Atlanta Braves Trade Rumors: Latest Deadline News as Postseason Race Heats Up

Since returning from the All-Star break, the Atlanta Braves have gone just 5-5 and have seen the Philadelphia Phillies extend their National League East lead to six games. Although the Braves still have a four-game lead in the Wild Card race, many fans are hoping for a trade deadline deal to bolster the offense.

The Braves have reached a soft spot in the schedule that will last about three weeks. They will undoubtedly have to close the gap on Philadelphia during that time span if they plan on winning the NL East.

A center fielder and right-handed reliever are the two biggest needs for the Braves with just six days until the deadline. Although the Braves don't seem likely to acquire the top target, Carlos Beltran, other options remain, including B.J. Upton.

Here are some of the latest rumors making their way around the Internet.

B.J. Upton Too Pricey?

As the price for Carlos Beltran continues to rise, many teams have turned their attention to Tampa Bay Rays center fielder B.J. Upton.

ESPN's Jerry Crasnick provides an update:

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Rays would want a pitcher from the Teheran-Minor-Delgado-Vizcaino group in a deal with ATL. Braves not likely to go for that.

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That makes sense. Julio Teheran, Randall Delgado and Arodys Vizcaino are three of Atlanta's top four prospects and Mike Minor is a major league ready left-handed starting pitcher. The way Crasnick makes it sound, one of those pitchers would just be the centerpiece of the deal, not the entire deal.

The Braves aren't likely to give up that much, despite Upton being under team control for another season and his all-around ability. He would be an upgrade in center field in the short term, but the Braves will likely continue to stockpile young arms in hope of finding a better deal in the future.

Braves in on Heath Bell?

It is no secret that the Atlanta Braves are in need of another reliable right-handed middle reliever who can pitch in high-leverage situations.

ESPN's Jayson Stark says the Braves could be shooting for the stars:

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The Cardinals, Angels, Braves and Reds have also been in on Edwina Bell's kid -- and on San Diego's primary setup man, Mike Adams. But it's possible, says Padres manager Bud Black, that his most dominant bullpen arms could still wind up with none of the above, despite the widespread assumption to the contrary.

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While Heath Bell would be a terrific fit for the Braves, you have to wonder what the price would be. His presence would allow manager Fredi Gonzalez to tone down his use of Jonny Venters, Eric O'Flaherty and Craig Kimbrel, which is something that is desperately needed. Bell is the top name on the market, however, so the Braves would likely have to part with a highly-touted prospect to get a deal done.

In all likelihood, the Braves will get outbid for the 33-year-old reliever, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Bell's strikeout rate has drop markedly, from 11.1 per nine innings last season to 6.7 this season. His curveball, which was a solid put away pitch in 2010, hasn't been nearly as successful in 2011. Atlanta should shoot for a pitcher a little further down in the trade deadline pecking order.

How About Tyler Clippard?

After struggling in his first two seasons in the majors, Tyler Clippard has transformed himself into a very dependable reliever. Could the Braves be in the mix?

The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo breaks it down:

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Tyler Clippard, RHP, Nationals - One of the more sought-after relievers on the market, with 93-95 velocity and a changeup. The Rangers have made a lot of inquiries, but are just one of a few teams trying to get in on him. The Braves, looking for a veteran presence at the end of their bullpen, are interested, but it’s unlikely the Nationals would trade within the division. The Yankees have also sniffed around, as have the Red Sox.

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Although Clippard's numbers outshine those of Heath Bell so far this season, the price won't be as high because he doesn't have the track record or media hype of Bell. The number that immediately jumps out when you look at Clippard's stats is that he has a 100 percent left on base ratio. So, even if runners get on base, he hasn't allowed them to score. He also sports the best strikeout rate of his career, at 11.3 per nine.

Cafardo brings up the point about trading within a division. Teams should always be searching for the best deal available for their club, even if it comes from a division rival. If there are two offers that are close, it might be wise to accept the offer from a team outside of the NL East, but if the Braves offer is clearly the best, the Nationals shouldn't hesitate to accept it.

Is Denard Span Available?

In my article yesterday about the possible options for the Braves in center field, I mentioned Minnesota Twins outfielder Denard Span, but was unsure about his availability.

Washington Times' Nationals reporter Amanda Comak says he might be available:

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As we head into the final week before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, one name to keep in mind for the Nationals with regard to center field is Denard Span.

The Twins center fielder, who is currently rehabbing a concussion suffered in a home plate collision on June 3, is high on the Nationals list of targets as they continue to look to upgrade their center field/leadoff spot on their roster, according to multiple sources.

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If Comak's sources are right and Span's name has been brought up in conversations with the Nationals, the Braves shouldn't waste any time in contacting the Twins. He would be a perfect fit for the Braves in center field, and can slide right into the lead-off spot, which would allow the Braves to return Jordan Schafer to Triple-A.

The problem arises when Comak mentions what the Twins would be looking for in return, most notably relief help. The Braves have some extra arms in the minor leagues that are ready for a shot in the majors, but the Twins would probably want more of a known commodity to move Span.

Although the stars don't seem to be aligning to complete a deal for Span, the Braves would be doing a disservice if they fail to at least give it a look.

Koji Uehara a Perfect Fit for Atlanta?

With a career FIP of 2.96, which is closer to 2.50 as a reliever, Koji Uehara would seem like a perfect fit for the Atlanta Braves bullpen.

Jeff Zrebiec of The Baltimore Sun confirms his availability:

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For now, that is all they are, but there is growing speculation that Uehara will be moved before the July 31 trade deadline. In a trade market loaded with right-handed relief options, Uehara has distinguished himself by staying healthy and compiling a 1.80 ERA in 41 appearances.

In 45 innings pitched, the 36-year-old reliever has allowed just nine earned runs on 23 hits and eight walks while striking out 59. He leads all American League relievers with a 7.38 strikeout-to-walk ratio and his career strikeout-to-walk ratio is now 6.48. That's the best career ratio for pitchers who have logged a minimum of 150 innings since 1890.

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Uehara doesn't get the respect he deserves because he is stuck in Baltimore, but he has been one of the most effective relievers in the game over the past two seasons. His addition to the Braves bullpen would solidify a bullpen that is already one of the best in the game. If Peter Moylan returns to form after coming off the disabled list, likely in August, the Braves would have the deepest bullpen in MLB.

Zrebiec doesn't mention a possible asking price for Uehara, but it probably wouldn't cost the Braves any of the prospects coveted in other trades. If Uehara pitches in 14 more games, a guarantee if he joins Atlanta, he would be locked in for another season with the team for $4 million. Perhaps a mid-level prospect package like Carlos Perez and Barrett Kleinknecht could get a deal done.