Atlanta Braves Trade Rumors: If they buy, what could it be?
By Ryan Cothran
Atlanta Braves Pitching Staff
Bullpen- While the bullpen has been in-flux this entire year and with lackluster results, it looks like it is solidifying into a nice bunch. With Manny Banuelos likely headed to a relief role as his innings limit approaches, 6 of the following 7; Jason Grilli, Jim Johnson, Arodys Vizcaino, David Carpenter, Andrew McKirahan, Luis Avilan and David Aardsma, look to be the best combination of relievers the Braves have put together this year.
Rotation: With Shelby Miller, Julio Teheran, Matt Wisler, Alex Wood, and Williams Perez, the Braves have a rotation that will provide above average, yet unspectacular, starts.
Overall Evaluation: Without selling the farm, the rotation likely can’t be upgraded to the point where it really makes a difference, which moves us to the bullpen. The Braves could use someone in a later innings role, but would have to make room via trade in order to do so. In keeping with the “buying” strategy, selling Jim Johnson, even though he’s a free agent next year, would be counter-productive to competing. Avilan and Aardsma have been solid, yet solid doesn’t necessarily make a team scary. Trading those 2, then buying a shutdown reliever that’s under control for a few years could make sense for both long and short term.
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