5 Most Realistic SP Trade Options for the Braves to Replace Brandon Beachy

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When Atlanta Braves' starting pitcher Brandon Beachy left his June 16 start against the Baltimore Orioles, many fans hoped that it wouldn't be something serious.

Well, we all know that didn't happen as Beachy tore an elbow ligament and underwent Tommy John surgery.

Now, he's out until next year and the Braves have some issues in the starting rotation.

Currently, Tommy Hanson and Tim Hudson are at the top of the rotation, but after that, things are a little hazy.

Jair Jurrjens had a good start Friday against the Red Sox, while Randall Delgado and Mike Minor have both been on a roller coaster throughout the season.

In the minors, there's Julio Teheran and Sean Gilmartin waiting in the wings to be in the rotation, with Teheran the one of the two that has a legitimate shot at getting the call-up.

Then, there are pitchers that are on the trading block that the Braves could acquire to help them finish the season.

So, here's a look at five realistic trade options the Braves could have to help them make a run at the postseason.

Francisco Liriano

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Now, before you jump all over me, hear me out.

I understand that Francisco Liriano has struggled for more than half of his career with the Twins, but you can't deny that the power is there.

Liriano is a free agent after this season, which makes this a good choice, and a change of leagues might do something for him.

The American League has been none to kind for the left-hander, but a 201-strikeout performance in 2010 shows me he has it in him.

With the Twins going nowhere fast, trading their once promising starter for a few prospects might be the way to go.

Someone like Tyler Pastornicky could entice the Twins to move Liriano, although I'm not sure the Braves really want to trade away their insurance policy on Andrelton Simmons.

Kevin Millwood

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There's three things I like about Kevin Millwood—he's a veteran, he's a free agent after this year and he's had success in the National League.

Millwood can come into the rotation and provide a veteran arm who won't buckle under the pressure.

He's been in the playoffs before and knows what it takes to get there.

Being that he's 37, the Mariners aren't likely to ask much in return for him.

They could ask for a player like Luis Durango in return, a guy who will be able to eventually place Ichiro in the outfield and at the top of the lineup.

Matt Harrison

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Matt Harrison was drafted by the Braves in 2003, but was traded to the Rangers in the deal that brought Mark Teixeira to the Braves.

Although the Rangers are going through their own starting pitching concerns with Neftali Feliz and Derek Holland currently on the disabled list, I could see them making a move closer to the deadline sending Harrison away being that he's a free agent after this year.

The Rangers could ask for someone like Jose Constanza and Todd Redmond in return, or even a little bit further down the prospect pipeline in Evan Gattis.

Either way, it would be a great move for both teams.

Paul Maholm

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Paul Maholm's problem over the course of his career is the fact that he's played on teams that have been horrible.

I honestly think he's better than his 57-79 career record.

And, with the Cubs going nowhere this year, I think trading Maholm would be a good move for them.

They could ask for Juan Francisco and Luis Durango in return, giving them a player able to step in at third base for Ian Stewart, while Durango could be in the outfield in the next year or two, taking the place of Alfonso Soriano, once he leaves.

Brett Myers

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After being asked to move to the bullpen prior to the start of the season, Brett Myers hasn't really gotten much of a chance to do anything this year.

If the Braves could pull off a trade for him, they could start him in Triple-A Gwinnett to stretch him out to be able to start.

Then, by the time the playoff push comes, he'll be ready to be inserted into the starting rotation and help the Braves go after a playoff spot.

The Astros have holes all over the place, so they could really go anywhere here.

However, I expect them to get about as much of a return from the Braves as they did in last year's trade with Michael Bourn.

Myers is a free agent after this year and you can bet that he's going to go somewhere that he can be a starter. Which is why it would be a wise choice for the Astros to get what they can out of him.