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Javier Vazquez Must Stay in Atlanta

Columnist Written on July 07, 2009

ATLANTA - JUNE 27: Starting pitcher Javier Vazquez #33 of the Atlanta Braves pitches against the Boston Red Sox at Turner Field on June 27, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

I know this is quite the departure from my last two weeks of opinions. The Braves simply cannot deal Javier Vazquez.

The guy is too clutch, too good and way too consistent. To trade the most consistent player on the most inconsistent team would just be stupid. Thankfully, I am not Frank Wren, nor do aspire to ever want his job.

I know the Braves need a bat.

I know Vazquez is the best option to get a quality bat, but as Ken Rosenthal said today, there is no hitter available that would bring Atlanta an equal or greater return. Not Corey Hart, Nelson Cruz, or Jermaine Dye. Not a package of the best prospects that money can buy.

I don't know how the Braves will get a good bat without dealing Vazquez, but they're going to have to try.

Maybe Escobar would bring in a nice haul, but I no longer see that happening. Bobby Cox seems to have kissed and made up with Yunel.

Don't get me wrong, the Braves still desperately need a productive right-fielder. Preferably a right-handed one at that, but I just don't know if it will get done.

Jason Heyward was recently promoted to Double-AA Mississippi, where he's hitting .417 with two triples in 15 at-bats. Could he be brought up in late July instead of September? Just on the chance that he could provide a spark? Is that too much of a risk? Is it more of a risk than trading your best pitcher for a decent-hitting outfielder?

How about Omar Infante? Will the Braves be content with Infante when he comes back from injury in a couple of weeks? Can he play right-field everyday?

I cannot count how many times I have said this, but this Braves team could really make some noise in a playoff series with this starting staff. Javier Vazquez is the anchor and I have finally realized to trade him would be a detriment to this club.

The need for offense and a bat still remains. How will it be met? Who will meet it? Who will the Braves give up in order to meet that need?

Help me out. Let me know what you think the Braves need to do (Without dealing Vazquez).

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written on July 07, 2009 Opinion

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Javier Vazquez Must Stay in Atlanta

Joel Barker

Vote Now! - Author Poll

Results - Author Poll

Cross their fingers and hope that Francoeur snaps out of his almost 2 year slump.

Take a HUGE chance in rushing Jason Heyward to the bigs.

Play Omar Infante and hope he's more clutch than Francoeur

Give Matt Diaz the full time RF job.

Make a trade. (Not involving Vazquez)