With the first day of the 2011 Winter Meetings nearing a close, Braves and Reds fans got an interesting bit of news to chew on for the next few hours. While many unnamed teams have been linked to Jair Jurrjens in recent weeks, we seldom have learned the identity of any of those clubs. That changed on Monday evening, according to this tweet from SI's Jon Heyman:
#reds very interested in jair jurrjens. seek No. 2 starter. 10 teams involved.
Heyman has a very close connection with sports agent Scott Boras, who just happens to represent Jurrjens, though no other players were specifically mentioned as potential trade chips on either side.
On paper, the Braves and Reds match up well. Cincinnati is searching for a starting pitcher (or three), while Atlanta is looking to upgrade offensively by using their abundance of starting pitchers as a selling point.
As for the players that could potentially come to Atlanta, just a few of the names fans can expect to hear in the coming days could be Yonder Alonso, Todd Frazier, Billy Hamilton and even Drew Stubbs, who currently starts for the Reds. There have been no reports from either side confirming the interest in Jurrjens, but Heyman typically has strong sources.
Rockies, Braves discuss Prado:
The Colorado Rockies have seemingly been interested in Martin Prado since the offseason began. We received word of these talks continuing on Monday, this time from Troy Renck:
#Rockies talked to Braves this morning. Will wait to see if Braves come back to them regarding Prado.
As for discussions with Colorado go, the Braves could be interested in players currently in the Major Leagues and those remaining in the farm system. Seth Smith could be a fit in left field, although he would need a platoon partner and isn't exactly the 'big bat' the team is supposedly searching for. Dexter Fowler could be a long-term fit in center field, but the Rox have not given any indication they are willing to deal him.
Nolan Arenado, a highly-regarded third baseman in the Minor Leagues, would be the immediate replacement for Chipper Jones, but Colorado is unlikely to include him in any deal. Outfielder Tim Wheeler or Charlie Blackmon could also be intriguing to Frank Wren, although both come with serious question marks surrounding their approach at the plate.
The hot stove is heating up, folks. Stay tuned.