Stoking the Fires Special Edition: Atlanta Braves Trade Wishlist

David O' Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution is reporting that Atlanta may be close to making a deal. Frank Wren and Bobby Cox were holed up in an office for more than an hour on Thursday before the game, leading to rampant speculation about an imminent trade for the Braves.

According to O'Brien, the Braves could get someone who is not a free agent next year for Vazquez. Which would lead one to think the Braves might be in on someone who is young and inexpensive, just like McLouth.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/07/braves-rumors-vazquez-escobar.html

That said, I decided to put together a little wish list of players the Braves might be going after.

These deals aren't just put together in my mind as some little off the wall deal. I think each of these deals out, and if I deem it possible I will place it on this slide show.

In other words, there will be no predictions like Kelly Johnson and Jeff Francoeur for a major league player—much less either of them for Adam Dunn. Don't laugh, I've actually seen this offer from Braves fans who have no clue.

Adrian Gonzalez, Padres 1B

Proposed trade: Braves send Freddie Freeman (prized 1B prospect), Kris Medlen, and Yunel Escobar to the Padres for Adrian Gonzalez.

Why it might happen: I can see this deal happening because he's young, inexpensive, and could replace Freddie Freeman as the first baseman of the future.

Gonzalez is signed through next year with a $9 million club option for 2011. With Chipper's fat contract coming off the books in 2012, the Braves could sign Gonzalez with no problem, making him the star of the future in Atlanta.

Since the Braves would be trading Yunel Escobar in the deal, they could presumably deal Kotchman for a good, young SS. Or get a prospect for Kotchman and allow Infante to play SS for the rest of '09

Why it might not happen: Wren has previously stated the future will not be mortgaged in any deal. So Freeman might still be the first baseman of the future. The Padres have not flat-out stated they will not trade Gonzalez, but it is believed that they don't want to trade him unless they get primo prospects in return.

My take: If you can get a player of Gonzalez' caliber to be your future star, you have to try. There's no guarantee that Freddie Freeman will be that star. Gonzalez already is.

Nelson Cruz, Rangers RF

Proposed Trade: Javier Vazquez for Nelson Cruz

Why it might happen: In Dave O' Brien's report he stated that Javy Vazquez's name continues to pop up around Atlanta as the top piece the Braves could trade for a big bat. I'm inclined to believe him since the Braves have great starting pitching, don't want to trade prospects, and could seemingly cash in big time on Javy's recent success.

Texas needs another pitcher down the stretch to stay in the AL West race, and once Josh Hamilton comes back there will be the mother of all logjams in the Texas outfield.

In my reasonably educated mind, this is the most likely deal for Atlanta.

Why it might not happen: Cruz had an up and down career until 2009. He's belted 19 HRs and 47 RBI, and has hit .264 thus far in the season. He's cheap and under team control for a few more years.

Alex Rios, Blue Jays RF

Proposed trade: Braves send Yunel Escobar, Kris Medlen, & Jordan Schafer for Alex Rios

Why it might happen: The Blue Jays need a SS, and want to focus on the future. Getting these three guys from the Braves would certainly help that future. Plus Rios is blocking Blue Jays-uber RF prospect, Travis Snider.

Rios is attractive because he just signed an enormous, affordable extension and would be under contract until 2015 in Atlanta. He would have to move to LF for Jason Heyward next season, but an outfield of Rios, McLouth, and Heyward might become one of the best in the game.

Why it might not happen: I personally cannot see Frank Wren giving up that much of the Braves' future. I'd like to have a guy like Rios on this team, but not at the tremendous expense that it might take to get him.

Brad Hawpe, Rockies RF

Proposed trade: Braves send pitching prospect, Todd Redmond, & Jordan Schafer to Colorado for Brad Hawpe

Why it might happen: The Braves need a power hitting OF, and Hawpe has been rumored for a while. The Rockies have a logjam in the outfield right now, and if they can get a couple of good prospects they might just be inclined to deal Hawpe.

Why it might not happen: The Rockies are playing great lately, and are right in the thick of the Wild Card race.

Plus, he's a lefty. The Braves need a right-handed hitter.

Matt Holliday, A's LF

Proposed trade: Braves send Todd Redmond, Kris Medlen, & Jordan Schafer for Matt Holiday

Why it might happen: The A's want to get something out of Holliday before he hits the open market this off-season. The A's love prospects.

The Braves need a big right-handed bat, and Holliday is the biggest available.

Why it might not happen: The backlash from Braves fans would be terrible. I hope to heck this does not happen. I doubt it will, because Wren will not give up that much for a half season rental.

Other possibilities

Jermaine Dye - The White Sox are right in the thick of things in the AL Central. If they fall out in the next month, Dye might be on the block.

Russell Branyan - He has resurrected his career in Seattle, but if they fall back soon he could be the power answer for Atlanta. Could play OF or 1B.

Vladimir Guerrero - Not what he used to be...at all. Regardless, he would still be an upgrade on offense and in RF, even though he can't run anymore.

Corey Hart - The Brewers have said they will not deal him, but they need pitching. Vazquez for Hart straight up is a possibility.

Adam Dunn - Every team that needs a bat is rumored to be coveting Dunn. He's terrible in the OF though, so Atlanta would have to deal Kotchman elsewhere to make room for Dunn at 1B. That makes me think this won't happen.