Atlanta Braves: Which Players Could Help Improve the Braves' Offense?

The Atlanta Braves entered the 2011 season with high expectations.  The team made the playoffs in 2010 as the wild card with very little offense and went out in the offseason and landed slugger Dan Uggla to help bolster an offense that ranked 11th in National League.

The Braves were hoping that right fielder Jason Heyward would continue to progress, Nate McClouth would return to the form he had in 2009 and that Uggla would anchor the middle of their order.  What they have gotten instead is McClouth being sub-par and on the disabled list, Heyward under-performing and landing on the disabled list himself and a horrible start from Uggla. 

The front office has now decided to look elsewhere to improve their offense via trade.  In all likelihood, Atlanta will add a lead-off type center fielder with power. 

Here are some names that have been mentioned.

Hunter Pence Is Not Out of This World at the Top of the Order

The name that seems to keep surfacing in trade rumors is Houston Astros' center fielder Hunter Pence.

Pence is entering the day hitting right at .300 with six home runs and 38 RBI's.  While Pence may add some pop at the top of the order, he still does not fill the need for speed in Braves line-up.  Pence currently only has three stolen bases and has never stolen 20 bases in a season.  Pence is making 6.9 million dollars for the 2011 season and will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year. 

It is likely Pence will test the free-agent waters if Houston trades him during the season.  In short, if the Braves acquired Pence, it would only be for the remainder of the 2011 season, nor he does not fully fit what Atlanta is looking for. 

Upton Needs to "UP" His Ability to Get on Base

Another name that I have heard some buzz about is Tampa Bay's centerfielder B.J. Upton.  While Upton is more of a prototypical lead-off guy with some pop, he does not get on base a ton.  Upton comes into today with seven home runs, 28 RBI's and nine stolen bases.  However, Upton is only a career .259 hitter with a .344 on base percentage, and his 2011 totals are lower than that.  Upton is currently hitting .243 and is only getting on base at a .323 clip. 

Upton's numbers very closely resemble Nate McClouth's numbers when the Braves traded for him.  I would sincerely doubt Atlanta Braves' general manager Frank Wren makes that mistake twice. 

Damon Needs to Get Dam-"on" Base a Lot More

In all likelihood, Tampa would want a small ransom for Upton, so a better option that actually fits far better for Atlanta is the Rays' DH...Johnny Damon.

Don't forget, Damon was almost a Brave not very long ago when he opted to sign with Detroit at the beginning of the 2010 season. 

While Damon's numbers are not mind blowing, they are very solid and would still be a better option at the top of the order than what the Braves currently have.  Damon is hitting .277 with seven home runs and 29 RBI's for Tampa.  He has also stolen six bases, and despite being 37 years old, he is still a threat on the bases.  The main concern I have concerning Damon is a ridiculously low OBS...it is currently only .317.  Not good at all for someone you want to hit lead off.

The Coco Crisp Is Overly Stale

Another name that seems to be flying around in rumors is Oakland's center fielder Coco Crisp. 

Crisp has decent numbers for a lead-off hitter.  He is hitting .272 with two home runs and 18 RBI's.  What makes Crisp appealing is his 15 stolen bases.  However, aside from that, his OBS is under .300 and certainly lacks the power Atlanta needs in the top of their order.  He simply will not allow enough RBI opportunities for Martin Prado and Chipper Jones hitting behind him.

Kemp Is Pimp

Another option that makes some sense is Dodger center fielder Matt Kemp.

Kemp is only 26 and is hitting .313 with 12 home runs and 35 RBI's with 13 stolen bases.  It is tough to imagine Kemp hitting at the top of the order with his ability to drive in runs.  If this move is made, it does help the Braves offense but still does not give Atlanta the lead-off type guy they are seeking. 

Also, Kemp is slated to become a free agent at the end of 2011, and his agent has hinted that he will test the free agent waters.  Thus, once again, this would be a rental for Atlanta, as Kemp is scheduled to make over seven million dollars in a base salary, and it could be way more than that, as his contract is incentive laden. 

It is likely that L.A. would expect a king's ransom in return, and it is doubtful the Braves' front office would be willing to part with numerous top prospects for a one season rental. 

Un-Sung Schafer

While the Braves are out searching the trading block for a center fielder, all Jordan Schafer has done since his call up is impress. 

Schafer is currently hitting .271 with a .381 OBS in four games.  While many scoff at the idea of Schafer being the answer in centerfield, the fact of the matter is he is the best long term solution the Braves have. 

Schafer has the potential to be one the games best lead-off hitters.  His average will come up if given the opportunity to play everyday, he can run, is a threat on the bases and he has some pop in his bat.  It is likely he will be the type of player whose line will read as .310 15 home runs 50 RBI's, 30 stolen bases and OBS near .380 yearly.

The fact of the matter is, the Braves are a better team with Schafer playing instead of McClouth, and there is no need to send prospects elsewhere when the answer to the problem is already on your roster.

What really needs to happen is for Atlanta to get Heyward back healthy and get Dan Uggla going.  If those two things happen with Schafer setting the table, this team is capable of competing for the division and going deep into October, if not winning the World Series. 

-Jason Bishop