Trade Rumors

After searching about on the site mlbtraderumors.com, I found a few bits on the Braves and their recent "rumors."

We've seen the Braves connected in Mark Teixeira rumors before; in late June Kat O'Brien included the Braves in a sizeable list of interested teams. Speculation for quite a while now has placed catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia in the discussion.

David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution says the Teixeira-to-Atlanta rumor was still making the rounds at the All-Star Game. He seems to be speculating when he says Jon Daniels would require Salty and another young player, but that sounds about right. Perhaps the Braves wouldn't be daunted by Teixeira's free agency after 2008. They could definitely let him walk and collect some valuable draft picks. That'd bypass a lot of the Boras factor, though they'll still have to arrive at a 2008 salary.

Braves' first basemen have amassed an ugly .211/.264/.374 line in 318 ABs, most of it coming from Scott Thorman and the since-departed Craig Wilson. But if they went with Saltalamacchia exclusively from here on out, would he be significantly worse than Teixeira?

The Braves are fourth in the NL in OBP and sixth in slugging, with Andruw Jones perhaps primed for a much better second half. The bigger need is in pitching, specifically the starting rotation. Atlanta's 4.60 rotation ERA is just 10th in the NL, and they have to be at least slightly worried about John Smoltz.

The problem is that Teixeira is definitely on the market, while an ace starter may not be. Javier Vazquez might be the best pitcher available.

Well, this just doesn't make any sense really. Saltalamacchia is projected out to be a player that is close to Teixeira. The only difference is the amount of years involved and price. I suppose if the Braves really needed hitting at this moment (they don't) then it would make sense. Just realize that Teixeira would probably be an upgrade at the moment, but for the upcoming seasons, trading Salty and perhaps another decent prospect is not worth getting him for a year and a half at a much higher salary. It is rather simple, just keep Salty at 1st base and play him ever day. You got a guy that has potential to play at the same level as Teixeira for many more years and at a much cheaper price.

Given the depth of the infielders in the Braves system, I would try to part with a few of them to get another starting pitcher. Pitching is obviously our biggest need.

Andruw apparently has campaigned for another starter. Also from MLBTR suggests that...

The names I think we'll be hearing in trade rumors this month as far as starters: Matt Morris, Kyle Lohse, Jason Jennings, Jon Garland, and Jose Contreras. There should be a few more second or third tier type guys as well (Odalis Perez, Steve Trachsel, Joe Kennedy, Wade Miller, Josh Fogg, Brett Tomko). I would not be surprised to see Oakland become sellers in short order, but they don't have much starting pitching to trade with Rich Harden and Esteban Loaiza injured.

I really wouldn't mind seeing someone like Matt Morris or Jon Garland on the team. Even welcoming back Odalis Perez at a low cost wouldn't be a bad choice either.

The Braves have also Inquired on Dmitri Young. Again, it doesn't make much sense, but having Dmitri off the bench or a casual replacement wouldn't be so bad depending on who we give up. It really looks like Scott Thorman will be removed from the team shortly.

All-Star Break Awards and Facts

The season is already halfway over and a lot has happened. The Braves had their share of good and bad times. Lets take a look at who I think deserved some recognition.

MVP

Edgar Renteria- Even though Chipper has better hitting statistics (OPS,VORP etc.) Renteria has been the most consistent and best contributor to the team throughout the season. He leads the team in Runs Created with 63 and is on pace to have the best season of his career.

CY Young

John Smoltz- It was Tim Hudson for a while, but a few up and downs from him removed him from claiming the best Braves pitcher in the 1st half. Just keep in mind that Hudson is very close statistically. John Smoltz continues to be the staff ace and is having a pretty good season. Not a real big surprise. Smoltz leads the team in ERA+ and strikeouts.

Rookie

This obviously goes to Jarrod Saltalamacchia. It won't be long before he finds himself playing everyday somewhere.

Biggest Surprise

I think Willie Harris has come by surprise. This guy came out of nowhere and contributed greatly to the ball club. I think I could also mention Kelly Johnson, he has been solid at 2nd base and hitting well.

Biggest disappointment

Andruw Jones, Brian McCann, and Kyle Davies have all been playing below expectations. Many thought Andruw Jones would flourish because of his "contract year." Brian McCann started the season out looking like he was going to be even greater than last season. Apparently injuries and marginal slumps have hindered his numbers. He does have impressive HR and RBI totals however. Kyle Davies is still looking to find a way to regain himself out there. I think some are about ready to give up on him, or already have.

Some of you may remember Jayson Stark's article on the most overrated players where he mentioned Andruw Jones. The reality was that he has been in a decline defensively for a while now, but no one has noticed and still babbles on about his greatness covering center. I believe it is true, if you look at his defensive stats (not fielding %/errors) throughout the years, you do see a decline. However this year Andruw Jones remains at the top of group. I found a good read on a pretty reliable site. It includes the best and worst at each position so far this season.

Center Field

Ichiro Suzuki + 20
Andruw Jones +17
Curtis Granderson +13
-------
Elijah Dukes -14
Torii Hunter -8
Grady Sizemore -8


It took them five-and-a-half years, but midway through last season, the Mariners finally came to their senses and moved Ichiro to center field. Look at how nicely that move has paid off for them (and come free agency this off-season, I bet it will for Ichiro too). Great fielders should never be stuck in corner outfielder spots.

