Rumor: Atlanta Braves find out that Giant relievers are available

Tony Watson

The last of the ‘probably desirable’,  Watson is inked for $3.5 million with an option for 2020 valued at less:  $2.5 million ($500K buyout).  He is 34 years old and off to a solid start, though some of his other numbers suggest that he’s been living on borrowed time (1.33 WHIP, 10.5 hits-per-9 innings, few strikeouts).

In point of fact, I almost grouped him with the next 2 pitchers since he’s having trouble missing bats and generally looking a bit vulnerable.

Sam Dyson/Nick Vincent

If the Braves are desperate and want a deal tomorrow, I’d start with these guys… and that not because I want to acquire either one, though either one is still throwing better than almost anyone currently donning a tomahawk-logo’d uniform and carrying his glove to the bullpen.

Neither should cost much in return.  Dyson is under a $5 million contract that would require some pay-down; Vincent is cheap.  A #30-40 prospect might be enough for either.

Giants point of view

They know they have some useful assets here and have likely come to the realization that there’s nothing good that can happen for them by waiting until July 31 to make some of these moves.

That’s especially true for the ‘rental’ guys (everybody other than Melancon and Watson.

Melancon ($14m) is clearly the expensive one; Dyson ($5m) and Smith ($4.225m) are next.  Watson is $3.5 million.

So San Fran has to know what needs to be done, though they can’t really expect big prospects back.  Still, being first to open the new store has its merit.

Stay tuned.