Trade Buzz? Bowman is a Buzz Kill
MLB.com’s Mark “Buzz Kill” Bowman is trying to prepare us Braves’ fans for … nothing. As in a boring trade deadline with virtually nothing happening to bolster a team badly in need of left-handed relief help, plus a viable bench bat.
The money quote (or maybe the ‘non-money’ quote) from his piece today is this one:
"But with essentially no financial flexibility and limited attractive options, there is a chance they will remain quiet through the July 31 Trade Deadline."
Overextended?
Live Feed
Hoops Habit
Yes, the Braves already stuck their financial necks out with the signing of
Ervin Santanain mid-March. Yes, they just swallowed a camel with the release of
Dan Ugglalast week (which actually changes nothing in terms of finances – they had to pay him whether he’s in Atlanta or Fresno). But Frank Wren
always
seems to hold back a bit in reserve when it comes to deadline deals, and I would think there’s still a couch or two in the Braves’ Front Office with coins under the cushions.
Actually, the injury of Gavin Floyd should have provided a bit of financial relief. His contract incentive clauses will now not kick in – clauses that could have doubled his $4m base salary. Wren should have that extra $4m laying around the office somewhere.
So while Bowman is painting a picture of restraint and one that quite optimistically projects the triumphant return of Luis Avilan – yes, that’s his vision of Left-handed relief help – this writer still believes that Atlanta is in the hunt for one of these relievers:
- Andrew Miller, Red Sox
- Oliver Perez, Diamondbacks
- Wesley Wright, Cubs
- James Russell, Cubs
Of course, many of us are still holding out for that One Big Move that could fire a shot of adrenaline into this club. But according to Bowman… that’s not happening.