Craig Wilson to the Braves for John Thompson?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

There's lots of speculation that the Braves are shopping pitcher John Thompson. One story has the Pirates trading Craig Wilson to the Braves for him.

 

Link.

 

Thomson, 32, is with the Atlanta Braves, who have an excess of starting pitching because of the rise of young Kyle Davies, who's forcing the Braves' hand with an excellent spring.

 

It's believed the Braves have interest in Pirates first baseman/outfielder Craig Wilson, who's due $3.3 million this season and who doesn't figure to play much because of the presence of everyday players Sean Casey at first base and Jeromy Burnitz in right field.

 

The move makes sense for the Braves. Wilson could platoon at first with Adam Laroche and could also complement the left-handers the Braves have in leftfield.

 

On the other hand, the Atlanta Journal Constitution is reporting the Braves are looking for relief help in exchange for Thompson.

 

Link.

 

The Braves are trying to trade Thomson and his $4.75 million salary while he's healthy. He missed five months in 2005 with a middle-finger tendon injury, and has allowed 23 hits and 12 earned runs in 14 innings this spring.

 

The Braves' trade priority several weeks ago was a bench player with experience. Now, their biggest need is bullpen help because of injuries.

 

Relievers who could be available include Detroit right-hander Franklyn German, Kansas City lefties Jeremy Affeldt and Jimmy Gobble, and Oakland right-hander Juan Cruz, who had a 2.25 ERA in 50 appearances for the Braves in 2004.

 

Would the Braves have interest in Scott Williamson? While Thompson doesn't exactly fit a need for the Cubs, could a three-way deal be worked in which the Cubs get something useful, Williamson goes to the Braves, and Thompson to a team in need of starting pitching?

[srbin84]

I don't think we have any needs that can be filled by trading Williamson more than the relief spot he currently holds.

[Rob]

I don't think we have any needs that can be filled by trading Williamson more than the relief spot he currently holds.

 

I don't know, giving Craig Wilson a chance to turn Jacque Jones into trade bait at the deadline would be pretty nice...

[NorthsideAvenger]

I don't think we have any needs that can be filled by trading Williamson more than the relief spot he currently holds.

 

I don't know, giving Craig Wilson a chance to turn Jacque Jones into trade bait at the deadline would be pretty nice...

 

After signing a 3 yr deal? I seriously DOUBT Jones will be traded in his first yr of the deal. Now maybe next offseason, perhaps....but not this season.

[Mark Priors Calves]

I don't think we have any needs that can be filled by trading Williamson more than the relief spot he currently holds.

 

I don't know, giving Craig Wilson a chance to turn Jacque Jones into trade bait at the deadline would be pretty nice...

 

After signing a 3 yr deal? I seriously DOUBT Jones will be traded in his first yr of the deal. Now maybe next offseason, perhaps....but not this season.

 

There's no way Jones gets traded this season. Hendry would really have to swallow his pride to do that and admit it was a bad deal he gave to Jones. The more pressing issue is the outfield for 2007. There's a potential log jam, assuming Pie continues to progress the way he has. Pierre's extension talks probably won't go into the regular season, so he has 1 week and counting to get extended.