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Atlanta Braves Morning Chop: Teheran Would be okay with Trade

By Alan Carpenter

Jul 12, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; National League pitcher Julio Teheran (49) of the Atlanta Braves throws a pitch in the fifth inning in the 2016 MLB All Star Game at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 12, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; National League pitcher Julio Teheran (49) of the Atlanta Braves throws a pitch in the fifth inning in the 2016 MLB All Star Game at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 5, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Jeff Francoeur (18) celebrates with teammates after scoring a run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 5, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Jeff Francoeur (18) celebrates with teammates after scoring a run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Lucas Harrell

According to a report in TodaysKnuckleball (TK), Braves’ starter Lucas Harrell has been getting some significant trade interest (“multiple calls”).

This has to be hilarious news to Harrell, 31, who was in such high demand 2 years ago that he opted for a stint in Korea for the 2015 season.

And really, why not?  In 2013, he led the league with in both losses (17) and walks allowed (88) in 153 innings for the Astros.  His ERA that year was 5.86.  In 2014, that ballooned further to 9.49 before the Astros dumped him.

But sometime between then and now, he’s figured something out.  Sure – it’s only been 13.2 major league innings, but the 1.32 ERA speaks well – especially against Miami and the Cubs, two offensively-minded teams.

Even if you think that was a fluke (yes, it could be), his 2.92 over 37 innings at Gwinnett wasn’t horrible, either, though a 1.65 WHIP should temper enthusiasm somewhat.

Robert Murray of TK notes that Harrell is also under team control for four more years, which probably doubles his trade value.  For teams considering the chance for a longer term pitching solution, he’s got it all:  veteran experience, solid performance, and control.

I wouldn’t expect a lot back in a trade, but something in the Bud-Norris-deal realm would be nice.

Jeff Francoeur

Back to the Boston Globe – this time Nick Cafardo from the weekend.  This is more speculative, but he sees Frenchy being very valuable to a contender, what with his .301 and .787 OPS hitting vs. lefty-pitching… never mind his defensive skills and happy-go-lucky clubhouse demeanor.

Cafardo doesn’t have a suggested landing spot for Jeff, but the Texas Rangers might be a good one.  LF/LHH Nomar Mazara is hitting well, but only vs. RHP.  He’s at .230 with a .545 OPS against southpaws, but with a robust .303/.831 otherwise.

One unrelated note:  Cafardo opined that his only “untouchable” among Boston prospects would be Yoan Moncada… I assume that means he’d trade Andrew Benintendi in certain situations.

I don’t know that Dave Dombrowski would agree, but… okay.  Just sayin’.

Next: Broken Flowers

Shall we open up the auction house? 19 days until the trade deadline!

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