Much has been made of Atlanta's need for a bat -- with Carlos Beltran one prominent name often...

Much has been made of Atlanta's need for a bat -- with Carlos Beltran one prominent name often thrown into that conversation -- but as ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick tells Rumor Central, for Atlanta to be able to acquire a bat, they may need to move some salary. One obvious name: Derek Lowe.

Lowe's deal pays him $15 million this year, and the same next, so whoever grabs him will be taking on some cost. But Lowe is also famously dependable, having thrown no less than 193.2 innings in a season since 2001, and he's also known as a solid postseason pitcher.

The Braves, as we know, have a lot of in-house fixes in place. Mike Minor could come up, as could future ace option Julio Teheran, who has destroyed minor league hitting.

The Braves aren't actively shopping Lowe, Crasnick notes, but they are listening.

http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/features/rumors

This tells me a couple of things.

1. The Braves are actively looking for a bat, not just passively looking to make a minor upgrade, as most of us assumed.

2. Teams are actually calling about Derek Lowe. I think any contender would love to have him, but it's just a matter of how much are they willing to pay him? I would think that the more salary we hold on to, the better hitter we could land.

11 months ago justincredubil02 51 comments 0 recs |

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Taking on some of Lowe’s salary might mean only a few teams are in play…namely Yanks, Red Sox, etc.

I’m just wondering if we’re looking at something in the neighborhood of Lowe/Schafer for Gardner+Cash/PTBNL (as an example)…or something more elaborate involving a different team with pitching issues but still a realistic shot of making a run (Twins, for example).

by TBuzz on Jul 15, 2011 4:11 PM EDT reply actions

From what I gather, we aren’t looking at anything, but rather, just fielding phone calls. It may be as short as “Hey, are you eating his salary? No? Ok, bye” or as long as actually talking names and dollar amounts.

We just don’t know yet, but it’s something to keep an eye on.

My dad taught me how to make meat for sloppy joes and my mom let me turn over hot dogs on the grill.

by ChopMaster on Jun 25, 2011 7:25 PM CDT

by justincredubil02 on Jul 15, 2011 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions

I expect the trading of Lowe and the pickup of a bat will be separate moves, but it’s possible…not that trade scenario, though. Gardner is worth a lot more than that.

-C

It’s rough to sit through these games and not have someone that can’t hit a Ball?

by cthabeerman on Jul 15, 2011 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions

This.

Gardner has high trade value. It is questionable whether anyone wants to take Lowe’s contract. Schafer’s trade value is low. That deal would never happen.

by cavebird on Jul 18, 2011 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Would you do JJ for Gardner and a B or C prospect in the offseason?

I think that’s the name of their nexty young stud arm. They’ll probably need depth as well, JJ and Lowe for Gardner and decent prospect in the offseason perhaps. They can extend JJ to hopefully fill a long term 2/3 slot behind Sabathia, and have Lowe give them a solid 4/5 for a year waiting on Hughes to get consistent or some of their next kids like Banuelos to finish developing.

http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/

by Mr. Sanchez on Jul 18, 2011 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't know if the Yankees take Lowe in the offseason.

They usually aim higher than that. He seems more like an in-season, everybody is hurt move for the Yankees.

by cavebird on Jul 19, 2011 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions

aim higher?

what arms are gonna be available higher? Not a lot, and I’d think they’d want to add 2 starters. Maybe 3 if Hughes and Burnett fall apart.

http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/

by Mr. Sanchez on Jul 19, 2011 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions

In the offseason, there will be...

…a lot more available.

by cavebird on Jul 19, 2011 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions

more yes...

but those available don’t seem much better than Lowe for the most part.
Maybe Buerhle or Carpenter, but not much more than that.

http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/

by Mr. Sanchez on Jul 19, 2011 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions

In the offseason...

They could need another one besides, as they’ll be throwing their money at getting CC to return. Pretty clear he’s going to opt out to at least get a raise and more years…

-C

It’s rough to sit through these games and not have someone that can’t hit a Ball?

by cthabeerman on Jul 19, 2011 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions

My take on this is that whoever takes Lowe is not the team we get the bat from. It would just free up money to get the bat.

by jack dein on Jul 15, 2011 4:37 PM EDT reply actions

I thought all rosterbation had to be done as a FanPost!?

WTH are you doing justin…. You should know better than to cite a credible source, add some feedback to it and put it under the FanShot… I’m so disappointed in you. What with our recent influx of personal opinion and lack of credible source on the FanPost area… This would have blown them out of the water… I’m incredibly disappointed in you. You should be ashamed.

I don’t like the idea of Beltran. Do not want. He’s talented but he’s a rented piece… Granted, if we swapped Lowe for him, I would be able to stomach it as we would grab a potentially potent playoff bat for a pitcher we really don’t need and money we really don’t want to spend.

Don’t worry about older women until you turn 22. It’s called the Saltalamacchia.
by bwellnjonesco on May 19, 2011 4:13 PM PDT

by Klemson Krash on Jul 15, 2011 4:45 PM EDT reply actions

Lol.

From now on, all posts shall be submitted to Kremson Krash for approval.

I agree. I don’t want anything to do with Beltran.

Yuck!

"Insert witty and/or funny quote here" ~ The Person Who Spoketh Said Quote.

by Jman781 on Jul 15, 2011 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Kremson? Oh well...

Maybe your brother?

"Insert witty and/or funny quote here" ~ The Person Who Spoketh Said Quote.

by Jman781 on Jul 15, 2011 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Asian brother

"The Dos Equis guys want me to be the least interesting man in the world" - Drama

by BravesDawg16 on Jul 15, 2011 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions

hahaha

that was also my first thought when I read that

by leedawg on Jul 15, 2011 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions

lol haha

This is really more the actual news than rosterbating.

The only thing that would make this rosterbating will be the comments i’m sure.

But glad that you did not post this as it is a quote,not solely speculation

by chicagobullies on Jul 15, 2011 10:24 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Nicely done Justin.

But nobody reads fanshots! Actually, I think by the end of this month, there will be a few teams actually pursuing Lowe.

The Pirates are not going to trade Andrew McCutchen - please stop suggesting this.

by Pavy848 on Jul 15, 2011 4:48 PM EDT reply actions

sorry justin... your dream may be crushed

Orioles and J.J. Hardy making progress on a three-year deal that could be in the range of $21 million-$25 million.

by leedawg on Jul 15, 2011 5:07 PM EDT reply actions

Eh, I could do without. It’s not like he’s my #1 target. To be honest, I don’t really have one.

I’m just saying that if we wanted to upgrade at SS, Hardy would be a great choice. But if he’s not available, then it’s a “mute” point.

My dad taught me how to make meat for sloppy joes and my mom let me turn over hot dogs on the grill.

by ChopMaster on Jun 25, 2011 7:25 PM CDT

by justincredubil02 on Jul 15, 2011 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Then just...

…be quiet about it already. ;)

by cavebird on Jul 18, 2011 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m not even saying anything about it…

My dad taught me how to make meat for sloppy joes and my mom let me turn over hot dogs on the grill.

by ChopMaster on Jun 25, 2011 7:25 PM CDT

by justincredubil02 on Jul 18, 2011 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions

oh thank god!

never wanted anything to do with him! whatsoever!

by chicagobullies on Jul 15, 2011 10:25 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

sign and trade!

The Pirates are not going to trade Andrew McCutchen - please stop suggesting this.

by Pavy848 on Jul 16, 2011 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions

Glad I’m not the only one who thinks Beltran would be a good upgrade

From what I hear, the Mets are looking for one prominent prospect in return for Beltran, I’ll look for the link

"My parents do a lot of things behind the scenes that go unnoticed"- Cam Newton, Heisman acceptance speech.

by TurnerTheBurner on Jul 15, 2011 8:31 PM EDT reply actions

Even if the Mets and Braves didn’t offer each other ANY salary relief…this deal would cost us money and saddle the Mets with $15MM for 2012 for Lowe.

by TBuzz on Jul 15, 2011 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions

And is it just me or do the Braves seemingly do better

with Chip on the bench? I’m too lazy, but finding out the stats for that would be interesting.

I wonder if this has anything to do with Chipper viewing the game from the “sidelines” and being able to provide batters with better advice, or since he’s not playing he goves out more advice?

Chipper = HCOTF!!!
Chipper for Hitting Coach 2012!

by chicagobullies on Jul 15, 2011 10:28 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

i hope he is our future manager

"My everything, or nothing. My everything, or nothing. WE gonna fight, til we can't fight no more. We gonna lie down, and bleed a while. Gonna get up, and fight again." -Tashard Choice

by SouthernPanther on Jul 16, 2011 2:10 AM EDT up reply actions

Ross as manager...

With Chipper as hitting coach.

I find it very interesting that the most public (and apparently useful) batting tips I’ve heard of this year have come from (a) Chipper’s Dad; and (b) MacCann’s brother. Not Larry Parrish.

"Just take out the whole Tim McCarver part of the broadcast and boom, the director has freed up a whopping 45 minutes of airtime." - Rob Iracane of Yahoo! Sports, 7/13/11

by carpengui on Jul 16, 2011 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions

Not so unusual...

Both are baseball people and have a lifetime of seeing their brethren hit. They know Chipper/Brian’s swing better than anyone else, and certainly more than Parrish could after less than a half year of hitting.

