Atlanta Braves Trade Rumors: Josh Beckett Would Be Excellent Late Pick-Up

The Atlanta Braves did not get Ryan Dempster from the Chicago Cubs, but they may still be able to grab a top-notch starter for the stretch run.

Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports tweeted:

"

Texas and Atlanta were targets because Red Sox believe Beckett would waive his 10-and-5 rights if they struck a deal with either team.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 30, 2012"

While many may think Josh Beckett's productive innings are behind him, I believe a different environment could serve him well.

Beckett is only 5-9 with a 4.57 ERA this season for the Red Sox, but depending on the asking price, he could still be a solid addition for the Braves.

Beckett has a wealth of postseason experience. He's been there four times, and the first two years were excellent. He won the World Series MVP in 2003 for the Florida Marlins, and he had an ERA of 1.20 for the Red Sox in 2007. 

He was the ALCS MVP that year.

But then came his last two postseason appearances in 2008 and 2009. Beckett's ERA is well over 7.00 in those two years combined. Because of that and his year this year hesitation is understandable.

But it was just last year that Beckett was 13-7 with a 2.89 ERA. Beckett still has some ability, he's only 32 years old.

I think a different environment and a return to the National League would do wonders for him. The Red Sox aren't likely to make a run at a wild card, and Beckett knows that.

He may need the motivation of the postseason to get him going. A move to Atlanta just may supply that.

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