With Oswalt trade looming, should Braves worry about Philly?
Mad skills: Roy Oswalt can pitch and blow a bubble at same time.
If you’re a Braves’ fan, this would be a good time to pull for anybody other than Philadelphia in the Roy Oswalt trade sweepstakes.
While the Braves have gone through a relatively magical run this season, with unlikely subplots like Brooks “The Big Bambino” Conrad, it figured to be only a matter of time before the Philadelphia Phillies re-emerged as a factor in the National League East. And here they are.
The Phillies have won four straight to trim two games off the Braves’ division lead (down to five). That’s of some concern. But these are the bigger issues:
♦ The Phillies have struggled all year with injuries, most notably to shortstop and leadoff hitter Jimmy Rollins and shortstop Chase Utley. Rollins has missed over half the season (playing in 42 of Philly’s 98 games), but he is 9 for 21 (.429) in the past five games. Utley was 18 for 49 (.367) over 13 games before he had to go back on the disabled list after thumb surgery. He likely is out at least another month.
♦ Many expect the Phillies to be players before Saturday’s trade deadline. Philly must know now that they botched it in the winter when they traded starting pitcher Cliff Lee (acquired last July from Cleveland) to Seattle. (Lee was traded again two weeks ago to Texas.) They need a starting pitcher. Houston’s Roy Oswalt is the most likely candidate.
Former AJC comrade Joe Strauss, now of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, is reporting the Cardinals are unlikely to acquire Oswalt, who had made it no secret that the Cards were his first choice. That may leave Philly as the most likely buyer.
According to the Philadelphia Daily News, scouts from Houston and Tampa Bay both were in attendance at the Phils’ game against Colorado Sunday. Philly is said to be dangling Jason Werth in any potential deal.
If the Phillies get Oswalt, they’ll have Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Oswalt at the top of their pitching rotation. That’s pretty sick.
Combine that with Rollins and Utley coming around, and Philly could again look like the team that has won three straight National League East titles.
So what’s your level of concern? Should this increase the pressure on Braves general manager Frank Wren to make a deal, and if the Phils get Oswalt, do you think that gives them a leg (or arm) up in the division race?
♦
Instant re-post on demand (in HD)
♦ Ranking the SEC, from Bama to Vandy (and Georgia No. 4)
♦ Dooley calmly moving from one fire to next at Tennessee
♦ Richt’s words, actions haven’t changed ugliness at Georgia
♦ It’s no coincidence Saban suddenly is concerned about agents
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318 comments Add your comment
meh
July 26th, 2010
12:32 pm
they could just start Infante in center. that would be huge improvement.
Clay
July 26th, 2010
12:32 pm
I think Philly probably feels pretty good right now. Only 5 games out, hell, Bobby can lose us that many games in 10 days. Sits the hottest hitter in MLB, lets the coldest hitter in MLB hit with the bases loaded and lets the worst pitcher in MLB pitch in the 11th inning.
When Bobby goes in the Hall of Fame, he ought to walk out in the crowd and kiss Smoltz, Glavine and Maddux on the butt!
Bobby's Cox
July 26th, 2010
12:33 pm
Don’t we have a trade deficit with China?? Yes. Do they have a baseball league there?? Who cares, I say it is time to Export Kawakami..Just a kind letter of acceptance is that US would require to complete this transaction. The Braves can even throw in the shipping if that will close the deal..
Heisenberg
July 26th, 2010
12:36 pm
We do not need to add. We need to subtract. As in McOut, KK, & Chavez.
Here is a random suggestion. The Angels are looking for a 1B. I would call them up and offer Glaus & KK for AA or A prospects. I respect what Glaus has given us so far this year, but Hinske can play 1B. Could make room to call up Barbaro Canizares as right handed bat off bench. This guy can just plain hit.
Chavez can be cut or optioned. We are stuck with McOut until off season at best. At least September callups will bring back Blanco then McOut can just sit.
