Derrek Lee.
The Atlanta Braves.
HUH?
Yesterday there was some chatter around baseball about the Atlanta Braves looking to add a third baseman to replace the broken down Chipper Jones. I've thought that the Braves had enough depth to compensate for Jones injury so I haven't really taken any rumor about this very seriously, including the report that the Braves were trying get talk to the Cubs about Aramis Ramirez.
We all know that Ramirez is going to exercise his option for next year...and as painful as that sounds (a $14 million+ salary), the truth is, the Cubs don't have any other good options at third base to turn to this offseason. Ramirez is probably still their best bet for 2011. (And, no, Josh Vitters is not going to be ready next year...he has stuggled in AA this season). A-Ram not going anywhere.
Ok, so Derrek Lee? Supposedly, the Braves are now inquiring about Derrek Lee. Why? I have no idea. This doesn't seem to be a good fit. The Braves currently have Troy Glaus as their 1st baseman. Glaus's season has been about as good as Lee's...they are both right handed hitters. I don't see this happening, but stranger things...blah blah blah. The only thing that would make sense would be for Glaus to move to 3rd base if Lee was acquired. That could push Martin Prado or Omar Infante out, though, both of whom are having a very good seasons.
Anyway, according to Dave Kaplan, Lee would waive his no trade clause to go to Atlanta. This is a bit of a head scratcher too. Lee turned down a trade to the Angels last month...and most of Lee's family lives in California. The reasons for turning down the trade were supposedly family related.
Now Lee would accept a trade to Atlanta? Family doesn't seem to be a reason this time. The Braves likely would not resign Lee after this season (the Angels very well could have) and Lee would be on the move again.
So why change his mind? Well, the only reason would be the likelihood of winning the World Series. The Braves are in first place and looking damn good. The Angels were 7 or 8 games behind the Rangers when the trade last month came up. On top of that, the Angels didn't look as if they were going to really be able to make a serious run on the Rangers without a lot of help.
How likely is this to happen...I don't know, but Ken Rosenthal has also mentioned that this rumor "has legs"...so stay tuned!
