Braves Making Noise, Covering MLB Rumor Mill

During the glory years, the Braves were always making noise in the farm system, the trade market, and even making the occasional big-name free agent splash (see Greg Maddux and Gary Sheffield). In the last years of the Time Warner era and at the beginning of Liberty Media's ownership of the Braves, the financial situation of the Bravos has been markedly tighter.

In the Frank Wren era, the Braves have ascended to near the top of the rumor mill. Gone are the tight-lipped negotiations of the John Schuerholz regime, and now Braves fans can tune in daily to see what Atlanta is doing. Note the activity of this off-season.

Today, December 8, the Braves designated outfielder Ryan Church for assignment, saving the team an estimated $3 million.

Preceding the unexpected decision by Rafael Soriano to accept arbitration, the Braves added dynamic closers Takashi Saito and Billy Wagner. Saito will earn $3.2 million on a one year deal, with incentives that could push his total earnings up another $2.3 million. Wagner signed a one year deal worth $7 million, with an option for 2011 worth $6.5 million (the option vests if Wagner finishes 50 games). These deals give the Braves an imposing bullpen to be sure, though Soriano will likely be traded to save the near $8 million he will earn through arbitration. Joining this group will be the submariner from down under, Peter Moylan, along with a group of young and promising relievers. And in his first off-season move of note, Wren signed ace Tim Hudson to a three year deal worth $9 million annually.

While Frank Wren has done an excellent job in assembling this pitching staff, he does have two pressing needs to fill, both needs relative to power hitting and defense. Both first base and the outfield spots will need to be filled with at least league-average defenders who hit the ball well. In order to achieve these goals, Wren will likely have to trade either Derek Lowe (3 years, $15 million annually on his deal) or Javier Vazquez ($11.5 on the final year of his deal). Trading Lowe is ideal, but given his age, large contract, and struggles in 2009, the Braves may have a hard time unloading him without eating some of his salary. More teams are interested in Vazquez, but completing a deal for him is much more difficult considering the Braves would not deal him within the division, and that Vazquez has no-trade protection with respect to NL West and AL West teams. Personally, I'd like to see the Braves complete the following deals.

One, since Baltimore has reported interest in Rafael Soriano, complete a trade with the Orioles for OF/DH Luke Scott. Scott, who is under team control through 2011, should make somewhere around $3 million for 2010, after completing a 2009 campaign with these numbers: .258/.340/.488/.828 with 25 HR and 77 RBI in 449 at bats. The Braves save a net of approximately $5 million in unloading Soriano while adding a good hitter and a decent outfielder (who also played ten games at first base last year).

Two, Derek Lowe should be traded to any team willing to take on his entire contract. Mark Bowman, Braves writer for www.mlb.com, cites an anonymous American League team official who favors Lowe's groundball tendencies for the small field dimensions of this unknown team. The Yankees certainly could use a good groundball pitcher, and they are not averse to throwing around money. Ideally, Lowe could be traded for prospects, or perhaps for an equally bad contract that fits Atlanta's need for a power-hitting outfielder or first baseman. Conversely, Atlanta could merely trade Lowe to the Yankees for a young third base prospect, who could step into Chipper Jones' shoes when the time comes. With this payroll flexibility, which frees up $15 million, the final moves could be made.

Three, the Braves need both a first baseman and a completion to their outfield. Here are a couple of suggestions. Re-sign Adam LaRoche to a two-year deal with a club option for a third year. Laroche earned $7 million in 2009, and would likely sign a fair deal to continue playing with his friend Chipper Jones. Perhaps a deal worth $18 million over the two years, with an $11 million option for a third year would interest him. Should he do extremely well, or should top first base prospect Freddie Freeman not be ready, Laroche can serve as an All-Star quality first baseman both defensively and offensively.

Also, sign Marlon Byrd to play left field. He made $3.06 million in 2009 while putting up these numbers: .283/329/.479/.808 with 20 HR and 89 RBI. Offer him a three-year, $15 million deal.

Four, trade Kelly Johnson to a team desperate for second base or left field help for whatever can be had, preferably prospects. This move saves the Braves approximately $3 million.

With these suggested deals added to the transactions Frank Wren has already made, the 2010 Braves would look like this:

SP: Javier Vazquez-$11.5 million
SP: Tim Hudson-$9 million
SP: Jair Jurrjens-$.5 million
SP: Tommy Hanson-$.5 million
SP: Kenshin Kawakami-$7.67 million

Money spent on rotation (2010 only): $29 million approximately

RP: Billy Wagner-$7 million
RP: Takashi Saito-$3.2 million
RP: Peter Moylan-$.5 million
RP: Eric O'Flaherty-$.5 million
RP: Kris Medlen-$.5 million
RP: Boone Logan-$.5 million
RP: Craig Kimbrel-$.5 million OR RP Scott Proctor (signed in November to a split contract)

Money spent on bullpen (2010 only)-$12.7 million approximately

C: Brian McCann-$5.5 million
1B: Adam Laroche-$9 million
2B: Martin Prado-$.5 million
SS: Yunel Escobar-$.5 million
3B: Chipper Jones-$13 million
LF: Luke Scott-$3 million
CF: Nate McClouth-$4.5 million
RF: Marlon Byrd-$5 million

OF: Matt Diaz-$1.5 million (estimated raise from arbitration)
OF: Jason Heyward-$.4 million
OF/IF: Omar Infante-$2.25 million
C: David Ross: $1.6 million
INF: Brooks Conrad: $.4 million

Money spent on position players (2010 only): $47.5 million

Total 2010 projected payroll: $89.2 million, with room for arbitration raises to eligible players.

Okay Braves fans, let me know what you think. Could you (1) see Frank Wren successfully making any of these moves and (2) would this be a team built to win the World Series in your estimation? Are all the holes filled, or are there still weak points?

From Centerfield, this is Matthew, Dad to Walter and Abigail ... Fire away, BarberShop patrons!