Trade Talk

It feels good to be home.

The only thing I miss about Daytona is the beach. Although I hated not being able to watch the Braves, it appears I didn't miss too much. I tuned into 105.5 the Fan to hear the Braves finally win their first 1 run game of the season as Cole and I departed last Thursday. Thankfully, I was able to read up on the Braves' news as I came off the beach each day via the luxury of hotel wi-fi. I didn't let their losing put a damper on my vacation though. Quite honestly, it was actually nice to get away from the Braves too.

But, I'm glad to be back.

I want to respond to a recent email request regarding some management decisions the Braves will be forced to make at the end of the 2008 season.

Let's take a look at some of the players that Braves GM, Frank Wren, will have to take a look at:

(In no particular order):

1) First Baseman, Mark Teixeira:

A cousin of mine referred me to an article that SI.com's Jon Heyman wrote entitled, "Young, talented and in demand, Teixeira is headed for a big payday." In his article, he realistically examined Teixeira's possibilities that will arise as he enters his first free agency. Teixeira will be looking to land a mega contract.

"I think we'll have a better sense of that when the season's over,'' Braves GM Frank Wren said. "We'll see what the market looks like, and we'll see what it will take to sign Mark.'' Wren added that the Braves want to avoid spending too high a percentage on any one player.

One baseball executive who knows Teixeira well predicted, "No chance he stays. He's waited his whole life for this moment.''

2) Starting Pitcher, Tom Glavine:

Depending on what type of numbers he puts up, Glavine will decide whether he wants to return. He certainly hasn't closed the door to returning, but it's pretty obvious he wants to retire in Atlanta. If I had to make a call, Glavine can pack his bags. Although he's been fairly solid for us this year and unfortunately has had to endure a great deal of bad luck (he still hasn't won his first game), I just don't see the Braves resigning him. Wren will more than likely look to spend that 7 or so million elsewhere. Afterall, it's time the Braves make some gutsy moves and move forward. The Braves need change. The Braves need a fresh, young rotation to aid Hudson and Jurrjens. I would be surprised to see Glavine even make an attempt to come back anyways. He's old and frustrated.

3) Starting Pitcher, John Smoltz:

I'm not sure anyone would have predicted that John Smoltz would head to the bullpen after a couple of starts in the 2008 season. Several have predicted that health (and age) would be a problem for these older veterans, but honestly, who would've thought Smoltzie would head back to the pen? In my opinion, it's a good move. With his age an issue, Smoltz can utilize his dominant 4-5 pitch arsenal to return to his role as the game's most dominant closer. But, what about after this year? Now, this is a question that I simply can't answer. I would think he would return, but obviously not as a starting pitcher. You would think Smoltz would want to return as a reliever to at least add to his credentials as a future hall of famer starter/closer. Wren will have to decide whether or not he sees it beneficial to exercise Smoltz's 2009 option. To be honest with you, I'm not sure what the figures are. I don't expect it to be an amount that the Braves won't be willing to pay. Bottom line: If Smoltzie decides he wants to compete another year, expect him in some sort of relief role next year.

4) Starting Pitcher, Mike Hampton:

Mike Hampton retires. A wagon-load of money will be freed up when Hampton crosses the depressing bridge to retirement. The freed up money will be spent creatively. Wren is a very creative GM and has made some great moves during his first off season as Braves' GM. I see Wren making some creative moves with the money. I do not see him spending too much on any one player. He's already showed his opposition towards this idea.

5) Center Fielder, Mark Kotsay:

This will be interesting. Depending on how Braves top prospect, Jordan Schafer, rebounds from his suspension, Wren will then make a decision as to whether he wants to bring him up to be the center fielder of the future or sign Kotsay to a short-term deal. Kotsay has been more than solid this year for the Braves as the replacement for Andruw Jones. Anyone in their right mind would agree that Kotsay never had a chance to replace Jones' defensive abilities, but his offensive numbers have far surpassed Braves' fans hopes. Kotsay is batting a solid .298 with 3 homers, 15 RBI's, and 2 stolen bases. Andruw Jones is batting a forgettable .170 with 1 homer, 5 RBI's, and 0 stolen bases.

While there are several other moves Wren will need to consider, these are just the highlights for me.