Teixeira trade only the beginning for the Braves?

 for the season with tightness in his elbow. With perhaps $40 million available in the Braves' 2009 payroll, coupled with the concern over their ace's pitching elbow, Atlanta could very well set their sights on free-agent-to-be CC Sabathia during the offseason. The Braves might need an ace, and really don't have a left-handed starter set for their 2009 rotation.

Watching the Braves game tonight on MLB extra innings, the Cardinals announcers also threw out Kelly Johnson along with Will Ohman as possible acquisitions this deadline for St. Louis, along with Jeff Francoeur as "available for the right price."

Teixeira's already gone. Will Ohman might be next. Might Mark Kotsay, Brent Lillibridge and/or Brandon Jones be joining them as former Braves?

My previous article  looked at the Braves a few years down the road when some of the lower level prospects are nearing or at the time of a major league promotion. However, with a couple of potential trades being considered either before Thursday's deadline or in the offseason the Braves' roster could be very competitive in 2009. Consider this lineup if a few moves happen.

CF - Gregor Blanco

SS - Yunel Escobar

3B - Chipper Jones

C - Brian McCann

LF - Jason Bay

1B - Casey Kotchman

RF - Jeff Francoeur

2B - Kelly Johnson

 

with bench players

C - Clint Sammons

IF - Omar Infante

IF - Martin Prado

OF - Josh Anderson

 

and Pitchers

RHP - Tim Hudson

LHP - CC Sabathia

RHP - John Smoltz

RHP - Jair Jurrjens

RHP - Jorge Campillo

 

RHP - Rafael Soriano

LHP - Mike Gonzalez

RHP - Blaine Boyer

RHP - Zach Schreiber

RHP - Jeff Bennett

LHP - Royce Ring

RHP - Manny Acosta

 

The Braves 2008 season right now is essentially over. The Teixeira trade means the Braves are looking ahead to 2009 and beyond. But with a few more moves that the Braves could make, Atlanta could very well be back in contention before too long.

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