this is what Id like to see:

Chuck James
Brent Lillibridge
Thorman/Prospect

Kotsay
Haren/Blanton

We take on A's salaries (both players are 2 years away from Free Agency), and we add another dependable starter that will fill the 3rd starter role when Glavine retires. Thorman is a good DH type that needs at-bats to go along 3with that power.

So our Rotation would be:

2008
Hudson
Smoltz
Glavine
Haren/Blanton
Hampton

2009
Hudson
Smoltz/Glavine (Im assuming one will retire)
Haren/Blanton
Jurryjens
Jojo Reyes

I dont know what Smotz & Glavine's long terms plans are, but Haren/Blanton will be inexpensive options (Haren - he's signed for the next three years at $16.25M total) if we can get them to sign long-term contracts as opposed to seeking replacements on the freeagent market in 2010.

We get Kotsay in CF for a year, until Shaffer is ready. I would also throw in Diaz if we can get an adequate replacement in Left, but Im not seeing anyhing viable on the FA market or in a trade unless that Anderson kid from Houston is acceptable.

The central aspect of this trade is bolstering the rotation as soon as the aging duo retire (which is sooner than people think i would imagine). From what Ive read Shaffer is only a year away, so a one year stopgap with Kotsay is alright - granted he was out all last yea. Kotsay's defense is there and he hits better than .250 and has average power 14-17HRs or so. Sounds like REnteria with a worse average, could work into our lineup in the 8-hole. And he is different in that he providesmore experince to the lineup than say Anderson or Blanco. Yea its 8mill more, but its a year and we land a top notch pitcher under control for 3 years - and a solid up an coming prospect in Shaffer soon as he leaves. And with another SP we can make sure Jurryjens & Reyes are actually ready to start in the majors with another year of seasoning in richmond, or probabably jurryjens would be in Long relief for a year to take oscar v's spot.

THe center piece of my proposal is lillibridge, to replace the A's sucky crosby. He is blocked by yunel & KJ, and it doesnt seem likely Wren wants to move him to the OF, not with newly acquired youngns Gorkys & Anderson. Wren said that he wanted a veteran in the mix if possible for a shortterm bridge, and I cant think of anyone but Kotsay - and considering the Braves are increasing payroll, 8mill for a year doesnt sound too bad for just a year. Remember, Shaffer is waiting in the wings, and he will cost a mere fraction of Kotsay's price, and giving atlanta the ability to use that money to resign Tex. Coco's contract is for another 3 years, too long for atlanta's liking. Yes he could be a candidate to be traded in a yea or 2, but my gut is telling me Atlanta may want to get another young starter in preperation for the exit of smoltz and glavine - and i dont think boston is willing to part with bucholz or lester.

Essentially, we will have up to 2 SP to replace if a prospect isnt ready - and the Free Agent market will cost us MUCH MUCH more than 8Million Kotsay is owed to go after say a Peavy or Santana (not that the braves would go after them, but its possible). Gil Meche got a whopping 55million for pretty much 500 record. The money we save in acquiring Haren/Blanton is worht the 8million to Kotsay for a year I think.

It WILL sting atlanta that we gave up a draft pick to (of all teams) the Mets by signing Glavine, and not having a lights out young pitcher to replace glavine & smoltz when they retire. Think the whole DOyle Alexander & Smoltz trade; we need someone that is a sure thing for aonther 10 years 15+ wins a year.