Chpatt
July 26th, 2010
12:38 pm
Heisenberg: that’s the worse idea i have ever heard.
o-me
July 26th, 2010
12:40 pm
Norris you are right about Scott Podesednik hitting 300 and playing great d. Contract one year less than 1 million. there is a big difference in Nate and Uption. Upton is a 5 star kid, speed ,Arm, power “D” he has a attitude problem which could be worked out in Atlanta. He also has 4 or 5 year that Braves would have him before becoming free agent as someone has already said. But I too would go after Hart !st before anyone else.
ABravesFan
July 26th, 2010
12:40 pm
If the Braves keep on winning (and not just tying) series, then there is little chance of the Phillies overtaking them. If the Phillies has to part with Werth to get Oswalt, it’s probably not much of an upgrade (and I do believe that Brown will be a good player) for this year.
JoeFan
July 26th, 2010
12:42 pm
To solify their prospects of making the playoffs, the Braves need to promote Freeman, DL Glause, demote Chavez ,release Nate and KK, replace them with Blanco and Kimbrell. Quit worrying about trades, there is no one out there that would be a significant upgrade. As far as the money owed Nate and KK, the additional club revenue generated and enahnced fan goodwill by going deep into the playoffs should more than offset their payouts
Jeff Schultz
July 26th, 2010
12:42 pm
Brad — Braves would be nuts to trade Hanson. That’s so not happening.
o-me
July 26th, 2010
12:45 pm
U got that right Jeff
Jeff Schultz
July 26th, 2010
12:45 pm
It’s a shame — I’ve coached six major league teams, as well as two in Japan, three in Venezuela and the ‘29 Yankees.
F-105 Thunderchief
July 26th, 2010
12:47 pm
Yes, the Braves should worry until they clinch the division. Then, they should worry about their first playoff opponent.
Idea
July 26th, 2010
12:48 pm
Some may I am crazy with this but here it goes. I would love to upgrade this time however, don’t think we need much. I know Prado has been a stud in the leadoff spot and Heyward has been great in the # 2 but what if we tweaked that a bit. what if we traded for Podsednik or Juan Pierre to bat leadoff, move Prado to # 2 and with Glaus’s recent struggles we move heyward down to the number 5 spot with Glaus at 6. heyward is raking right now and I would love to see him in more of an rbi spot in the order. With a guy like Podsednik or Pierre batting leadoff stealing some bags we just may score a ton more runs a game.
Nate McClown
July 26th, 2010
12:48 pm
Get Nate McLouth out!
FB group!
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=140312839322140
It's a shame what he did to that dog.
July 26th, 2010
12:49 pm
“I’ve coached six major league teams, as well as two in Japan, three in Venezuela and the ‘29 Yankees.”
I’ll take professional ball coaches over AJC opinion writers any day. Thanks
janica
July 26th, 2010
12:49 pm
Why dont we trade for Jason Werth?
Jon
July 26th, 2010
12:50 pm
Braves and Astros need to be trade partners. Astros trade Roy Oswalt to the Braves for Derek Lowe. Braves need to also find another trade partner so they can trade Nate McCloth and Melky Cabrera.
Too tough 44
July 26th, 2010
12:50 pm
OH MY….CAN ANY BRAVE TAKE A PITCH WITH THE BASES LOADED??….PLEASE!!!!
CAN ANY BRAVE HIT A SAC FLY WITH A MAN ON 3RD WITH ONE OUT OUR LESS?
AS HEAD COACH…IT SHOULD BE A MUST TO TAKE THE FIRST PITCH WITH BASES LOADED!Thats abc baseball of which we dont seem to play consistently…
You know ole Bobby’s team has a lead so now he will go into post season mode ( play like there is another game tommorow) Our Braves will prbably not make the wild card! However, as a long time Brave..of over 40yrs. I will be right there tryng to pull them through! Go Braves! We need two more hitters and one pictcher lets go for it and win the World Series!
Idea
July 26th, 2010
12:51 pm
How about Oswalt and Carlos Lee for Medlen, Mike Dunn and Kawakami or Lowe, could even toss in one of the prospects we got for Esky.
Too tough 44
July 26th, 2010
12:52 pm
one more thing….wish mcclouth was better, but, send him out west to tan…get something of value for him….he sure dont seem to have his eye on the baseball anymore….what a shame too….chavez..geez…Bobby dont squander away this exciting season.!!!