-C

It’s rough to sit through these games and not have someone that can’t hit a Ball?

by cthabeerman on Jul 16, 2011 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Well that is something I can wholeheartedly believe from someone who’s spent as much time in the clubhouse as I have…

by TBuzz on Jul 16, 2011 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Without a CF or a SS realistically available. Here is a list of players I think the braves may be interested in.

Players:
RF
-Carlos Beltran .381/ .459 14 HR 20 Million this year, upcoming FA
-Michael Cuddyer .368/ .465 13 HR 10.5 million this year, upcoming FA
-Fukudome .374/.365 3 HR 14 million this year, upcoming FA
-Carlos Quentin .350/.503 5.5 17 HR million this year, ARB 3, FA after 2012

CF:
Colby Rasmus .321/.408 9 HR Team control until 2014 (Braves would have to give up great prospect to get him)

SS – This season A-Gon has been one of the worst offensive players in the league. But unless the mets are willing to trade Jose Reyes, I don’t think there will be any upgrades at this position.

Minor Upgrades:
Josh Willingham
-Ryan Ludwick (platoon guy hits lefties well)

by Braves Biceps on Jul 16, 2011 2:38 AM EDT reply actions

Well....

…Beltran is a centerfielder, who is playing right this year. Also, isn’t Bourn as available as these guys and also a centerfielder? (He’s certainly more available than Rasmus, assuming we can navigate the Houston ownership transitition issues.)

by cavebird on Jul 18, 2011 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions

I think Beltran could be all right in CF...

you have Nate to give him a day or two off per week to rest his knees.

http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/

by Mr. Sanchez on Jul 18, 2011 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions

The only teams that can give the Mets what they want for Carlos are the all or nothing Yanks and redsox. No other team should give up a top prospect to a player that will walk at the end of the year for nothing. And if you are thinking he will be a type A F/A, you have to offer a contract at something like 80-85% of what he made the year before ( I think that’s the rule to get the comp picks( If I’m wrong someone please correct me). No team but the Yanks and redsox can afford to do that, because Carlos would take the deal and you would be paying an injury plauged 35 year old 15 mil+.

by SB75 on Jul 16, 2011 1:12 PM EDT reply actions

The Mets already set the bar for a Beltran trade — with the KRod trade. In my thinking, there’s little fundamental difference between the two contracts with little or no guarantee that either player would be available for your team after this year. Beltran might command a slightly higher price, but certainly not an “elite” prospect.

Nonetheless, it may take them a while to come off of that position.

"Just take out the whole Tim McCarver part of the broadcast and boom, the director has freed up a whopping 45 minutes of airtime." - Rob Iracane of Yahoo! Sports, 7/13/11

by carpengui on Jul 16, 2011 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions

K-Rod is not the bar, as they just wanted to get rid of his insane contract for next year. The Mets have already said they are looking for a top prospect for Carlos. While I may personally agree with you that they should trade Carlos for what they can get, they have choosen ( at least at this point) to hold on to him, until they get what they want.

by SB75 on Jul 16, 2011 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions

I heard somewhere that Beltran has a ‘no arb’ clause in his contract.

by dlkinser86 on Jul 17, 2011 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions

Can't offer Arbitration

Beltran’s contract prohibits any team he is playing for to offer arbitration. Bora’s strikes again. No compensation would be given when he walks at the end of the season. Should make their trade demands far less grandiose.

by Ryan Eldridge on Jul 16, 2011 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Wow......

If this is true, then there is no way the Braves or any other team for that matter should give up even a C+ prospect for him. Where did you read that? And why on earth did the Mets sign that deal? I know he was once a great Bat and a good CF’er, but at the end you can’t even get the picks FA of his stature afford you, Well that’s why they are the Mets.

by SB75 on Jul 16, 2011 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions

I could have sworn I read that this only applies to the Mets and not any team he’s traded to.

by drumzalicious on Jul 16, 2011 10:21 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

This is true.

Don’t worry about older women until you turn 22. It’s called the Saltalamacchia.
by bwellnjonesco on May 19, 2011 4:13 PM PDT

by Klemson Krash on Jul 17, 2011 1:44 AM EDT up reply actions

NTC...

Equals leverage. If the team he’s going to be traded to doesn’t keep that stipulation, he can just veto the trade.

Let’s be honest, though. He’s going to make more via arbitration than he will on the market, so offering it to him would be stupid without a gentleman’s agreement.

-C

It’s rough to sit through these games and not have someone that can’t hit a Ball?

by cthabeerman on Jul 17, 2011 2:57 AM EDT up reply actions

The arbitration clause is irrelevant.

And it isn’t Boras striking again. The Mets agreed to it.

It is irrelevant because given Beltran’s current salary and recent serious injuries, noone is going to offer him arbitration anyway; he would accept. On the free agent market next year, he is facing a major paycut.

