The Braves

Atlanta doesn't have much of an option other than to trade starting pitcher Derek Lowe. The $15 million man was lousy down-the-stretch last season and took the brunt of the criticism for the team's close-but-no-cigar finish.
Of course, the huge salary he was being paid factored in both the fans' reaction and in the decion making of the Atlanta front office.
Now, Lowe is pissed off about how he has been treated and made it clear he is ready to move on. So how much of a market is there for a disgruntled, aging, highly-paid veteran coming off a disappointing second half?
Not much would be the obvious answer except for this remains a league starved for decent starting pitching. Atlanta needs to find only one team that thinks Lowe is still worth the expense.
How about the Anaheim Angels? Why the Halos?
They just lost 3B Chone Figgins and, more importantly, ace pitcher John Lackey in free agency. Their top rival in the AL West, Seattle, added standout Cliff Lee. (Seattle also signed Figgins.) The Angels have a stockpile of talent in the outfield, giving them some flexibility. And speaking of flexibility, Lackey and Figgins's departures should free up even more cash for the Angels to make moves.
Lowe would be a good fit for them. He's not a Lackey, but he's still a capable veteran who can win games.
So, who would the Braves get in return?
The name that has been bandied about the Internet is left fielder Juan Rivera. He's due a big raise after hitting .287 with 25 homers and 88 RBI last year. He was paid only $3.25 million for his fine season's work. If they move Lowe in the deal, Atlanta would easily be able to absorb Rivera's raise.
The 31-year-old would start in lefty field and provide excellent right handed power for a team that needs it. With Rivera in left, Nate McLouth in center and rookie Jason Heyward in right, if he's ready, the Braves would sport a formidible outfield.
Providing solid depth and stepping in to start if need be would be some combination of veterans Gregor Blanco and Matt Diaz or youngsters Jordan Schafer and Brandon Jones.
Scenarios like this one are why the bhaseball offseason is cool. Unfortunately, the best laid plans of amateur GM like myself rarely work out.
That's a good group, good enough to provide some additional trade flexibility.
However, no one is going to want to pay all of Lowe's contract for the next three years. That will handicap efforts to move him.
In the real world, that could mean Atlanta deals the veteran for a couple of minor leaguers and also has to send cash in the deal to help pay Lowe's salary.
Atlanta used to come out ahead on trades like this.
Remember those days?