Vazquez to be Traded?

Considering that this is from Buster Olney, I would almost bet that 0% of this is true.

"Some rival executives are convinced that Atlanta's Javier Vazquez, who was arguably one of the four best pitchers in the National League this past season, will be traded in the weeks ahead. Vazquez will make $11.5 million next season before becoming eligible for free agency, so the Braves might be compelled to move him now to take advantage of his value. Atlanta needs a right-handed-hitting outfielder, and the other possible trade pieces on the Braves' pitching staff -- Derek Lowe (who is owed $45 million over the next three seasons) and Kenshin Kawakami (owed $13.3 million over the next two seasons) -- do not generate much enthusiasm among some rival talent evaluators.

Vazquez went 15-10 in 2009 with a 2.87 ERA, 238 strikeouts and just 44 walks in 219.1 innings after posting ERAs of 4.84, 3.67 and 4.74 in his previous three seasons with the White Sox. The Braves have other pitchers around which to build their staff -- Jair Jurrjens, Tommy Hanson and the newly signed Tim Hudson -- and probably could get a decent young hitter in return for Vazquez."

The fact that he says that the Braves should trade Vaz for a OF bat tells me that he really doesn't have a grip on this situation. Why would Atlanta trade for a piece when we have that Heyward kid? Anyone the Braves bring in would be nothing more than a seat-warmer for a year at the extreme most.

I wouldn't be surprised if Atlanta locked Vaz up for another couple of years. That would be the smartest move they could make. Hopefully the FO wont bank on 2 youngsters to be the anchors of this rotation just yet...

over 2 years ago justincredubil02 6 comments 0 recs |

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The modern era Braves have been built around SP. This critical element had become a weakness, which led to a few unacceptably lousy, out of contention years, but is now once again a strength. Javy is a huge part of that and I agree that the smartest move would be to extend his contract and lock him up.

Obviously, however, the team’s pockets are not as deep as they once were and our downfall last year, as well as to some significant extent historically (only one championship during the 14 year run on playoff appearances), was lack of consistent offensive firepower.

It should take a blockbuster offer to pry Javy away, but my bet is that Wren would be willing to do it for a productive, middle of the lineup RH big bat.

by fandave on Nov 9, 2009 8:03 AM EST reply actions

As good as he was this year, I don’t see an impending free agent bringing in any blockbuster deal.

"Matt Diaz is a baseball player."-Joe Simpson

by 10-4 on Nov 9, 2009 12:31 PM EST up reply actions

Can he do it again?

I would love to keep him as well, but for the right deal, I am for moving him. He has always been a solid SP, but this past season he pitched above and beyond what he has done in the past. Again, it would have to be a big bat coming back, but I say do it if that is the case.

by MBraves! on Nov 9, 2009 12:15 PM EST reply actions

But what team is willing to give up a bat big enough for 1 year of JV?

Or, for that matter, what bat it big enough for us to be willing to give him up?

"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."

by justincredubil02 on Nov 9, 2009 2:32 PM EST up reply actions

I'm down with trading Javy

But ONLY if the right deal comes.

And that’s the thing. I take a lot at what’s out there in the trade market and I don’t see that “right deal”. Meaning, if we trade Javy we would be doing it to write off those 11.5 and not because we might have found our beloved RH power/middle of the line up bat.

So if the the right deal comes, sure, go ahead. But if in the end we are just going to try to write off money, then the target should be Derek Lowe.

I also hope they don’t try to force things and end up with a screwed up trade. At worse case scenario we could just get creative and put Kawakami in the bullpen and sign one of our two closers (Mike Gonz would be the cheapest one) and pair. And I just said worse case scenario.

by jgalmonte on Nov 9, 2009 5:20 PM EST reply actions

realistically cant we say that about anyone… i wouldnt trade anyone on our team for the wrong deal… i would trade everyone for the right deal…any other opinions are ridiculous at best… there is no such thing as untouchable in theory, practically speaking of course there is.. Hanson is untouchable bc his price is so high its not worth it to any team to pay… (but this is far from the point)

the right deal is always the deal you are looking for, so saying that is not really productive (and i don;t mean to single you out, bc numerous others have said this exact same thing)…be more specific about what the right deal might look like… is it a deal from Braun (not gonna happen) or a deal for Jermaine Dye (not gonna happen for a different reason)?

Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?

by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST

by Swo12bv on Nov 10, 2009 2:00 PM EST up reply actions