I don’t see how this affects the value of Beltran at all. The Braves and other teams don’t want him for the draft picks, they want him to win this year. I think some people here get so focused on the future that they forget about the present sometimes.

by cavebird on Jul 18, 2011 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions

just echoing whats been said

But the team Lowe gets dealt to doesn’t have to be the team we get the bat from. We could do it soley as a salary dump then make a trade for a bat.

by drumzalicious on Jul 16, 2011 10:20 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

YES!

SO glad to hear another fan understand that. If the Tigers want him fine, they have a few specs we should be interested in, Yanks same thing, Rangers samething, Bottom line we can keep those specs or use them in another deal.

by SB75 on Jul 16, 2011 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions

You wouldn't give more than a C+ prospect for Beltran...

…but you think we’ll get any prospects of note for Lowe? I don’t get that line of thinking.

by cavebird on Jul 18, 2011 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Difference being…… What ever team wants Lowe ( and we now have proof there are at least 2 teams with interest in him) will have him for one more year. I’m also not asking for a top prospect with Lowe ( out side of the blocked Profar, everyone else I have named are c prospects with high risk/ high reward tattoed on them). Pitchers are also always in demand. The Mets in recent days have backed off their demand for a top prospect and have said they are willing to pay all or some of his contract if they can get a decent prospect back, so maybe there is some wiggle room now. But as for the way it was, giving up more than a C+ prospect and having to pay all of Carlos’s salary the rest of the year and not getting a pick or two when he leaves wouldn’t have been the best move for the Braves. There is also the question of can he still play CF?

But as stated the Mets have done some changing in there statements of what they want and are willing to pay, so things have changed. I’d also like you to think about this, the Braves Farm has a lot of type A prospects, all of them pitchers that i don’t think they would trade to the Mets for Carlos, so after we get passed the pitchers, who do we have that the Mets will take for Carlos?

What would be intersting to me that the Braves may have to consider would be this…….. If the Braves are able to move Lowe to the Tigers for that Spec I named clearing Lowe’s money…. Would you consider this?

Mets get:
Minor
Hoover
Pastornicky
Schafer

Braves get:
Reyes
Beltran

by SB75 on Jul 19, 2011 2:48 AM EDT up reply actions

You are still severely overvaluing our guys and undervaluing everyone else's.

For starters, you think that Lowe having another year on his contract is a positive. At $15 million, it’s a negative. Let’s put it this way, if we traded Lowe, the team getting him would love to just void the last year of the contract in the offseason. That says that the extra year is a negative, not a positive. While some people decry “rentals” players who are “bad contracts” are worse.

I am not sure in which thread you suggested prospects we would get for Lowe, because I don’t see any of them listed here. Obviously mentioning Profar is just a bad joke, MLB doesn’t have a force trade button. I haven’t seen the rest, so I can’t really comment on them. My guess would be a C prospect is what you get without any money involved and maybe a B+ maximum for Lowe with lots of money involved.

As for our available prospects for Beltran, we probably have only one obviously A prospect: Teheran. Vizcaino is knocking on the door, but has injury risks. Minor and Delgado are both probably on the B+/A- line. I could see giving one of them for Beltran. The trade you suggest is a bit of a farce; the Mets give away the two best available hitters in baseball (assuming Reyes is available, which he must for the trade to happen, and Pence is not) for a B+/A- guy in Minor, a B- prospect in Hoover (and that grade is from Sickels who has really liked Hoover since his colliegate days), a C+ kind of guy in Pastornicky, and Schafer who has probably long since lost any trade value that he had; not hitting for three years does that. I don’t see why they do that: they can get someone close to Minor’s level for Beltran pretty easily elsewhere, and the draft picks they get if Reyes leaves are worth more than the rest of the package.

Of course, I think there might be a reason we don’t see eye to eye here. I am thinking that Lowe and Beltran will get traded for prospects, or, in Lowe’s case, at least minor league players who we can pretend are prospects but really are named salary relief. On the other hand, you seem to expect Lowe to get traded for eye glasses. At least we would have something for McCann when the lasik screws up again.

by cavebird on Jul 19, 2011 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions

I found that you mentioned Francisco Martinez...

…in one thread. He is probably a B prospect, which makes him more than you would give for Beltran. Now, you mentioned him in the context of us taking Magglio Ordonez back, and we us taking Ordonez, he makes more sense, but is still probably too good of a prospect for Lowe unless we eat the remaining money difference between Mags and Lowe.

by cavebird on Jul 19, 2011 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions

Sorry thinking Clemens, typed Hoover!

I know that would be giving them 2 starters in their rotation over the next 1 or so years, but I think it puts us over the top. Would love to keep Schafer for late game defensive sit and pitch running, but I don’t think they will take Nate.

by SB75 on Jul 19, 2011 3:02 AM EDT reply actions