Common Sense
July 26th, 2010
12:52 pm
Of course the Braves should be worried. Glaus has difficulty running out ground balls, not sure if he has another streak in him. Two blown saves by the closer that is desperately needed. Center field needs are recognized by everyone. Venters walks way to many people to be a reliable set up man.
Nate McClown
July 26th, 2010
12:52 pm
whoops
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=140312839322140
jayvee
July 26th, 2010
12:55 pm
With a couple of exceptions — CF Chris Young of the D-Backs being one of them — there aren’t any affordable center fielders out there who are any better than Blanco. Young is a fabulous defensive player, great spped, and hit 32 HRs in his rookie year, dropped off considerably last year and is having a strong year at the plate this year. He’s affordable. Doubt the D-Backs want to trade a 25-year-old with a bright future, but I’d trade Medlen, who I really like, and a prospect for Young in a heartbeat. Also, the D-Backs have one of the worst bullpens ever, and would surely covet some of the Bravos’ lesser arms. Dunn would be THE stud in the D-backs bullpen.
But I think you’ve got to release McClouth or send him down, and bring Blanco up.
And, again, will somebody goose Glaus? His slump is taking a huge toll.
C from Marietta
July 26th, 2010
12:56 pm
Talk about not making up your mind. Last week it was the Braves are the team to beat. Now, it’s we have to be worried about Philly.
Perry
July 26th, 2010
12:56 pm
Two players the Braves need to go after are Scott Podsednik from Kansas City and Will Ohman from Baltimore. Both players have inexpensive contracts and having good years. Podsednik has a 309 batting average and has great speed. Will Ohman is having a good year with ERA in the low 2’s
PMC
July 26th, 2010
12:58 pm
Or the braves could go with who they have and pay some big money to Carl Crawford in the off season.
Too tough 44
July 26th, 2010
12:58 pm
Hey who was on the bench yesterday when Cox sent Mc-out up to the plate to hit into the dbl play??? Anyone know???//
Bravo
July 26th, 2010
1:00 pm
I really like the Podsednik idea, I think his speed/defense could be just as valuable as a power hitter.
Jeff: is there any chance this could happen?
I am starting to hope they don’t trade for Ross, he has been dreadful lately.
Poorbave
July 26th, 2010
1:01 pm
Perry, I agree 110%
DawgDad
July 26th, 2010
1:03 pm
What would we be willing to give up for Matt Kemp? Hanson or Jurrgens? That’s probably what it would take, and I’d consider it very carefully. Kemp could put this team WAY over the top in the regular season. Anyone rather see him up at the plate EVERY DAY instead of what we’ve been trotting out in center field?
Tami
July 26th, 2010
1:03 pm
I don’t know, guys. After this weekend, we might need another starting pitcher AND a CF. I think Wren is quietly cooking up something. Don’t be surprised if he has “secretly” thrown his hat in the ring for Oswalt, in some effort to block the Phillies from getting him. And, of course, don’t be surprised if he isn’t. With him, you can’t get a lock on what he’s going to do next. The Braves MUST do better against the Marlins their next series. It will be difficult for them to go head-to-head against the Phills & succeed if they end up acquiring Oswalt. McLouth & KK must go.
Victor Lee
July 26th, 2010
1:04 pm
Good teams don’t look in the rear view mirror. They play the team in front of them that day. And so far this season, the Braves have beat the team in front of them often enough to be five games up. The key is to just keep doing what they are doing, and only make a trade if it is a distinct upgrade.
Big Al
July 26th, 2010
1:07 pm
I’m not worried about our outfield. But I’m getting very worried about our bullpen. We have a rookie (Dunn)with control issues, and two guys (KK and Chavez) who can’t be counted on to do anything right. We need another arm or two to lessen the load off Moylan, Saito, and Venters. Will Ohman is having a good year with a Baltimore team that is horrible. Perhaps we could bring Will back in a trade. And whatever happened to Scott Proctor.
Old Man Tate
July 26th, 2010
1:07 pm
The Braves should package McClouth (salary dump and change of scenery) and J. Hayward (to avoid Sophomore slump like Francuer had) to pick up Oswalt. We would have an awesome starting pitching lineup!
