Atlanta Braves Still Have Time To Make The Right Move

We’ve covered the 2013 offseason for the Atlanta Braves numerous times over the past couple weeks with a pretty inactive period of time.  Departures of Tim Hudson and Brian McCann have overshadowed the additions of Gavin Floyd and Ryan Doumit.

Still with those two new Braves and a couple other names not mentioned fans expected to see more heading out of the December month.

I still think the Braves have time to help their roster….

Dan Uggla has been on the tip of everyones tongue in referencing a replacement for the Braves heading into the 2014 season.  And just because Frank Wren didn’t pull off a spectacular move in the Winter Meetings, lots of moves still occur after the new year.

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Angels pretty much made it official the day after the season ended that Howie Kendrick is on the market for a trade.  Kendrick’s slash line in 2013 was .297/.335/.439 and Mr. Dan Uggla‘s was .179/.309/.362, just a little worse….

The Angels are looking for young pitching in exchange for Howie and the Braves have this.

Kendrick was good for a 2.7 fWAR in 2013 and is a player that can be trusted at the 2nd base position.

This is just an option that is floating out there that I’m sure Wren is looking at.  It was rumored earlier that the Braves did try to reach out to the Angels but nothing else came from it.  Maybe another phone call would be nice.

Uggla had arguably the worst season of his career in 2013, which ended with him not even on the Braves postseason roster.  Fredi Gonzalez felt more confident with long time utility man Elliot Johnson.

People claim that some of Uggla’s struggles were from eye issues as he received laser eye surgery late in the season.  When he came back, nothing changed.  And after two consecutive down seasons, the 34 year old seems to not be on the incline.

It would be great to include Dan Uggla in this trade, for the Braves and for Dan.  I think a change in atmosphere could do him well.

What could the Braves offer for Kendrick?

Braves won’t include top prospect Lucas Sims, so rule him out.

J.R. Graham in my book is out for this trade.  He’s 2nd on Tomahawk Take’s prospect list and once fully healthy should have a really good year.

Jason Hursh is a highly ranked (3rd on our list) pitcher for the Braves that could be available.  Hursh plus Uggla could be something the Angels could be in favor of.

Mauricio Cabrera is a 20 year old pitcher who hasn’t reached higher than A ball but he’s someone ranked high (5th on our list)

Cody Martin pitched in Mississippi and Gwinnett last season going 6-7 with a 3.16 ERA.  He could be ready for MLB pitching by mid season next year or 2015.

David Hale is another MLB ready pitcher but I’m not sure the Braves would be willing to part ways with this guy.

The Braves do have young pitching in their minor league system that they could part ways with if they feel Howie Kendrick could help the team.  Personally, I feel he would.  It’s now up to Wren to be the good negotiator in making this work.