| Brian Reynolds. 15th July, 2009 - 3:47 pm
 As the second half of the 2009 season begins on Thursday, the Atlanta Braves sit six games behind the division leading Philadelphia Phillies. With the non-waiver trade deadline looming, the Braves will ask themselves a familiar question: Are we buyers or sellers?
In 2007, the Braves were buyers. They landed then Rangers’ first baseman Mark Teixeira for Jarrod Saltalamacchia and four minor-league prospects. The move prompted the following statements from the Braves clubhouse.
“We’ve got a World Series team,” said Edgar Renteria.
“Seems like they’re trying to make us win a World Series around here,” said Tim Hudson.
“Yes, we’ve got the team to win the World Series,” said Brian McCann.
The Braves failed to make the postseason in 2007, which made the acquisition of Teixeira a huge failure. Hate to mention this, but it was at this deadline when the Royals were actively trying to acquire Jeff Francoeur from Atlanta. They were offering then setup man Zack Greinke. The Braves said no and instead settled for Octavio Dotel.
In 2008, the Braves took the sellers route. They sent Mark Teixeira to the Angels for Casey Kotchman and Stephen Marek. Knowing they were unlikely to make the playoffs and having little to zero chance in resigning Teixeira, they said their good riddance to the slugger.
Now, it’s decision time again.
With the acquisition of Nate McLouth in early June, it would appear that Atlanta is making a run for October this year. However, McLouth is signed for the next four seasons, so the deal was more of a piece that fit nicely into the Braves long-term plans.
The trade of Jeff Francoeur doesn’t really tell us much. It was more of a trade just to make a trade. It’s the type of trade made by fantasy players who find themselves sick and tired of a player on their team and will offer him around the league for just about anyone.
So what will General Manager Frank Wren do? The Braves would love to get rid of Kelly Johnson and teams have shown interest, such as the Indians and Cardinals. However, Johnson isn’t going to land the team anything worthwhile.
Yunel Escobar has been a hot name in recent weeks. The Oakland A’s appear ready to deal the services of Matt Holliday and Orlando Cabrera to acquire Escobar. There is no doubt that Holliday would help, but it’s a definite risk. He would likely bolt in free agency which would leave the Braves with a huge downgrade at shortstop. Although frustrating to watch at times, Escobar is strong defensively and his bat is clutch. He is one of the best hitters in the league with runners in scoring position. If I’m Frank Wren, I would pass on that proposed deal.
The Cardinals have also shown interest in Escobar. However the Braves would want Ryan Ludwick in any deal, whom St. Louis doesn’t appear ready to deal.
Javier Vazquez is another piece in which many teams in need of starting pitching would love to acquire from Atlanta. Despite a 6-7 record, Vazquez has an ERA of 2.95, 136 strikeouts, and a 1.05 WHIP. He has been consistently good all season long.
I only see Atlanta dealing Vazquez if they fall out of the race and decide to be sellers. So this upcoming 8-game homestand with the Mets and Giants is pivotal. If they struggle, look for Wren to listen to offers for Vazquez.
Wren has told David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he does not want to move any more prospects and can’t afford to add much more payroll.
Hearing that, I would expect the Braves to sit tight with their current squad or become sellers later this month to clear up some cap space. Who knows, maybe Nate McLouth can convince good friend and former teammate Jason Bay to come to Atlanta in next year’s free agency.
--Brian Reynolds is a contributing writer for RealGM and a recent graduate of Emory University. He can be reached at Brian.Matthew.Reynolds@gmail.com |
