Braves Trade Rumors: What's Next?

Braves Trade Rumors: What's Next?

Since we're almost a month through the season, I thought I'd take a look into my crystal ball to see how the Braves are going to address some critical positions: SP and RP.

I'm hoping it only seems like the starting rotation is falling apart.  Smoltz might be headed to the DL with discomfort in his shoulder, Hudson's velocity has been changing more than Jennifer Aniston's hairstyles, Glavine's on his way back from his first trip to the DL in his 22-year career, and Hampton is...well I don't even have to go there.

With a sudden lack of depth in the rotation, who will the Braves turn to?  I'm guessing they'll stick with a combination of Jeff Bennett, Jo-Jo Reyes, Chuck James, and Buddy Carlyle for now, but if that doesn't work, I'd like to address a few possibilities through the trade and/or free agent market.

• Matt Morris- Released by the Pirates yesterday, but more than likely retiring
• Greg Maddux- It appears as if the Padres are looking to get younger, but Maddux seems to be quite happy in San Diego
• Randy Wolf- Probably the most likely option, as long as he stays healthy
• Jeff Weaver- His ERA has been sky-high the past few years, but he's a FA, and the Braves know how to revive SPs
• Joe Blanton- Another good possibility, we'd likely have to trade Lillibridge and a few other top prospects to get him though

While SP has been a cause for concern lately, the bullpen has been dropping like flies.  Moylan is likely out for the year, Gonzalez won't be back until late May, and Soriano can't get past his elbow problems.  With the injuries problems we've faced, here are a few possibilities to provide some critical depth in the pen.

• Derrick Turnbow- One of the most dominant relievers in baseball in 2005, look for him to be the Braves first option
• Brian Fuentes- Reliable lefty who hasn't had an ERA above 3.50 in the past 3 years, but he wouldn't come cheap
• Damaso Marte- Another lefty that could be a staple of the pen, and he's definitely available in Pittsburgh