Wednesday, June 11, 2008
what the Braves should do, part one
Die in a plane crash Start the firesale. The Braves have exactly one starter who can go seven innings, and a bullpen that's shakier than Joe Cocker. They're not going anywhere. With Smoltz probably gone for good, and Glavine soon to follow, it's time for them to finally be sellers in July. And that doesn't mean conceding the next season or two; they still have a strong core of good young players, and with a few trades and a couple of smart off-season free agent acquisitions, they could remain a threat in the NL East next year. But so, here's what I'd look into, were I Frank Wren. And oh yeah - this operates under the assumption that Chipper remains at 3b. Obviously if he crosses to first then these plans would change.
1. Mark Teixeira's gone the second the season ends, so deal him now for the best possible package. I think it's safe to call that trade a bust for Atlanta; yeah, he's been great, but the only way he would've been worth Saltalamacchia, Harrison, Andrus, etc., was if the Braves won a World Series or two or resigned him to a smart long-term deal. Neither's going to happen. There's no way they'll get back anything comparable to what they gave up, but even as a free agent Teixeira should be able to net them a couple of top prospects. He'd fit in well with the Angels, who could use an upgrade at DH and more power from their first baseman. Kendry Morales should be ready for the major leagues, and would be a fine 1B for Atlanta for the next few seasons. I'd do a deal if the Angels would trade Morales and a pitcher or two for Teixeira. Nick Adenhart would be awesome, of course, but I doubt they'd give him up for a half-season of Tex. Jordan Walden is young, but has a lot of potential; Michael Anton is also a few years off, and might not make the majors as a starter, but he's been great thus far in Single-A. Teixeira for Morales, Walden, and Anton could be a good move, if possible.
Other possible destinations for Teixeira: how about Cleveland? Yeah, they're under .500 right now, but they were expected to contend this year, and probably would be if it weren't for a stagnant offense and CC Sabathia's awful start. Teixeira could put them over the top, filling in for the mediocre Ryan Garko at first or in the DH slot. See if the Indians will give up Wes Hodges and two of David Huff, Jensen Lewis, or Jeremy Sowers.
One more: everybody thinks the Yankees will be one of Teixeira's most fervent suitors this off-season. Maybe they'd like to get a jump on the Mets and whoever else by trading for him right now? And since pitching is a big need for them too, how about throwing Tim Hudson into the mix? Hudson might have more trade value than Tex, since he's having a great year and is under contract through '09 (with an option for 2010). Try and package the two together for one blockbuster haul of the Yankees' best prospects, like Alan Horne, Austin Jackson, Jose Tabata, Dellin Betances, maybe even Phil Hughes. Hudson and Texeira could bring back at least five such players, stocking the Braves up for the future.
Maybe it'd be better to trade Hudson and Teixeira separately, though. I'll look at good returns for Hudson later on.
1. Mark Teixeira's gone the second the season ends, so deal him now for the best possible package. I think it's safe to call that trade a bust for Atlanta; yeah, he's been great, but the only way he would've been worth Saltalamacchia, Harrison, Andrus, etc., was if the Braves won a World Series or two or resigned him to a smart long-term deal. Neither's going to happen. There's no way they'll get back anything comparable to what they gave up, but even as a free agent Teixeira should be able to net them a couple of top prospects. He'd fit in well with the Angels, who could use an upgrade at DH and more power from their first baseman. Kendry Morales should be ready for the major leagues, and would be a fine 1B for Atlanta for the next few seasons. I'd do a deal if the Angels would trade Morales and a pitcher or two for Teixeira. Nick Adenhart would be awesome, of course, but I doubt they'd give him up for a half-season of Tex. Jordan Walden is young, but has a lot of potential; Michael Anton is also a few years off, and might not make the majors as a starter, but he's been great thus far in Single-A. Teixeira for Morales, Walden, and Anton could be a good move, if possible.
Other possible destinations for Teixeira: how about Cleveland? Yeah, they're under .500 right now, but they were expected to contend this year, and probably would be if it weren't for a stagnant offense and CC Sabathia's awful start. Teixeira could put them over the top, filling in for the mediocre Ryan Garko at first or in the DH slot. See if the Indians will give up Wes Hodges and two of David Huff, Jensen Lewis, or Jeremy Sowers.
One more: everybody thinks the Yankees will be one of Teixeira's most fervent suitors this off-season. Maybe they'd like to get a jump on the Mets and whoever else by trading for him right now? And since pitching is a big need for them too, how about throwing Tim Hudson into the mix? Hudson might have more trade value than Tex, since he's having a great year and is under contract through '09 (with an option for 2010). Try and package the two together for one blockbuster haul of the Yankees' best prospects, like Alan Horne, Austin Jackson, Jose Tabata, Dellin Betances, maybe even Phil Hughes. Hudson and Texeira could bring back at least five such players, stocking the Braves up for the future.
Maybe it'd be better to trade Hudson and Teixeira separately, though. I'll look at good returns for Hudson later on.
