Atlanta Braves Trades: When Do They Become Sellers, What To Do If It Happens

The Atlanta Braves are six games back of the Philadelphia Phillies and have until the July 31 Trade Deadline arrives. At what point do the Braves cash it in for 2009 and what should they do if that happens?

Well first off, this has been a very disappointing season for the NL East, which at the beginning of the year looked like it could be the strongest and most competitive in all of baseball.

It has been pretty competitive, with four teams still in the mix, but the season has been very disappointing for the Braves and Mets, who find themselves below .500 at the break.

So at what point do the Braves start looking at 2010?

This is a tough question because Atlanta remade their pitching staff during the off season and their general manager Frank Wren has already made trades for outfielders Nate McLouth and Ryan Church, and traded away hometown hero Jeff Francoeur.

Atlanta has also reached its payroll limit, meaning any deals made will have to be cost neutral, and the current roster will cost about $4 million or so more after arbitration.

Despite the flurry of reports, I can't see them trading shortstop Yunel Escobar in an effort to get better now, both because he is very cost effective and that his production has been as good as just about anyone on this offensively starved Atlanta roster.

I think if the Braves keep trying to win this thing, they will do it with the roster they have right now. Prospects are exploding in value due to Baseball's economic situation and I just can't see any deals working out that make this team more competitive.  

There are 14 games between now and July 31. If the Braves are farther out than they are now, say eight or nine games, and have to overcome two or even three other teams, they should start to look towards next year. 

The next question is which moves they should make before the deadline.

Pitcher Javier Vazquez has had a great year but shipping his $11.5 million salary could free up some room for badly needed offense. He is under contract through 2010 and could bring a top prospect or two or a proven young bat.

I haven't heard any prospective names specifically, but I take this as a sign that the Braves don't want to look like they have given up for 2009. The interest from teams that really need starters like Vazquez is out there, and don't rule out major players like both Los Angeles teams, Detroit or even Boston from getting involved. 

Tim Hudson is also due back back in late August from his year-long Tommy John rehab. The Braves will look to pick up his option for 2010 and he could take Vazquez's rotation spot next year.

What other moves could they make?

It really depends on how they feel about top outfield prospects Jordan Schafer and Jason Heyward.

Schafer started the year as the Braves center fielder but encountered struggles with the bat after he injured his wrist. He has healed at AAA Gwinnett and he might be done for the year. A production September or season in winter ball could set him up to start at a corner position in 2010. 

If this is the case one would figure that the Braves will need a temporary fill in as Jason Heyward prepares for the Majors. Right now scouts figure Heyward, an Atlanta native, to be ready by July of 2010 and maybe sooner.

If the Braves feel he will be ready sooner rather than later they might put off searching to deal for a everyday outfielder to take Garrett Anderson or Ryan Church's spots, both of which will probably not figure into the Braves 2010 plans.

If they don't think he'll be ready they could deal young starting pitchers Kris Medlen for a young outfielder, but this trade would take place after the season.

Yunel Escobar should stay put at shortstop unless he has a total mental meltdown, and even then there aren't any other options down on the farm. Martin Prado has claimed the second base job and his stock is skyrocketing. His bat has really picked up and he could cement himself with a good finish to 2009.

Kotchman could start to feel some pressure from prospect Freddie Freeman, who is hitting well with minor league teammate Heyward. But Casey has hit decently this year, if not very powerfully, and plays great defense, so he looks safe at first base until late 2010 unless he really struggles.

The Braves might need to deal or sign relief help if both Soriano and Gonzalez leave for free agency, but I think the Braves have a good chance to re-sign at least one of them.

Overall Atlanta has a decent, and cost effective, roster and look to be very competitive in 2010. Pitching will be there just like 2009, but it will be up to the younger players to step up and hit, especially as Chipper Jones reaches his career twilight.