Up until this point we've really only heard of the Atlanta Braves trying to acquire pitchers before the July 31 deadline, but that changed with some speculation on Wednesday. According to Buster Olney of ESPN, who has been known to just throw trade proposals and rumors out there, he thinks the Braves could be a nice fit for Justin Upton of the Diamondbacks.
Here's the latest:
Another Justin Upton fit could be ATL. Could build deal around Prado,P prospects. Prado plays 3B for Ariz., Upton takes Bourn $ slot in '13.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 11, 2012
Personally this seems like just speculation (or 'Rosterbation', as folks on the Internet like to call it), but it would be an interesting deal to consider.
Prado is a fan-favorite in Atlanta and has been phenomenal this season and has formed a phenomenal 1-2 punch atop the lineup with Michael Bourn. At the same time, Upton nearly won MVP last season and is still just 24 years old. He has struggled a bit in 2012, but there's no denying his talent and potential to become a perennial superstar.
It seems silly to investigate this rumor any more than this. Personally, I don't see either team making the move.
The deal would mean the Braves no longer have a replacement for Chipper Jones next season (or this season if he goes down to injury) and it'd be hard to imagine the D-backs dealing their franchise player mid-season.
As is always the case with trade rumors in July, we'll keep you updated at SB Nation Atlanta.
For more on the Braves, check out Talking Chop.