So It Begins....
Apparently, this happened....
Report: Braves wanted Yordano Ventura in return for Evan Gattis
According to MLB.com reporter Mark Bowman, when the Royals expressed interest in trading for catcher Evan Gattis, the Braves asked for pitcher Yordano Ventura in return. The Royals aren't expected to trade their young right-hander in the offseason, per the report.
The Braves have been shopping Gattis around to multiple teams, including the Astros, Athletics and Marlins. If he stays put in Atlanta, the Braves are expected to move him to left field to start the season.
So did this:
Sources: Texas Rangers re-engage Atlanta Braves, but Justin Upton may not be the target
SAN DIEGO – The first day of the winter meetings is often the time when teams try to be the most creative.
Instead it may be Forney’s Evan Gattis, who was believed to be off the market as the meetings began. How’s this for creative: The Rangers and Atlanta Braves may be discussing a deal for a power bat, but it’s not Justin Upton.
According to major league sources, Braves officials gathered Monday for a hastily-arranged strategy session to scour the Rangers farm system. The clubs were scheduled to talk later Monday.
For the Rangers, Gattis makes more sense than Upton. Gattis is controllable for four more seasons and not arbitration eligible until after the 2015 season. Gattis would give the Rangers a right-handed power bat who could play the outfield and also occasionally catch.
For Atlanta, considering Gattis might be a way to get the Rangers to part with a package that starts with one of the team’s dynamic starting pitching prospects, right-handers Jake Thompson or Alex “Chi-Chi” Gonzalez. The Rangers had no interest in putting one of the prospects in a deal for Upton, who can take free agency after the 2015 season. Also, it would be hard for the Rangers to make Upton’s $14.5 million salary fit in the team’s payroll and still address the need for pitching.
If the Rangers can match up with Atlanta for Gattis – and that’s still a long-shot from being even a long-shot – it could then leave them significant dollars to pursue a free agent pitcher. It would not put them in the mix for Max Scherzer, but might allow them to make more significant bids for the mid-range free agents. The club has already made one offer to Justin Masterson.
