christmas Eve. Pierzynski is as well respected in the baseball community as anyone, and pairing him with 23-year-old Christian Bethancourt is sure to pay dividends for the up and coming star catcher.

Now that just leaves one question that Braves fans need an answer to: Where does that leave Evan Gattis? As for now, this move undoubtedly places Gattis in the void in left field that Justin Upton left when he was traded to the San Diego Padres. However, there’s just one problem: Gattis’ outfield ability is as excruciating to watch as Steve Carell’s chest hair removal in ‘The 40-Year-Old Virgin.’

As an offensive player, Gattis is perfect for any ball club. He provides immediate power which opposing pitchers must respect. This in turn makes life easier for whoever hits in front of him. His defense has unfortunately never quite caught up to his offense as he is at best an average defensive catcher … and a complete train wreck in left field. If your eyes can take it, please watch him in the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2013.

For these reasons alone, it is almost a sure thing the Braves will be looking to move Gattis before the season starts, and an AL suitor with an open DH job would be the perfect fit for the popular Gattis. Whoever represents Gattis needs to ensure this happens for the sake of his playing career.

Based on the moves Hart has made in recent weeks, the writing is indeed on the wall, and all signs point to Gattis being moved at some point this offseason. If the Braves can find a quality outfielder and quite possibly one who can fill the leadoff role, Hart could possibly put the Braves in position to have a decent season.

Brandon Williams is an Atlanta Braves writer for RantSports.com. You can follow him on Twitter, @BfreshAlum4UA, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

Please note the paragraph that I italicized and emboldened. Where exactly do writers like Brandon Williams, Mark Bowman and others get off with the same echoing of Evan only being good enough to DH? More to the point, WHO exactly IS representing Evan, and why aren't they doing more to defend him either way? 

The only person who can ensure anything for the sake of his career is Evan himself. If John Hart is really telling the truth, and Evan really is "down for anything," then maybe more needs to be said and made clear to the fans that support this team, and ultimately, fans of El Oso Blanco. 

Know this John Hart....You already broke up a lot of the band, and your frontman, Freddie Freeman, is already not too happy about it. You get rid of the lead guitarist in Evan Gattis, you may as well call it quits way beyond 2017. Oh yeah, and have fun explaining that to season ticket holders and new stadium investors!