MLB's Mark Bowman has more insider info on the Braves rumored search for an outfield bat in a trade:
[...] if the cash-strapped Dodgers decide to part ways with Matt Kemp, Wren will likely exchange a few phone calls with their general manager, Ned Colletti.
As things currently stand, the Braves certainly aren't looking to trade Julio Teheran, Mike Minor, Randall Delgado or Arodys Vizcaino. But if a player like Kemp became available, Wren would certainly be more inclined to part ways with one of the talented young hurlers. [...]
But it appears the Braves aren't entering July with the intention of making a big splash. They will simply be looking for players who could provide more certainty than the players who currently form their outfield mix. Some of the Braves Minor League pitchers who could be available to interested clubs looking to make a minor deal include J.J. Hoover, Brett DeVall, Chris Masters, Scott Diamond and Jacob Thompson.
There's Matt Kemp's name again, though this is purely speculation on the part of Bowman. Still, Kemp is an intriguing player, albeit one who seems to have declining skills at a very young age. I continue to be intrigued, though, by the thought of pairing Kemp with Jason Heyward in the outfield.
Bowman also repeats the rumor that the Braves may be willing to part ways with Yunel Escobar:
There are some Major League scouts who have gained a sense that the Braves might be willing to trade Yunel Escobar.
While there's no doubt that Escobar's flamboyant ways have continued to anger some members of the Braves organization, it doesn't appear that the club is too excited about parting ways with the 27-year-old shortstop, whose solid defense has compensated for the offensive inconsistencies and lack of power he has displayed this year.
Still, if the Braves were to receive a significant offer for Escobar, it appears they could at least be tempted to trade him. The Cuban shortstop will start to become more expensive when he becomes arbitration-eligible at the end of this season.
The Braves would certainly have to receive another shortstop in return, or else rely on Omar Infante to play short.
Overall, I like the Braves "wait and see" approach on some of these players. Being too eager to make a move would lead to the team likely overpaying for a lesser player. We'll have to see if this wait and see approach continues if the Braves don't keep winning.
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