Will demands decrease?
As the Braves continue to look for a power-hitting outfielder, they are finding teams are requesting a greater return value than expected. Likewise, as they continue to evaluate a potential market for Mark Teixeira, they're finding teams aren't currently looking to bid too much for his two months of service.
Such is the reality of the trade market on July 8. With more than three weeks left before this year's trade deadline, the Braves don't even know if they'll be willing to deal Teixeira. But if they fall out of contention and opt to move the free-agent-to-be, they'll certainly be looking for the return to be better than the current market indicates.
"When (the deadline) gets real close, I think clubs that are close to being in contention are going to start increasing their offers," one National League scout says. "He's going to be pretty expensive (as a free agent) and nobody is going to sign him before this season is over. He's going to free agency."
If the Braves trade Teixeira, they'll be looking to get a first baseman in return. This also will limit their trade options.
As for Braves GM Frank Wren's search for a power-hitting outfielder, it's currently many other places other than Pittsburgh. One scout said the Pirates seem more likely to move Xavier Nady than Bay. Either way, the return request for both of these players is currently steep.
If the Pirates opt to trade Jack Wilson, they might increase their interest in Brent Lillibridge, who they sent to the Braves last year in the Adam LaRoche trade. For Bay, the Braves would likely have to include another Major League-ready player like Brandon Jones, who is targeted to play left field next year if another outfielder isn't acquired.
-- Mark Bowman
Such is the reality of the trade market on July 8. With more than three weeks left before this year's trade deadline, the Braves don't even know if they'll be willing to deal Teixeira. But if they fall out of contention and opt to move the free-agent-to-be, they'll certainly be looking for the return to be better than the current market indicates.
"When (the deadline) gets real close, I think clubs that are close to being in contention are going to start increasing their offers," one National League scout says. "He's going to be pretty expensive (as a free agent) and nobody is going to sign him before this season is over. He's going to free agency."
If the Braves trade Teixeira, they'll be looking to get a first baseman in return. This also will limit their trade options.
As for Braves GM Frank Wren's search for a power-hitting outfielder, it's currently many other places other than Pittsburgh. One scout said the Pirates seem more likely to move Xavier Nady than Bay. Either way, the return request for both of these players is currently steep.
If the Pirates opt to trade Jack Wilson, they might increase their interest in Brent Lillibridge, who they sent to the Braves last year in the Adam LaRoche trade. For Bay, the Braves would likely have to include another Major League-ready player like Brandon Jones, who is targeted to play left field next year if another outfielder isn't acquired.
-- Mark Bowman
I really like Mark T and hope the Braves can sign him to a multi-year contract. But if not then they should get a dependable and healthy starting pitcher which seems to be their greatest need . I have been a loyal Braves fan since 1954 and follow them closely every day. It looks as if they may be out of contention soon unless a lot of big "ifs" happen soon. If the Braves don't make it I am rooting for a Cubs-Red Sox World Series.
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I agree but Tex's agent Scott Boras,probably wont listen to the Braves.As much as I hate it,Tex will probably be traded if the Braves dont turn it around within the next three weeks.
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I really like Teixeira too, and he's starting to heat up but at this point in time the braves have to find an outfielder who can HIT!!! Francoeur, lord knows if he will ever come around. I think in the long run Francoeur will be alright but in left field, we have to find somebody who can hit and hit for power! Brandon Jones, Jason Perry, Gregor Blanco, and even Greg Norton are all decent players but none can hit for average and hit for power. Our starting pitching isnt great but I think that it's good enough to get us by so long as our bullpen can pick it up with the addition of Julian Tavarez. The braves have talent down on the farm, so why not try and go get Xavier Nady. Nady is batting .322 with 12 HR and 54 RBI's. The whole Braves outfield this year has only 18 HR combined! Frank Wren-NEWSFLASH-but thats the bottom of the league. It's time we get back to an outfield such as the 2003 season...
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The Braves might want to consider trading Teixeira to the Angels for 1B Casey Kotchman, Out. Juan Rivera and SP Nick Adenhart. Kotchman is a great defensive 1B and can hit for average but lacks the power Teixeira provides. The Angels with the surplus of outfielders can also trade Juan Rivera who needs more AB'S and can hit for power and has a great arm. The Angels could also trade one of their top pitching prospects in Adenhart and the Braves can also provide a left handed relief pitcher the Angels can use down the stretch. I think this would be good for both teams and the Angels really need some left handed pop in the lineup to support Guerrero and Hunter.
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I have also heard of the possible Tex to the Angels trade. I heard that the trade is Kendrys Morales, Nick Adenhart, and another prospect or 2 for Tex. Something that make sense in this trade is if the Braves can't accquire OF Jason Bay then don't be surprised to see Juan Rivera or Reggie Willits get involved in this trade. I think the Phils, Marlins, and Mets will be too much for the Braves this year, especially with the depleted rotation and bullpen. I don't see Scott Boras accepting anything less of 14 mill a year for Tex at the end of the year. I hope we do end up trading Tex so we can get some more young pitching to compliment Jurrjens, Hudson, and Campillo.
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Adenhardt,Kotchman,Willits for Tex and Manny Acosta
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Nick Adenhart, Kendry Morales, Reggie Willits, and Rafael Rodriguez or a A or AA pitching prospect for Tex and Ohman is what I have come up to make since and I really don't think the Angels are going to give up Kotchman. Angels might send an middle infielder prospect too just to keep Kotchman. Look for some youth to come to Atlanta and Kendry Morales is no pushover prospect.
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