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