atlantabraves.comATLANTA -- While confirming the club's interest in obtaining Rocco Baldelli from the Devil Rays, a Braves source has provided indication that they are willing to provide some top prospects to complete this transaction.
During this week's Winter Meetings at Walt Disney World's Swan and Dolphin Resort, the Devil Rays are believed to have asked that left-handed starter Chuck James be included in the potential deal. But the Braves are very reluctant to trade the 25-year-old southpaw, who is coming off an 11-win rookie season.
The Braves want Baldelli, a 25-year-old outfielder, to serve as their leadoff hitter and starting left fielder this year. If Andruw Jones were to exit via free agency at the end of the 2007 season, Baldelli would become the club's center fielder of the future.