Gavin - As a Reds fan I hope the Reds wouldn't make the Jurrjens trade you referenced. I just don't think the Reds need starting pitching. If they get any, then I would hope it would be clear cut #1 kinda guy.

I don't understand why the Braves are willing to trade Jurrjens. I also don't know from where the Braves are going to get more offense.

Thank you for the comments.

Hey Gavin,

Check out an article I wrote about a Cub/Sox trade that could possibly help both teams. It would benefit the Sox now, and the Cubs, possibly in the future. Let me know what you think when you get a chance. Thanks.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/812109

Hey Gavin,

Check out my take on the Jim Hendry firing when you have a chance and let me know what you think. Thanks.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/812225

Hey Gavin,

Check out my take on the Zambrano incident from last night. I guarantee you it is different than any other one you have read about it. Check it out and let me know what you think. Thanks.

http:bleacherreport.com/articles/804185

Hey Gavin,

I did a slideshow on my way to build a baseball team and how to play the game. If you have a few minutes, check it out and let me know what you think and if you agree or not with my philosophy. Or, what you would do different. Thanks in advance.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/793925

Hey Gavin

Got your post on my bulletin board, but not sure what you're asking me about.

What's up?

Hey Gavin,

Interesting question you bring up with Castro's future defensively. I think the first step will be determining what to do with first round pick Javier Baez, who played shortstop in high school but has the size to be a third baseman moving forward. Where they see him playing down the line could have an impact on Castro.

As for Castro himself, I am still in wait and see mode as far as his defense. He has far better range and a stronger arm than Yount did, although that is a fair comparison. If he can cut down on foolish mistakes on routine plays, which should come with maturity, I think he could be an asset defensively at shortstop.

So I guess my answer is I'd leave him at shortstop for at least two more seasons, then evaluate his progress as well as Baez's progress and take it from there.

Hey Gavin,

just wanted to shoot you a heads up that I sort of wrote about that situation I referred to in my last post here on your bulletin. Modified it a bit after spitballing with some friends.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/777358-atlanta-braves-trade-speculation-3-trades-could-make-team-favorites-in-the-nl

It's a heck of a complicated situation...but there is at least rumors (along with my own speculation) at the base of most of it.

In fact, Gavin.

I mentioned Delgado without giving you more to chew on.

Over at the Braves forum I frequent, I posted a little game called "Three Trades" and basically the rules are simple. Name three separate trades you'd do if you were Frank Wren at the trade deadline. No rules, really...post any darn trade you want. Although, I try to keep it somewhat realistic and work out the actual semantics of it.

Basically...I found three situations the Braves and opposing teams could benefit from. It would bring in Beltran, a reliever and a utility guy. On the package for Beltran, it would be Delgado, Pastornicky (or Simmons...not a big deal to me. Both of them should be serviceable SS's) and a pitcher; I named Perez, but they could opt for Hoover or Oberholtzer. Lots of moving parts elsewhere to make the money work...but that was was I suggested giving up for Beltran in exchange for salary relief and what not. It's "a lot", but yet...it kind of isn't. Not considering we'd still have Teheran, Minor, Vizcaino. Along with the guys we don't trade at the back end of the deal as well as Lipka, Milligan, Spruill, etc.

Beltran, in my eyes, won't break the bank to get...especially in the Braves' specific case. For the Phils...it's another story. Part of me wants to watch them go get Beltran just so they'll suffer 3 years from now when they're completely out of prospects and they have no one to turn to when their folks are getting old and achy.