Okay So Maybe It Won’t Be That Quiet for the Atlanta Braves This Weekend

Trades and Rumors of Trades just busted out this afternoon… and there seems to be a reasonable chance of more Atlanta Braves being on the move before Monday afternoon.

If I’m a member of the Gwinnett Braves, I might think about packing a “Go Bag” in additional to the regular luggage for going up to Toledo on Friday.  It might be needed.

We already have one trade in the books today – the Texas Rangers have apparently decided (at least for now) that the prices of premium pitching are far too much for their liking.  That could be a formula used by some other contenders this weekend, and if so, Atlanta’s GM might be on their speed dial.

Here’s some things we’ve heard – all just today…. with substantiation sketchy in some cases, but they’re good rumors nonetheless.

Rumor 1 – Markakis

This one is also on the level of a Jimmy Johns or Honey Ham store, the classic “I heard this from a guy” rumor.  Our friend and contributor Ryan Cothran caught this from somewhere on Braves Journal:

Supposedly Atlanta and the Braves are fairly far along into discussing a swap of Nick Markakis for reliever Joakim Soria and 3B prospect Hunter Dozier.

That sounds reasonably plausible on its face.  The rumor goes on to suggest that ‘side pieces’ are in negotiation, plus there’s the itchy feeling from Missouri where the Royals can’t decide if they are “in” or “out”.

The defending World Series champs would certainly have multiple considerations here… tearing them in multiple directions:

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• They are 3-7 in their last 10 games and have fallen below .500 at 48-51.  That’s 7 games behind the last Wild Card position with 6 teams in front of them.
• If other teams make significant additions (see the Red Sox, below), then there could be an argument for not bothering.
• Markakis, however, represents a multiple-year commitment and an insurance policy for a potential future loss of outfielders… in addition to help for a stretch run.

Kansas City isn’t a team that would normally want to invest a lot at this time of the year.  If they are considering Markakis, then there’s probably a significant check coming from the Braves – which would also explain the additional negotiations:  size of the check would be a part of this.

No guessed timetable for something like this to happen:  both teams travel with no days off for Thursdays games… but KC might be inclined to wait this out for a while, especially since multiple relief pitchers of their are in play.

Lucroy Mystery Team

Since the Braves are interested in catching, I can’t let this one go by without a mention:

Right away, I’d have to discount the Red Sox and Mets.  The Rangers have tried this already, and unless they are inclined to raise their prior offers (which could certainly happen, especially given today’s deal that didn’t hurt them trade-wise), then that ship might have sailed.

Who else?  Either the Braves or a club that might move their Catcher to Atlanta if they can land Lucroy.  Far-fetched?  Maybe, but Atlanta has lurked in this area for a while now, so it would not be surprising.

UPDATE:  Ken Rosenthal has mentioned the Tigers are a ‘late, surprising entry’… perhaps they are the “mystery team”.  Or they aim to usurp the Indians?

The most logical trade partner here is Cleveland.  But somehow, the mystery team seems to be successful on many occasions.

Jim Johnson

Guessing the Dodgers aren’t calling.  But others probably are.  And he just got another save.

Red Sox not done?

This is a private theory, but I think it makes sense.  The Red Sox are telling anybody who will listen that they are now satisfied with their rotation as it stands.

Right.

Having added Drew Pomeranz, they really aren’t a lot better than they were before he arrived.

But consider this as well.  If the Red Sox win their division, then maybe they are actually okay.  If the are a Wild Card team, though… do you really trust David Price to pitch that single-elimination do-or-die game right now?

I didn’t think so.

Watch for them to go “All In” on some premium starting pitcher this weekend.  That’s just my theory… but I’m not buying the rhetoric out of Boston.

Roster Openings Abound

Note also that the Braves’ 40-man roster count is now down to 37.  That after Ronnie Mustelier was outrighted.  This is interesting for a couple of possible reasons:

• Hector Olivera‘s reinstatement? (not likely; that won’t be until Tuesday)
• A trade intended to add a player might be brewing (pun intended)?

Certainly, there will be two roster replacements on Thursday for the departed pitchers.  One could be a temporary fix until Harrell’s rotation spot comes ’round again. Right now, I’m betting on Aaron Blair (correction:  Casey Kelly, due to rest schedule) to rejoin the rotation, but there are other candidates.

The other could be Jason Hursh, who’s been throwing very well at AA.  However, if the Soria rumor happens to be true, then he could be the new Brave in the ‘pen.

Next: About That Trade...

This is getting more fun by the day.