Atlanta Braves Morning Chop – Possible Landing Places for Swisher, Bourn?

Spring Injuries Could Make For Opportunities to Offload Extra Braves OFs

As reported by MLBTR via ESPN’s Jayson Stark, The Phillies are looking for RF help after the news that Aaron Altherr will be sidelined for the bulk of the season with a surgically-repaired left wrist (a duration that should frighten Braves’ fans if their first baseman ultimately gets re-injured).

So then the question becomes ‘who do they get to replace him?’  Several options are suggested, which include Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher.

If the Braves were to push to get the Phils to take one of these players, it would certainly not come cheaply for Atlanta:  while the Braves did receive monies from Cleveland for this pair to balance the trade that sent Chris Johnson to Ohio, their combine salaries are still $29 million for the year – more than 1/3rd of the projected team-wide payroll.

As a minimum, the Braves would have to reduce Philadelphia’s price point to a level in which each player would be palatable to accept.  This would also be balanced against the relative value of these players vs. the other options available.  Those are said to be…

• Sam Fuld – age 34 season; hit .210/.197 in 2014-15 with no power.  Price:  ~$1 million
• Coco Crisp – age 36 season; hit .175 with no power in 2015.  Not a RF.  Price:  ~$1 million
• Angel Pagan – age 34+ season; .262 in 2015, no power. Not really a RF.  Price:  $11.25 million (last contract yr)
• Carlos Beltran – age 39 season; .276 in 2015, 19 HR.  Can play RF.  Price $15 million (last contract yr)
• Jon Jay – age 31 season; tanked to .210 in 2015, no power. Penciled in as Padres LF.  Price: $6.85m (last yr)
• Alejandro De Aza* – age 32 season; .261 for 3 teams in 2015; limited power.  Mets extra OF.  Price $5.75m (1 yr)
• Alex Rios – age 35 season (free agent); .255 in 2015/low power.  Price: maybe $5 million
• David De Jesus – age 36 season (free agent); .233 in 2015/limited power.  Price: maybe $3 million

* While the Mets would likely make De Aza available, he would have to approve a trade…given the circumstances, you’d think that would be a really hard sell.

So far this Spring, Michael Bourn is hitting .250 in 24 AB (2 walks, 6 K, 2 RBI, .308 OBP) while Swisher is at .240 (25 AB, 1 RBI, 3 BB, 5 K, .321 OBP).  However, Swisher (35) has not played the outfield at all, while Bourn (33) has actually showed off some solid defensive skills.  Both are in the last years of their current deals, pending vesting clauses that will be difficult to meet.

Given this list of market options (and looking at their internal menu), the Phillies might prefer a reunion with Bourn, who played for them when he broke into the majors (2006-07).  Atlanta would likely have to send a check for at least $9 million of his $14 million deal, but that’s still $5 million saved for Atlanta.  The other above-average options would be Alex Rios and Carlos Beltran, though I can’t see Beltran being a full-time RFer for them.

If you’re thinking about Jeff Francoeur, who played for Philadelphia just last year, there’s zero motivation for the Braves to even discuss him.

Swisher

Yesterday’s sudden retirement announcement of Adam LaRoche could prompt a call to the White Sox’ Front Office.  In this case, they are already saving $13 million that LaRoche is walking away from… and the profile fits Nick Swisher perfectly:  backup first baseman and DH.

Again, Atlanta would have to eat money, but this one actually sounds plausible (shockingly enough).

We’ll see… there’s at least a chance for a bit of additional salary relief.

Next: Concerning Pitching Concerns: they are Concerning