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. Nor does he think Kotsay will see time at first.
Atlanta’s once strong bullpen took a few hits this offseason. They traded Oscar Villarreal to the Astros in November for outfielder Josh Anderson. Ron Mahay signed with the Royals. And Mike Gonzalez is out until mid-season after having Tommy John surgery. So Atlanta is most likely looking to land a reliever.
