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Holiday Hot Stove Wish List
 Posted
11/27/2009 3:00:00 PM
The recent arrival of Black Friday signifies the beginning of holiday shopping for the season. This scramble to buy something on everyone’s wish list parallels the Major League Baseball’s Hot Stove season. Now is the time when General Managers attempt to check-off their wish list by acquiring players who can fill the needs of their ball club. The Braves most glaring weaknesses going into the 2010 season resides at first base, the corner outfield positions, and the bullpen. Here are some free agents gifts I hope to be delivered to 755 Hank Aaron Drive in time for Christmas.
Adam LaRoche: No one was more clutch for the Braves coming down the stretch of the final two months of the season. For his part, LaRoche hit big homeruns and stabilized what was before a very mediocre line-up. The late season surge would have been impossible without his presence. He may not be the best the first basemen in baseball (especially in the first half) but his statistics over the past several years are consistent. He is good for 20-25 homeruns and 80-90 runs batted in. Unless the Braves can secure a trade for Adrian Gonzalez or Miguel Cabrera, this type of offensive production is precisely what they can expect. This coupled with his gold glove caliber defense makes the dealing Kotchman last season a real bargain.
Jason Bay: It is improbable that the Braves will go after a big name, type A free agent, but look at the competition. After a disappointing 2009 season, the New York Mets figure to be involved in signing virtual every free agent who is available. This no doubt includes Matt Holliday who is coincidentally a Scott Boras’ client. Holliday is without question out of the Braves’ price range, but why not sign another left fielder who is capable of putting up similar, if not better production? Already the Braves are attempting to move Derek Lowe’s expensive contract in an effort to acquire a bat. Why not trade Lowe for prospects or bullpen help and then sign Bay to offset the frugal payroll?
Xavier Nady: This other former Pirate outfielder could make a nice addition to a line-up which struggled to score runs. His traditional statistics would easily surpass a lackluster performance from the aging Garrett Anderson. After returning from Tommy John surgery, Nady figures to be a low cost alternative to big name free agents Jason Bay and Matt Holliday.
Billy Wagner: The economics realities make it unlikely that the Braves will pursue neither set-up man Mike Gonzalez nor closer Rafael Soriano. Baring a trade, the only solid bullpen relievers on the roster are Peter Moylan, Eric O’Flaherty, and Kris Medlen. Perhaps Moylan will get the opportunity to be the closer. However, I believe it is worth taking a flyer on Wagner. In his limited action with the Red Sox, Wagner was dependable as any reliever in the game, especially in the playoffs against the Los Angeles Angels. Once he became a free agent, he has consistently been adamant that he wishes to be a closer. The Braves have that position vacant. It would seem to be a suitable match for both parties.
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The Resident Redshirt
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