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May 24, 2008

Can Of Corn

Mock Blockbuster, Part II

by Dayn Perry

What follows is the latest installment of the Mock Blockbuster. As previously explained, I'm proposing a trade of the blockbuster variety, one that, from my perspective, makes sense for all teams involved. In terms of tenability, it depends: these are deals that may or may not have a chance of happening in the demonstrably more complicated world of reality. The deals I'm suggesting strike me as helpful and inspiring for all. So, serious prescriptive or idle daydreaming? A little helping of both, please.

The Braves Get: SP Greg Maddux, OF Brian Giles
The Padres Get: CF Jordan Schafer

Why It Makes Sense for Atlanta

Following a four-game sweep of the hated Mets, it's high cotton for optimism in Atlanta. At this writing, the Braves are 1.5 games behind the Marlins in the NL East and only a game behind the Cardinals in the wild-card chase. The news is even better according to third-order standings: a semi-comfortable lead in the division. Still, the Braves have flaws--perhaps of the fatal variety. Those flaws need to be addressed if they're to fend off the Marlins, Mets, and Phillies and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2005.

First, there's the rotation. Tim Hudson and Jair Jurrjens have been excellent thus far, and Tom Glavine sports a respectable 4.17 park-adjusted RA. After that, though, the Braves have problems. John Smoltz probably won't come off the disabled list until next month, and even when he does he's almost certainly bound for the bullpen. Elsewhere in the rotation, you've got Chuck James, who's somehow managed a VORP of -6.1 in just 23.0 innings of work. He needs to go. And that brings us to Maddux.