WASHINGTON – After a 42-42 start that was better than predicted, the Braves’ season has crumbled, and some observers have suggested Braves officials overdid it with a rebuilding plan, a plan that until recently they were reluctant to even call a rebuild (they preferred “revamping” or other euphemisms). The Braves, who in late July traded away pitchers Jim Johnson, Alex Wood and Luis Avilan in one deal and hitters Kelly Johnson and Juan Uribe in another, had a 10-game losing streak entering Saturday’s game against the Nationals and a 12-39 record since July 7.
Assistant general manager John Coppolella, as right-hand man to president of baseball operations John Hart, has been heavily involved in all personnel moves since last fall, when Hart replaced fired general manager Frank Wren and Coppolella assumed some GM duties.