Braves News World

Peter Gammons reported that Atlanta offered Giles, Dan Meyer and another minor leaguer to the A’s for either Barry Zito, Mark Mulder or Tim Hudson. Officials from both teams denied the report.

Mark this one down in the “ludicrous” column! Schuerholz would be out of his mind to do such a deal. Giles is going to be counted on to deliver lots of pop next season (and at a very affordable price tag) with J.D. Drew likely leaving. The Braves can’t afford the drop in production from a switch to Nick Green or Mark DeRosa.

Adam Miller from Athletic Supporters explained in May why he thinks the A’s may try to pawn off Zito on a team like the Braves. Don’t do it Schuerholz!

This has been touched on before, but Zito’s strikeout rate has declined from a high of 8.61/9IP in 2001 to 5.67/9IP in 2003. His strikeout rate is back up again this season, but trends of declining strikeout rates can be signs that a pitcher’s performance is on track to decline, as well.

Assuming that Zito can bring his numbers down to more palatable levels in the coming weeks, he may be the best candidate to trade for offensive help and prospects. He is likely still perceived around the league to have ace value, as his 2002 Cy Young award would indicate. He is due the largest salary increase of the Big Three over the next two years. He is represented by Scott Boras, and may be difficult to sign to an extension. And he may end up providing the worst relative performance level of the Big Three.

If they took Tim Hudson, he’d likely be with the Braves only one year (he is a free agent after the 2005 season). So Mulder would be the best option for the Braves. That being said, the Braves will be in deep trouble next year if they don’t have Giles’ offense in the lineup. Unless they have some serious tricks up their sleeves, it just wouldn’t be worth it. I don’t see it happening and I think Gammons has just gone senile…