one hit again, the Braves look to be sellers

Rick VandenHurk had spent the last three months in the minors after a pretty horrible start in April, but that time looked as if it was well spent after he went five innings of no hit baseball in the Braves 4-0 loss to the Marlins. This is the 10th time this season the Braves have been shut out, matching their season total for 2007. With the loss, the Braves now sit seven games behind the division leading Phillies and 10 games behind Milwaukee in the wild card. I hate to give up on things but it’s looking like the Braves could be big sellers over the next eight days.

The question now becomes who will be traded and to where? Obviously Mark Teixeira seems to be destined for greener pastures come 2009, but can the Braves find a new home for him in 2008? There aren’t that many teams in need of first baseman that are willing to trade the farm for him, especially without knowing whether they’ll have him after the end of the season. And while he could serve as a DH for a team in need of some pop, part of what makes him so great is his defense, which he would be unable to use in that position. I’ve heard of a couple of teams that could have some interest mainly Arizona, the Dodgers, the Angels and Boston, but they seem like long shots. (Plus Boston has said they are not interested in Mark.) Not only would the quality of players included have to be better than the compensation draft picks they would receive in the offseason if Teixeira walks (which come on, he’s not staying in Atlanta with the Yankees in need of a first baseman) they would also need a major league ready replacement in the deal.

Another name bandied about is Will Ohman. A solid reliever, many teams would love to get him on their staff. To me, he seems more likely to go, but that depends mostly on what the Braves could get for him and whether they feel like they can re-sign him in the off season. A lot of the rumors have been surrounding the Rockies Brian Fuentes and the Orioles George Sherrill, but with many teams looking for relief help, Ohman could be just what they’re in the market for.

Finally it looks like Mark Kotsay could be on the block. With teams looking to fill up an outfield holes, Kotsay could be a welcomed addition. I've been reading a lot of rumors about the Pirates Xavier Nady and Jason Bay and also the Rockies Matt Holliday so Kotsay seems like a likely plan C or D for some teams but so far I haven't read about anything in particular about Mark.

But not likely to be shopped are Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano who the Braves are willing to pay top dollar to to keep them on the team next season. I'm a bit nervous about that. I like Gonzo, but both he and Soriano are coming off of tough injuries, I don't want to start throwing around money to people who won't be able to play for the forseeable future because they're constantly injured. Call it the Mike Hampton effect.

News&Notes: Tom Glavine and Mike Hampton both had throwing sessions on Tuesday. Mike Hampton even boldly predicted he could be ready to go next week, “I told them if everything went well, I would be ready.” Oh, but Mr. Hampton your career for the past two years has been nothing but “ifs.” Not that I don’t want him to take the mound to justify his crazy contract, but if he doesn’t make a start this season, does that mean the Braves can collect insurance on him, because that might be better for the team...Meanwhile Glavine says he felt he threw better on Tuesday than he did on Saturday and could make some rehab starts next week, if everything goes well…Bobby Cox served his one game suspension for what was deemed an extended tirade following his ejection on Sunday…The Braves optioned Brent Lillibridge to Richmond after activating Omar Infante from the DL.
(Photos: AP/Yahoo! Sports)

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate