With the Atlanta Braves desperately needing an additional bat, and specifically a center fielder, they could be getting closer to making a move for one of the best. Buster Olney tweeted this:
From an NL evaluator: Atlanta working hard on working out a deal for Michael Bourn. His trade value never higher than right now;FA in '12.
Earlier today we heard some rumblings that thee Braves might stand pat at the deadline, but I don't think that's a real possibility. Players on the team have already made it clear they would like for the front office to get the team some help. Anyone looking at the recent injuries can deduce that a move should be made. The Braves will make a move, for someone. Ken Davidoff passes this note along:
Person in touch with #Braves says there is confidence they'll get an OF.
We know the Braves were in the middle of the Carlos Beltran discussions. They were in the middle of the Hunter Pence discussions (and in fact may have made a better offer than the Phillies). The front office has been trying to get a bat because they know the team needs one.
The question now becomes how much should the Braves give up for a hitter who may not be their first choice. In the case of Bourn it will probably take one of the Four Horsemen to get it done, but that shouldn't be a move the team balks at considering Bourn is under team control through next year and is one of the best leadoff hitters and center fielders in the game. The Braves have always valued defense up the middle, that sounds like Bourn. The Braves have a glaring need for a speedy leadoff man with a good on-base percentage, that sounds like Bourn.
We'll see how long this takes to actually materialize, but it needs to happen. Bourn has been the right choice all along. It may have taken some time for the Braves to realize that (or for me to realize that), but it's true. I wonder if this stare-down between Ed Wade and Frank Wren will come down to the wire tomorrow, or if it will get done with some time to spare. My guess is it gets done right before or at the deadline, if it truly the direction the Braves want to go.