The Braves and Pirates played 19 innings last night but it was something that happened in the 10th that will have a lasting effect on the NL pennant race and trade market over the next week. Brian McCann went out with a strained oblique from a throw. An injury like this scares me as it happened in the 10th inning, when Brian was thoroughly warm. McCann has been the MVP for the Braves so far this year, and in the conversation for NL MVP. He’s hit .306 and has clubbed 18 homers while playing catcher. McCann has hit third for the better part of the last 6 weeks, and for a team already struggling to score runs, the injury could prove catastrophic. The Braves have been linked to multiple right handed outfielders and relievers and this injury further emphasizes the need. An interesting note for the Braves, who lead the wild card by 3.5 games, is that they’re projected opening day lineup had been healthy, in the lineup together, for just 12 games this year.
With all that said, I’m still not convinced the Braves want or need Carlos Beltran. Beltran can be a great offensive player in spurts but, at what cost? He’s a rental player, the Braves would have him only for the remainder of the season and wouldn’t receive any compensation picks if he leaves via free agency. Hunter Pence could be a difference maker now and is under team control for an additional year, plus, I think he’s a better offensive player going forward. He’s younger, faster, plays harder and is more consistent. Pence is hitting .308 compared to .289 from Beltran. Admittedly, however, it would take more to get Pence out of Houston than Beltran out of New York. The Braves wild card lead is dwindling, and so is the first half momentum. Another bat is needed if Fredi Gonzalez or Frank Wren want to win the World Series but, how big of a bat?
Side note: It has just been reported that the Titans signed Matt Haselback.
Bold Prediction: Marlon Byrd and Kerry Wood to the Braves for Randall Delgado, a catching prospect, and two young, athletic outfield prospects.
Sent from my DROID
-Sean Morash
