Will The Braves Make The Move For Carlos Beltran?

Is Carlos Beltran the "big bat" the Braves are looking for?

Now that the Astros are saying they are not going to trade Hunter Pence next week, all eyes turn to New York and Carlos Beltran, as he is now the biggest impact player openly on the trade market.  There is no doubt the Braves have interest in Beltran, but will they make the move?

If the Braves do make the trade for Beltran, he will strictly be a rental player, as his contract is up at the end of the season.  I think the Braves wanted Pence more, as he is under contract past this season, but the Astros wanted a multi-player package of top prospects, which the Braves were smart in declining.  Concerning Beltran, the asking price is lower than Pence, but is he worth a top prospect for 2+ months of service?

That's the question the Braves must answer.  The Mets were in town to watch Mike Minor's start for the Gwinnett Braves last night, and it appears that he would be the centerpiece of a deal.  If the Mets are willing to swap Beltran for Minor straight up, I think that's a good deal for Atlanta, as there is plenty of starting pitching depth in the minors.  I hear the Mets are willing to help by picking up most to all of the money left on Beltran's contract this year, so this could be a good deal for the Braves if Minor is deemed expendable.

Do the Mets want more than just one top level prospect?  Here is where a possible trade could reach an impasse.  If the Mets are looking for another MLB ready prospect, is it worth it to the Braves for two months of Beltran?

In my opinion, making a trade for Beltran is a risky proposition under any circumstance due to his penchant for the disabled list.  He has spent tons of time on the DL in the last five years, and an injury could make the trade a complete bust.

If it's Beltran for Minor with the Mets picking up Beltran's contract, I'd make the deal.  My gut feeling is the Mets want more that just Minor, and the Braves are hesitant to give up too much for a rental player.  Another player rumored to be a target for the Braves is Jonny Gomes of the Reds.  He would be a much cheaper target and wouldn't be forced to be an everyday player.  He could fit in a platoon against lefties, as outfielders Nate McLouth, Jordan Schafer and Jason Heyward are all left-handed hitters.  As reluctant as the Braves are to trade coveted prospects sometimes, Jonny Gomes appears to be a more likely addition to the Braves roster.

Derek Lowe On The Move?

Will the Braves trade Derek Lowe to help bolster the lineup?

For a couple of weeks, I've been hearing that Derek Lowe's name has been  floating around as trade bait in the Braves quest to secure another bat for the lineup.  I love the idea!

Derek Lowe is making $15 million this year, but teams that are on the verge of contention are always looking to grab starting pitching at the trade deadline (July 31).  Lowe would be one of the most proven veterans on the market, making him a commodity, despite having a below par season to date (5-7, 4.30 ERA).  It would be huge if the Braves could find a suitor that would pick up the rest of his contract, but the Braves will probably have to pick up some of the remainder to get another team to bite on the trade.

Who will make a move to pick up Lowe and what will they offer the Braves in return? Where will the newest addition play in the field?  If he's an outfielder, who is the odd-man out when Chipper returns and Prado moves back to left?

While I would love to see Lowe dealt to the Cardinals for Colby Rasmus, it's highly unlikely the Cards will part with Rasmus.  Detroit is said to have the most interest in Lowe, but looking at their lineup, it's hard to find a good fit for the Braves to receive in return.  If the Braves did trade Lowe, would it be for a minor league package to clear salary to make ANOTHER move with another team for a big bat?  Remember, the Braves did get John Smoltz and Jair Jurrjens from the Tigers!

In my opinion, if Lowe is dealt to Detroit, it would be for the scenario listed above.  The Braves will never get Miguel Cabrera and Lowe for Magglio Ordonez would be a loss for Atlanta.  There are no other big bats in Detroit, and I don't see the Braves wanting Brennan Boesch (left-handed) and the Tigers don't have any MLB ready hitters in AAA.

Lowe has recognized the possibility of a trade, even making light of it in this AJC article.  Moving him may be necessary if the Braves are serious about acquiring a thumper to add to the lineup.

Do you think the Braves will move Derek Lowe?  If so, where will his destination be?