M's interested in Thomson?

[Providence A's]

http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports...-5041927c.html

PEORIA, Ariz. – The Atlanta Braves are said to have made starting pitcher John Thomson available in a trade.

They might find a willing partner in the Seattle Mariners, who reportedly were contacted by the Braves to gauge their interest.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Thursday that the Braves are shopping Thomson now that it looks like Kyle Davies will win a spot in the rotation. Seattle has previously shown interest in Thomson, a 32-year-old right-hander.

Atlanta reportedly is looking for relief help and could have interest in Seattle’s Gil Meche or Julio Mateo.

Thomson – who will earn $4.75 million this season – was 4-6 with a 4.47 ERA last season with the Braves. He missed five months with a tendon injury in his middle finger.

Thomson has good control (28 walks in 982/3 innings in 2005) and is a groundball pitcher who could fare well at spacious Safeco Field.

I thought the rotation was set? Moyer, Washburn, Pineiro, Felix, and Meche...does this mean Meche is gone or going to be long relief? What do you guys think?

[General]

The Ms are interested in Thomson, but the Braves would take Meche in any deal, that's what I think.

[Porter]

Tough call on that, i love Thomsons control but its one injury riddled SP for a younger injury riddle SP. id probably do it for Mateo and even then id have doubts.

[General]

Thomson isn't exactly injury-plagued. Last year he was hit in the middle finger I believe, so he missed time. But he made 35, 33 and 30 starts in 2002, 2003, and 2004.

[Porter]

before then he never had more than 28 starts and in 1999-2001 he had 27 combined (he missed all of 2000). Thats the reason why i said it.