If the Braves are unable to sign a number of free agent pitchers, who are the top candidates in their Minor League system that may be a factor in 2009 or '10?
-- Steven S., Washington, D.C.
If you agree that Kevin Millwood fits the bill, it has been nearly a full decade since the Braves have developed a top-flight starting pitcher. Both Jason Marquis and Kyle Davies proved to have mental flaws that exceeded their physical talents, and Adam Wainwright was used to gain a right fielder -- J.D. Drew -- who was the key to the 2004 NL East crown.
Charlie Morton and Jo-Jo Reyes haven't provided reason to believe they'll end this drought, and they certainly aren't candidates to fill one of the two top-of-the-rotation spots the Braves will be looking to fill while dealing with the reality that Tim Hudson won't be available until August of next year.
Why in the world would the Braves even consider trading a good player like Yunel Escobar?
-- Karen E., Phenix City, Ala.
As I had to explain to Escobar after he was upset that I included his name as a possible trade piece in the last mailbag, you have to have trade value to get value. I don't know if the Braves are going to trade Escobar. But I do know they'll have to be creative to fill their multiple offseason needs.
While it's nice for the Braves to have $40 million to spend on the free agent market, that likely won't be enough to acquire the quantity and quality of players they need to realize significant improvement next year. Thus, they'll likely evaluate the trade market, and both Escobar and Kelly Johnson are talented players that certainly would be valued by other teams, who may be able to provide desired compensation for the Braves.
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