Jones and Hunter represent make for an interesting study in contrasts. Both have had reputations as great fielders for a very long time, and both have started to age. Jones appears to have done so much more gracefully, however—despite his bulky frame, his defensive numbers still all look good. Hunter, on the other hand, has lost a few steps, and as friend of THT Aaron Gleeman has written, is no longer an elite defender. I think we all realized that last October when Hunter dove for a ball and missed in Game Two of the ALDS against the A’s, resulting in an inside-the-park home run.

If you clicked on the link, it also has Matt Diaz as being on of the top defensive left fielders. Yes, MATT DIAZ. Who would of thought. Wasn't the only reason Ryan Langerhans was even sharing time with him was he was supposed to be superior defensively? Looks like someone stepped up big.

I also found a pretty cool analysis on Tim Hudson and his pitches. Pretty hardcore study, but interesting.

The Braves schedule looks pretty easy after the break. Pirates, Reds, Cardinals, Giants, Astros are really nothing to shake in your boots about. I expect a good run here.

Braves Take Final Game

The Braves were able to defeat the Padres 5-4 with Kyle Davies on the mound. Overall a good series taking 2 out of 3 from a 1st place team.

-Kyle Davies actually pitched a good game. He went 6 innings giving up 1 earned run and had a total of 6 strike outs. Perhaps it is a sign of better things from Davies. As history indicates, I just highly doubt he will continue tonight's success in future games.

-Brian McCann hit a homerun and totaled 4 rbi tonight.

-Andruw Jones went 3-3. I can't even remember the last game he had 3 hits. This is a good sign anyways.

-Scott Thorman is absolutely horrible, I have finally run out of patience with this guy. Salty at 1st base permanently anyone? Bring up Brayan Pena or Corky Miller to backup McCann. Both moves would improve the Braves.

-I also think Chris Woodward should be demoted as well. Come on, there are guys out there that are in the minors or FA that could be better utility players.

-I kind of like Kelly Johnson hitting in the back of the order, but I like him hitting lead off too. I think if Kelly can produce better without leading off, then go for it. The only problem is who leads off when Willie Harris isn't in the lineup? If Johnson continues to hit well again, there is no way Cox will continue with a 2nd base platoon. Johnson raised his batting avg from .271 to .287. Check out his game log.

-Bob Wickman nearly blew the game. 5 hits, 3 earned runs in one inning? We can not accept that kind of performance from the closer.

I also found some pretty good talk on prospect Elvis Andrus. Coach Guy Hansen said Elvis reminds him of Derek Jeter. I never liked Jeter, but Jeter has always been a good ball player. I would certainly accept the idea of Andrus being related to Jeter in terms of ball playing ability. You can read the article about it here.

The Braves will take the next four days off due to the all-star game and then play their next series vs the Pittsburgh Pirates starting Friday.

Players that were selected to represent the Braves in the All-Star game are Brian McCann and John Smoltz. John Smoltz will be unable to attend due to injury. Although I felt that other Braves players were deserving such as Edgar Renteria, keep in mind that the All-Star game is pretty much a popularity contest, and rarely are all of the best players selected correctly.

Jo-Jo Reyes' Debut

Jo-Jo's debut didn't go as well as we all wish it had, and therefor the Braves were unable to gain a win yesterday as they lost 5-8. Reyes went 3 innings giving up 2 home runs, 5 earned runs, and 3 walks. There was also an error by Escobar that allowed the Padres to score more runs.

A concern is the amount of innings the bullpen has pitched lately. It is apparent that Tyler Yates is fatigued.

"I am fatigued," Yates said. "But your position players are out there every single day. [Jeff Francoeur] is out there every day, and [Andruw Jones] and [Brian McCann] is behind the plate six times a week. I'm not going to use it as an excuse because they are out there playing as hard as they can every day."

Yates has appeared in 42 games this season pitching 38.1 innings with a 3.99 era.

There are several relievers with more appearances and innings pitched in the Majors, but not everyone can handle the same workload.

Tonight, Kyle Davies faces Greg Maddux. I don't really like the Braves chances because of how bad Davies has been and Maddux has been fairly decent this season.

Braves vs Dodgers

The Braves managed to to even the series with 2 wins out of 4 vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Braves probably could have won at least 3 here, but overall I am fine with the series. The Dodgers are good team with a 46-36 record before the series. They are currently fighting for the 1st place spot of the NL West division with the San Diego Padres.

-John Smoltz is having problems with his shoulder. It isn't believed to a real serious problem. I really don't think the Braves can afford to lose Smoltz for any long time.

-With John Smoltz and his injury, a top pitching prospect Jo-Jo Reyes will likely make his major league debate tomorrow (Saturday). Reyes has gone 10-1 with a 3.08 ERA in 17 starts with Double-A Mississippi and Triple-A Richmond this year. I wish him the best luck, and hopefully he does well enough to earn a spot in the rotation.

-Kyle Davies continues to struggle. He gave up 5 earned runs in 2 innings on Tuesday. It is only a matter of time before he gets demoted.

-Pete Orr was sent down to Richmond Thursday to make room for Joey Devine. I am sad to see Orr get demoted, but overall this is a necessary improvement.

-Finally, the best part of the series is Chipper Jones hitting two home runs to pass Dale Murphy on the all-time Atlanta home run list. Jones has now 372 career home runs.

Next, the Braves will face the San Diego Padres (1st place in NL West). Buddy Carlyle will oppose Justin Germano tonight.