Giants Interested In Nick Johnson?

Henry Schulman at The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Giants GM Brian Sabean is seeking a left-handed hitting 1B to complement the aging Rich Aurilia, and lists Nick Johnson and the Braves' Scott Thorman as points of interest. Nick Johnson is off to a hot start hitting .368/.455/.688 in 19 ABs, and for this reason Schulman suggests he could be off the market; however, contrary to that rationale, the Nationals might want to take advantage of Johnson's sudden upswing in value. They do have Dmitri Young sitting idly by. If the Giants want to spend $11MM over the next 2...

Braves Expect Trades

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's David O'Brien talked to Braves GM Frank Wren, and he learned that Wren expects to "make a deal or two." DOB says the Braves are looking to add a proven bench bat. They can spare an out of options reliever from the group of Blaine Boyer, Chris Resop, Tyler Yates, and Royce Ring. O'Brien sees Yates as the one to go. Catcher Brayan Pena and first baseman Scott Thorman are other possible trade chips. As for who's coming to Atlanta, O'Brien pretty much ruled out Reed Johnson and Robert Fick. He considers Wes Helms a possibility. The...

Braves Shopping Thorman

Scout.com writer Bill Shanks is reporting that the Braves are shopping backup first baseman Scott Thorman and are considering other options at first base, including Mark Kotsay, Brayan Pena, Matt Diaz, and Joe Borchard. Atlanta Journal-Constitution baseball writer David O'Brien confirms this report in the comments section of his blog. Thorman is out of options, so this makes sense. Shanks points out that Pena is also out of options, "but with his time at first and his ability to be a third catcher he could have more value than Thorman." O'Brien says he doesn't think Pena will make the team....