5 Post-Deadline Moves the Atlanta Braves Could Still Make

The Atlanta Braves weren't major players at the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline as they picked up middle reliever Scott Downs.

And while the Braves are on an impressive 13-game win streak, that doesn't mean general manager Frank Wren is done making moves.

The Braves flirted with the idea of improving their starting pitching at the trade deadline but were never serious players.

Now, the Braves need to address the need for a utility infielder who can provide an upgrade at the plate over Paul Janish and help cope with the loss of Ramiro Pena for the season.

Here's a look at a few targets the Braves could aim for to fill that role as the season nears the stretch run.

1. Placido Polanco

I have mentioned Placido Polanco's name in a few previous articles and continue to feel he'd be a great fit for the Braves.

The 37-year-old would bring plenty of postseason experience (147 plate appearances) to a generally inexperienced team.

A career .297 hitter, Polanco could fill in for Chris Johnson at third or Dan Uggla at second and hit anywhere in the order.

Polanco has plenty of experience hitting at the top of the order but can also hit in run-producing situations.

The downside to Polanco would be his inability to play shortstop as those days are behind him.

However, with rosters expanding in September, Janish could still be on the roster to give Andrelton Simmons a day off when necessary.

Polanco should be at or near the top of the wish list for the Braves.

2. Mark DeRosa

The Braves have interest in bringing Mark DeRosa back to Atlanta, where he spent his first seven seasons, according to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

"

@DanWaddellCISSP #Braves like DeRosa a lot, would be good fit since CJohnson's started every game for almost 2 months because of Pena injury

— David O'Brien (@ajcbraves) August 8, 2013"

The 38-year-old is hitting just .231 this season for the Toronto Blue Jays but does have a .320 on-base percentage with a .769 OPS.

Like Polanco, DeRosa has some playoff experience and is a .358 hitter in 22 postseason games in his career.

DeRosa would spend most of his time at second or third base but has also played six games at first base for the Blue Jays this season.

The Blue Jays are out of contention this season, but DeRosa does have an affordable team option in 2014, which could prevent the Braves from plucking him away from the team.

DeRosa is another player to monitor closely.

3. Yuniesky Betancourt

Yuniesky Betancourt has bounced around the league for a few seasons and has struggled with the Milwaukee Brewers this season (.209/.234/.361).

Despite his recent struggles, the Braves could see some value in the 32-year-old infielder.

Betancourt does not hit for a high average (.262 for his career) but has run-producing ability, as evidenced by his 12 home runs this season and back-to-back 65-plus RBI seasons in 2010-2011.

Perhaps more importantly, Betancourt can play any position on the infield. Granted, Betancourt is a below-average defender, but nonetheless, his versatility would be welcomed.

Betancourt could be an intriguing option for the Braves, who would seemingly fit into the boom-or-bust tendencies of this lineup.

4. Willie Bloomquist

The Arizona Diamondbacks could find themselves in a selling position. The Los Angeles Dodgers are separating themselves in the National League West and the D-backs are sitting 4.5 games back for a wild-card spot.

Willie Bloomquist does not have as much pop at the plate but features a solid slash line this season (.292/.342/.347) in 22 games.

The 35-year-old is currently on the disabled list as he recovers from a hand injury, but he has been cleared to field ground balls and should return sometime this month.

When healthy, Bloomquist could play second, third base or shortstop and bat at the top or bottom of the order.

Obviously, the unknown of how he returns from the hand injury may scare the Braves from pursuing Bloomquist, but a veteran .270 career hitter could be enough for the Braves to take a slight risk.

5. Nick Punto

Nick Punto can do something that no other player on this list can do—hit left-handed.

The 35-year-old could fill almost the exact role of Pena before his injury.

Punto switch-hits, throws right and can play second, third or shortstop.

Punto does not have the power that Pena displayed with the Braves (one home run in 219 at-bats this season), but he gets on base (.328 OBP) and has 21 games of playoff experience.

It's rare to find a player with the ability to hit from both sides of the plate while playing anywhere on the infield (minus first base), so the Braves likely covet Punto's abilities.

What could prevent Punto being moved is the simple fact the Dodgers are in playoff contention.

The Dodgers do have utility players in Skip Schumaker and Jerry Hairston Jr. on the roster, but as a big-market team, they may decide it's worth paying all three guys rather than moving one in August.