Braves interested in Baldelli

[DravenX]

ATLANTA -- 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.

atlantabraves.com

[brewersfan19]

Nice player to put in LF and play good defense and steal some bases. Maybe even add a little pop inthe lineup, could even be their lead-off hitter. I like that signing on the basis he is healthy and can stay that way, that is the big question mark.

[BoSox34]

Not to mention that it will be good security for when Andruw Jones is either traded or exits via Free Agency. Not the same caliber player, but would fit nicely in the Braves OF.

[brewersfan19]

True, very true, BoSox34!! I personally don't think Jones is going anywhere though. Unless, the Braves get an offer they can't refuse.

[BoSox34]

True, very true, BoSox34!! I personally don't think Jones is going anywhere though. Unless, the Braves get an offer they can't refuse.

I believe he will be before the trade deadline, depending on whether or not the Braves are contending in the NL East. But, I have read several articles where Boras, Jones' agent, has said he will be looking to cash in during Free Agency, so I would be willing to guarantee that by mid season next year or at the end of next season Jones' will no longer be a Brave. I don't believe the budget watching Braves will want to pay out that much to resign him.

[DravenX]

I can't stand Boras. Jones is worth the money to keep.

[brewersfan19]

I think the Braves will ante up and do what it takes to keep Jones, unless they get an offer that is just too good to be true. I don't see that happening, since no team bit on Soriano and other big names at the deadline. When push comes to shove, Jones will be in Atlanta. I am sick if seeing these salaries escalate so high agian. Baseball is heading down that raod again. Are we going to see teams cry poverty again in a couple of years? I really feel Atlanta will keep Jones in Atlanta.

[Kingdom]

I'd trade for him, but I would not trade James. They can have Lerew and crap.

[McKain]

They won't be able to get him without giving up James, from everything the D-Rays seem to be sayin'.

[BoSox34]

I'd trade for him, but I would not trade James. They can have Lerew and crap.

Agreed. Asking for James, is asking too much im my opinion but the Devil Rays usually do well when asking for more in terms of their players real value. But I don't believe you will see any deal involving James if they do in fact choose to heavily pursue Baldelli.

[brewersfan19]

Not only should they trade James, but can they really afford to give up pitching, especially top prospects? I think NOT. Offense wasn't really Atlanta's problem last year anyways, it was pitching.

[GiantsFanatic]

I wouldn't trade him IMO, he's one of the best players on that team.

[DravenX]

The Braves may be willing to part with top prospects Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Yunel Escobar, though the Rays may want pitching in the package.

General won't that would he?

[love_that_reefer]

Rays need pitching and shouldn't settle for less than James. Baldelli is 25 and would be in the Braves plans for quite some time. Braves still guys like Kyle Davies.

[Kingdom]

James is better than Davies, who will probably be nothing more than average. Sure, they can have Salt. We already have a young catcher who's proven to be allstar caliber.