Braves on the block

Marcus Giles and Adam LaRoche are still on the block, and apparently the Angels are interested in LaRoche.  David O'Brien speculates that the Braves would be interested in Chone Figgins, who would give Atlanta a "real" leadoff hitter for the first time since Rafael Furcal left.  However, John Schuerholz says he's mostly looking for pitching.  And since Tanyon Sturtze was an upgrade, I'd say he's right to do so.

Talking Chop discusses the possible trade of LaRoche, and raises an important question: if he leaves, who plays first for the Braves?  They have Scott Thorman and Daryle Ward on board, but I can't imagine Atlanta would go into the season with just those two.  Richie Sexson has been linked to the Braves, but he's just as expensive, and even less valuable, than Tim Hudson, so it would take a creative deal to get that done.  TC also mentions that Chipper Jones could finally move to first, but that leaves a hole at third...unless a LaRoche trade brings Figgins, who could play third, leaving second base for Giles or his planned replacements (Willy Aybar? Kelly Johnson? who knows).

By Jeff Sackmann, Brew Crew Ball

Comments

[ZJ]

I think Atlanta is just fine with Thorman and Ward going into 2007. The Braves took a big gamble two years ago when they handed the job to LaRoche who was even more unproven than Thorman. I don't think Schuerholz will think twice if he gets the right deal for LaRoche.

[hood]

Where I don't believe that Thorman has provin anything I believe he could be hidden in the Braves lineup alittle. But please we better be gettin alot more than Figgins for Laroche Either Santana or Sheilds better be coming the Braves way to even get me to acknowledge this trade rumor again. Not sayin that Laroche gets it done by himself so something else goes also.

[bravesbeast]

Im a big fan of Laroche, as he as might giant leaps in each of his three seasons. I really like the lineup we have for the future, and i do believe he is a part of it. I think it would take a pretty nice deal for me to be satisfied with us parting with Laroche, and a chone figgins/ ervin santana or scot shields deal would be a nice deal. I think that type of deal would be better than just getting mike gonzalez. The reason being is that I feel if we are going to trade someone of Laroche's age and potential, then we better be able to feel more than one need. So my opinion is that I hope if we are gonna trade Laroche, I want the angels to be involved because they have the best group of players to choose from in order for the braves to feel their needs. And as for one more thing, I hardly think Laroche for Gonzalez is a smart move on the braves part because even though mike gonzalez would make our bullpen be very good, I still think a young powerful lefty bat in our lineup is of more value. But hey I have full trust in Schuerholz and I think he will find a way to fulfill all of our needs. I just pray we do not follow our recent trend and give up too much of out future, as we did with wainwright and miner for drew and farnsworth, to get someone who can just help us now. Finally, is it just me, or do people underestimate the braves lineup. I know that we are very streaky and that is not a something to rely on, but we had five guys in our lineup who hit 25 homers and had 90 rbis. Im a fan of a big lineup, but I do understand that we can do from that strength to strengthen out staff. I just think we could do it without given up a laroche.

[5953]

If we trade Laroche for Figgins and Shields. What about a Hudson for Adam Dunn(1B) trade or somehow turning a Hudson trade into a package of young talent for Carl Crawford.

[hood]

I would like these 3 trades to happen LaRoche and Villiareal to Angels for E. Santana and C.Figgins. Then Hudson and Giles for Linebrink and Hensley. Then A.Jones for Either, Andy LaRoche & Penny. Then we can see if the DRAYS want some kinda package for Crawford.

[hood]

I personally don't want Dunn for the money he makes or is about to make. I just know its good to here the braves makin some noise.

[bravesbeast]

I agree with hood, but would that not be kind of ironic that we send laroche to the LA Angels and in another trade get his brother from the LA Dodgers. Heck, i would have no problem of having the Laroche brothers be our corner infielders of the future.

[kevybo1]

Is Marcus Giles a lefity.

Because if he is The Cubs should trade Cesar Izturiz for Marcus Giles and then sign Julio Lugo to play shortstop.

[A2000]

Giles is a righty.

Why in the world do my Braves want to trade Laroche I just don't understand it. Obviously he is going to be good, His defense is already tops in the league and his hitting has improved dramatically ever since he started taking his A.D.D. medication. I just can't see the Braves without him next year.

[scatterbrian]

You called Figgins a real leadoff hitter. That was funny. Dude has a career .345 OBP, and annually has more strikeouts than runs scored. Stolen bases aren't everything....