Morning Chop: Atlanta Braves News 12/4
By Jeff Schafer
Braves seeking veteran rotation presence at Meetings
"So with the Winter Meetings set to begin next week in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., general manager Frank Wren still finds himself attempting to satisfy the same roster needs he had when plans for the 2014 season began developing in October. Jul 10, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Dan Uggla (26) at bat against the Miami Marlins during their game at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY SportsAs the next few weeks and months elapse, Wren will gain a better sense about the likelihood of trading Dan Uggla. At the same time, he will continue his attempt to fill his young starting rotation with a proven veteran, who would be capable of providing the leadership and consistency the Braves would have expected from Hudson had he remained in Atlanta.“You have the initial early hit list with guys that you think are the perfect fits for your puzzle,” Wren said. “It doesn’t always work out. But there are 29 other clubs that could see them as perfect fits as well. When you go into the marketplace, sometimes you get what you are looking for and sometimes you don’t. But we continue to have a number of guys we continue to like.”Initially, there was some thought that the Braves might be among the teams that would attempt to land the Rays’ David Price with a trade. But with a limited supply of quality starting pitchers available on the free-agent market, the cost of acquiring Price would likely be too high for Wren, who has said he does not plan to mortgage his club’s future.With this in mind, Atlanta will continue to monitor the possibility that Jeff Samardzija or Kyle Lohsewould be available via trade. Given that he has served as a starting pitcher for just two full seasons at the Major League level, Samardzija might not fit exactly what the Braves are seeking. But if the Cubs are willing to move the 28-year-old right-hander, there will likely be a number of clubs willing to gamble on his tremendous potential."
Good Riddance: Summerhill residents don’t want Braves back
"Some people living near Turner Field are eager for the Atlanta Braves to move after nearly 50 years of having the team as a next-door neighbor.The Organized Neighbors of Summerhill, a civic group for the area that includes Turner Field and the surrounding neighborhood, on Dec. 2 voted 17-13 not to support a resolution from the Atlanta City Council and the Fulton County Commission that says the two bodies would work together to try to keep the Braves at Turner Field.Last month, the Braves shocked the city when the team announced they would move to Cobb County and build a new stadium. They are planning to construct a $672 stadium in the Cumberland-Galleria area. The Cobb County Commissionapproved a memorandum of understanding for the deal on Nov. 26.Fulton County Commission Chairman John Eaves last week said he wanted to fight to keep the team in Atlanta.But, many Summerhill residents don’t want politicians to strike up a new deal with the Braves to keep them within city limits. The team has played there since the 1960s. Some residents see the departure of the Braves as a positive for the neighborhood.“They don’t add any value to my property,” said one resident at the Dec. 2 meeting."
Atlanta Braves Trade Rumors: Brandon Phillips Deal To NY Yankees or Dodgers Options For Cincinnati Reds Second Baseman?
"The Cincinnati Reds reportedly have been shopping Brandon Phillips this offseason andteams like the Atlanta Braves, NY Yankees and LA Dodgers have been interested and while no deal has come up yet, it could be getting to that time for the former NL Central division champs. Sep 3, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips (4) prepares to bat during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY SportsAccording to Hardball Talk, signs of a Phillips trade may be coming in the form of a teamevent, as the site reports that Phillips’ name was not on a list for an upcoming RedsFest “event” that will include former and current players. While that isn’t an exact report that a trade is coming, the fact that the Cincinnati Enquirer noticed that he was not on the list is an interesting side note and that could mean a trade is coming.Phillips has had some issues with management over his contract and how the team gave Joey Votto $200 million and that could eventually lead to a trade. Phillips called out the general manager in Walt Jocketty and team owner Bob Castellini about the deal, saying that they told him they didn’t have more money to give him and that could eventually lead to the two sides separating. Phillips is one of the best second basemen in the league and that is why teams like the Braves and Yankees could be looking his way.This past season Phillips had 24 home runs and 103 RBIs and he is one of the best defensive players at his position in the league, making him look very valuable for teams in need of a second baseman. The Yankees could prefer to keep Robinson Cano, but if he gets too expensive, the team could go another route. The Braves have been sick of Dan Uggla and would love to offload him and a deal with the Reds switching 2B players could be an option as well.The 32-year-old has $50 million left on his deal and while Jocketty told reporters earlier in the offseason that they are not actively shopping Phillips that may have changed in the past few weeks. The Yankees have looked into Phillips according to the Sporting News and that is likely the best option for the team if Robinson Cano doesn’t work out."