Nate McClown
July 26th, 2010
1:09 pm
Tommy Hanson has just switched agents…to Scott Boras. http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/atlanta_braves/index.html
Idot
July 26th, 2010
1:10 pm
@ 1:07……Trade Hayward? HaHa, that is a good one. Funny stuff.
The Difference
July 26th, 2010
1:12 pm
…..we need to pull Brady Anderson out of retirement. Enough said.
LFP6
July 26th, 2010
1:12 pm
Jeff, correct me if I am wrong, but didnt espn mention that Oswalt, as part of the trade, wanted his option activated? Maybe thats why the Cards balked….
Go Braves!
DC Brave
July 26th, 2010
1:16 pm
I think the Braves have to make a decision that will result in Nate McClouth being the highest paid guy…on the Gwinnett ball club…atleast until he shows that he can outperform Gregor Blanco. Right now, he simply isn’t getting it done and we are STUCK with his salary. Tip your hat to Pittsburgh…some say they saw this coming.
Jeff Schultz
July 26th, 2010
1:16 pm
Bravo — Would prefer if Posednik was a CF, not left, but he’s having a great year and he’s cheap (remainder of $1.65 million this year, plus option).
Idot
July 26th, 2010
1:18 pm
Just a couple of pitches, a couple of bounces, and an umpire not making JJ pitch through a rain storm and the Braves could have sweep the fish, or a least won the series.
Don’t push the panic button yet. I hope Wren doesn’t trade away any pitching prospects.
KK is tradeable, as he has has pitched some good games this year.
cooper
July 26th, 2010
1:18 pm
The braves need to get rid of McLouth and Chavez. Try Kawakami as your 7th inning guy, put Moylan on a very short leash in the 6th or 7th inning, meaning you bring him in to pitch to only one guy or two at the most to get the ground ball, and keep relieving Chipper every 3rd or 4th day. The brave needs to bring some of their minor league studs up to help in the bull pen. Maret is one that I would like to see what he could do. Also, Teheran,Delgado,Vizeaino,and Minor would be better than Chavez and Moylan Also they need to get a good outfielder to replace McLouth. You don’t need to worry about what the Plilly’s are doing if you make the necessary moves to win most of the remaining games. Sometimes the Braves are slow to act to improve their team. They don’t need to wait on these moves until the Philly’s catch them. You need a cushion between them and the Philly’s because the Philly’s are too good to get into a horse race at the end. They need to use Infante, Cabrera, Hinske and Diaz in the two outfield positions until the Brave get a quality outfielder who isn’t an automatic out like McLouth.
RK
July 26th, 2010
1:19 pm
If Dominic Brown is ready (and it looks like he is), and the Phils get Oswalt and deal away Werth, then the Braves should be worried…
It's a shame what he did to that dog.
July 26th, 2010
1:19 pm
“Talk about not making up your mind. Last week it was the Braves are the team to beat. Now, it’s we have to be worried about Philly.”
Looks like I’m not the only one that calls out a Monday morning QB.
Pi$$onaDawg
July 26th, 2010
1:19 pm
JEFF Schultz: What kind of money do the Braves have to play with right now? Making some trades would be great but at what Cost$$$? What can we afford to give up and how much can we afford to pay right now?
DC Brave
July 26th, 2010
1:19 pm
I’ll say this…the level on enmity expressed on the web for McClouth is approaching Greg Norton levels.
Jon
July 26th, 2010
1:21 pm
Old Man Tate you got to be kidding me trading Jason Heyward would be dumb you must don’t know anything about baseball.
It's a shame what he did to that dog.
July 26th, 2010
1:21 pm
Pi$$onaDawg
I’m sure he’d be up for trading Lowe, Jurjens and Prado for Carl Crawford so that Crawford could play half a season before going back to the AL.
Idot
July 26th, 2010
1:21 pm
And I almost forgot, a little bit better managing also, and the Braves could have sweep the fish.
Idot
July 26th, 2010
1:25 pm
Jon@1:21……..But if we traded Hayward, we would avoid that shopomore slump, that he is automaticly going to have. HAHA.