Possible Esco/Javy Trades

Buster Olney blogs about the Braves and their Esco/Javy trade situation. As has been mentioned many times before, the Red Sox are the most suitable team for the Braves to talk trade with. The name most mentioned is Jacoby Ellsbury.

Before evaluating any such players as Ellsbury, one point should be made: any potential moves the Braves make before the deadline should be looked at as whether they are best fit for a run this season or best fit for their future. As we all know, the previous GM was never afraid to deal half the farm away for a half season rental. But the current GM seems to have a knack for holding on to prospects unless it's a good deal involving more than just rentals. This is especially assuring this season when the Braves are probably one big bat away from taking the East.

The Braves should not sacrifice half the farm for a power bat before the deadline, but they should look to add one more hitter. Ellsbury would be a great fit in that the Braves would have a true center fielder without giving up a ton in return. He would provide a .300 bat at the top of the order, letting McLouth slide to anywhere from fourth to seventh in the lineup where he can drive in runs. Ellsbury is also not a rental as he is only in his second full season in the majors. He also provides solid defense in center, something the Braves haven't seen much of since the Andruw days.

The one drawback to Ellsbury? Power. The Braves are in dire need of a power bat, something I've been barking about since Spring Training. This is where the greedy rental side comes in. Ellsbury doesn't fill the need of a power bat and more than likely wouldn't really impact the offense the rest of the season. Another possible drawback is filling the shoes of Escobar, who would be the main piece used in a deal. I'm a big believer of Yunel's hitting and if he must be traded due to attitude problems, I would expect nothing short of Ellsbury. However, shortstop must be replaced with somebody at least capable of filling the position for a season. The Braves have nothing within the system that can do this, so it would either have to come from the Red Sox (Lugo) or another team. This would be my one hesitation.

Regardless, it is very likely a deal will be completed involving Escobar or Vazquez. I am completely against a deal involving Javy unless the Braves are blown away by an offer. He is of too much importance to the rotation, no matter the offensive troubles. Not to mention the Braves can NOT rely on Tim Hudson the very second he is able to return to the mound. It is way too much of a gamble to trade Vazquez and rely on Hudson to take his place once he is activated. I'd rather wait out this season with the current offense than take a gamble and trade Javy.