Our beloved Atlanta Braves are sliding down…
….a MONSTROUS Avalanche and it doesn’t look to be getting better anytime soon. The offense is scuffling, the pitching is frustrated, and the coaching staff is happy as kittens at Christmas with renewed vigor that spawned from renewed contracts. The losing slide is past awkward and the Braves have all but declared that they’re going to be sellers at the deadline, although they’re not just going to trade any ol’ Joe Schmo for any ol’ Joe Schmo. No siree, they’re looking to fleece the pants off of some poor GMs who’s bought into the success of their respective teams. We’ve seen it before and hopefully we’ll see it again.
We all know the normal trading chips that have been discussed ad nauseum….
1. The veterans on short contract: Jonny Gomes, Jim Johnson, David Aardsma, Jason Frasor, Ross Detwiler, Kelly Johnson, A.J. Pierzynski, Juan Uribe
2. Then the veteran under a few years of control that no one wants: Chris Johnson
3. Then the veteran under a few years of control that many want: Cameron Maybin
There’s one aspect of the Braves team that hasn’t been discussed all that much, outside of Julio Teheran, and that is the trading of a starting pitcher. Let’s take a look at this talented bunch and weigh in on who should be shopped.
Next: Starting Pitchers, Future and Now