Rumors & Rumblings pt. 2
In part 1 I listed rumored/possible additions to the Braves. Now I am going to list possible subtractions from the team. And away we go...
Subtractions:
Wilson Betemit-SS/2B/3B
He's without a doubt #1 on the trading block. Betemit has established himself during his playing time over the past two seasons. He's been the fill in guy for the Braves playing mulitple postions for the wounded starters. Will the Braves keep him or trade him? It's hard to tell, but the media has him being dealt to a number of teams. I can see it both ways. I think this will very well be a deadline decision weighing heavly on these next five games.
Marcus Giles-2B
Giles, Giles, Giles. His name has been apart of tradewinds of the past. His numbers have slipt this year and he hasn't adjusted to the lead off role. Giles is still good and could allow the Braves to receive a solid starter or relief pitcher. Whether Giles is dealt depends on Betemit's future. The same can be said the other way around. Just to keep in mind Giles will be due about $7M next season before he tests free agency after 2007. Next year, Betemit will receive a nice raise but still remains a few years from free agency.
Jorge Sosa-RP/SP
A one year wonder. Sosa's tenure as a Brave went from one extreme to the next. Many fans myself included didn't think Sosa would repeat his 2005 performance and hoped for a deal in the offseason. The deal didn't happen and 2006 turned into an embarrasment for the team and Sosa. Sosa was already a wildcard pitcher; so it was only a matter of time, right? A change of scenary would certainly benefit him. Sosa's name has been linked to the Cubs and Rockies. Right now I think the only thing the Braves could get for him straight up is a mid-level prospect. A packaged deal would bring more value.
John Thomson-SP/RP
This will be the last year for John Thomson in a Braves uni. He was apart of big rumors before the season for Pirates 1B/OF Craig Wilson. As usual, nothing happened. Besides the first month Thomson has struggled mightily. Right now he just finished a rehab start at class A Rome where he couldn't get out of the 1st inning. There's a slim chance Thomson could be dealt, but the Braves will likely eat his contract for the remainder of the season.
Horacio Ramirez-SP
Ramirez was apart of many rumblings and rumors over the past year or so. He's finnally healthy and making effective starts. If he can remain healthy for the rest of '06, I think he returns next season, Remember we don't know if Mike Hampton will make a 100% recovery from TJ surgery.
John Smoltz-SP
Refer to the comments under Zach Miner's section. Smoltz has "entertained" a trade only if it would help the team for the future. I believe if Smoltz gets traded then we've thrown in the towel for this year. He's the beating heart behind this pitching staff. Smoltz stays, but will ownership pickup the "mutual" option for next year?
Jarrod Saltalamacchia-C #1 prospect
I think it's the fact that the Braves are fighting for a chance to the playoffs that this guy's name is brought up in trade talks. He is the teams top prospect so of obviously other teams will think were just going to hand him over for a few cheetos. I think there's a slight chance he'll be dealt but i wouldn't count on it.
**New poll added, Check it out...
Subtractions:
Wilson Betemit-SS/2B/3B
He's without a doubt #1 on the trading block. Betemit has established himself during his playing time over the past two seasons. He's been the fill in guy for the Braves playing mulitple postions for the wounded starters. Will the Braves keep him or trade him? It's hard to tell, but the media has him being dealt to a number of teams. I can see it both ways. I think this will very well be a deadline decision weighing heavly on these next five games.
Marcus Giles-2B
Giles, Giles, Giles. His name has been apart of tradewinds of the past. His numbers have slipt this year and he hasn't adjusted to the lead off role. Giles is still good and could allow the Braves to receive a solid starter or relief pitcher. Whether Giles is dealt depends on Betemit's future. The same can be said the other way around. Just to keep in mind Giles will be due about $7M next season before he tests free agency after 2007. Next year, Betemit will receive a nice raise but still remains a few years from free agency.
Jorge Sosa-RP/SP
A one year wonder. Sosa's tenure as a Brave went from one extreme to the next. Many fans myself included didn't think Sosa would repeat his 2005 performance and hoped for a deal in the offseason. The deal didn't happen and 2006 turned into an embarrasment for the team and Sosa. Sosa was already a wildcard pitcher; so it was only a matter of time, right? A change of scenary would certainly benefit him. Sosa's name has been linked to the Cubs and Rockies. Right now I think the only thing the Braves could get for him straight up is a mid-level prospect. A packaged deal would bring more value.
John Thomson-SP/RP
This will be the last year for John Thomson in a Braves uni. He was apart of big rumors before the season for Pirates 1B/OF Craig Wilson. As usual, nothing happened. Besides the first month Thomson has struggled mightily. Right now he just finished a rehab start at class A Rome where he couldn't get out of the 1st inning. There's a slim chance Thomson could be dealt, but the Braves will likely eat his contract for the remainder of the season.
Horacio Ramirez-SP
Ramirez was apart of many rumblings and rumors over the past year or so. He's finnally healthy and making effective starts. If he can remain healthy for the rest of '06, I think he returns next season, Remember we don't know if Mike Hampton will make a 100% recovery from TJ surgery.
John Smoltz-SP
Refer to the comments under Zach Miner's section. Smoltz has "entertained" a trade only if it would help the team for the future. I believe if Smoltz gets traded then we've thrown in the towel for this year. He's the beating heart behind this pitching staff. Smoltz stays, but will ownership pickup the "mutual" option for next year?
Jarrod Saltalamacchia-C #1 prospect
I think it's the fact that the Braves are fighting for a chance to the playoffs that this guy's name is brought up in trade talks. He is the teams top prospect so of obviously other teams will think were just going to hand him over for a few cheetos. I think there's a slight chance he'll be dealt but i wouldn't count on it.
**New poll added, Check it out...
posted by Adam at
12:56 PM
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