Busy Braves may decide to stay active

ATLANTA — Because they have already secured their top two starting-pitching targets on the free-agent market and added some versatile depth to their bench, the Braves are nearing December without any definite musts on their to-do list. But recent history has still provided reason to believe they will still generate attention during next week’s Winter Meetings in Washington, D.C.

Atlanta president of baseball operations John Hart and general manager John Coppolella have essentially served as attractive sellers at this event the past two years. But as they enter what they hope to be the final stages of what has been a massive rebuilding project, they now stand as potential buyers who must decide whether the time is right to use potential future assets to acquire a player who would fill an immediate need.

Coming off two consecutive seasons in which they did not reach the 70-win mark, the Braves certainly aren’t looking to make any rash, short-sighted decisions to simply make their first season at SunTrust Park more memorable. But there’s still a chance they may be willing to pay the significant cost it would require to acquire a controllable frontline starting pitcher.

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Consequently, they will continue to be linked to any trade talks …

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