Hot corner, hot topic

The answer seems obvious. Now that Chipper Jones has retired, the Braves will simply give the third base job toMartin Prado. Simple, right? Prado is an established major-league hitter with a career .295 average. It might be his best position of the three second base, third and left field hes played regularly with the Braves. And hes a strong clubhouse presence, one of the ultimate team players. So whats the issue? No issue. The Braves just want to look around and explore all their opportunities before committing to Prado at third. And that means deciding whether or not Juan Francisco can hit left-handers well enough to play the position on a full-time basis, whether or not there are any free agents who they should pursue and whether or not general manager Frank Wren wants to bundle a package of prospects for a big name under contract with another team. Lets take a look at the hot names revolving around the hot corner for the Braves. On The Team Martin Prado Credentials: A fan favorite, he has been one of the Braves steadiest players since arriving full-time in 2009, averaging 12 home runs and 60 RBIs over those four seasons, despite missing 33 games with injuries in 2011. Prado hasnt complained while playing 222 games in left field, 209 at second, 191 at third and filling in admirably at first and short. Prognosis: Most likely, Prado will be the Braves third baseman in 2013. The move from left would be a natural transition for him, since hes already played there so much. My view: With so many free agent outfielders, the Braves could easily make this move and put their efforts into signing someone to play left. I like moving Prado to third, with the team then going after a left fielder. Juan Francisco Credentials: He was a strong source of power off the bench for the Braves in 2012, but hasnt proven he can hit left-handers well enough to handle the job on a full-time basis. He hit all nine of his home runs against righties and hit only .189 against left-handers. Francisco also faded late, hitting .194 in August, .133 in September and .125 in October. Prognosis: The Braves like Franciscos power potential, but can they afford to give him the position, which could weaken a lineup that is already shaky against left-handers? Hell likely return to the bench again next season. My view: Francisco is a good pinch hitter and provides power off the bench. Thats where he should stay next year. Free Agents Kevin Youkilis, White Sox Credentials: Hell be 35 by the start of next season and has been on the decline the past two years, but Youkilis brings a gritty attitude, World Series experience, right-handed bat and a patient eye. Hes hit .258 and .235 the past two seasons and was involved in controversy with former Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine before he was traded to the White Sox in June. Prognosis: The White Sox have a team option for 2013, but dont want to re-sign him for 13 million, making Youkilis the best of the free-agent third basemen. He would likely take a pay cut from the 12.2 million he made the past two years for a multi-year deal and could re-sign with the White Sox at a discount. My view: The Braves should steer clear of Youkilis, who hasnt topped 20-plus home runs since 2009. Potential Trades David Wright, Mets Credentials: There are few better third basemen than Wright, who will be 30 in December and already holds franchise records for hits, RBIs and runs. He hit .306 with 21 home runs and 93 RBIs this season, is right-handed, a six-time NL All-Star and won gold gloves in 2007 and 08. Prognosis: The Mets hold a 16 million option for 2013 and have said they would like to re-sign Wright to a long-term deal that would allow him to retire a Met. However, Wright wants to play for a winning franchise and the Mets are cash-strapped. GM Sandy Alderson would like to rebuild the team around him. My view: If Alderson figures out that he cant keep Wright and the Mets and Wren can work out a deal that wont damage the Braves future pitching or payroll for the long term, they should go for it. Having Wright would allow Prado to remain in left and significantly upgrade the lineup, but he wont come cheap. Chase Headley, Padres Credentials: Headley was one of the breakout players in the majors with 31 home runs, 115 RBIs, 17 steals and a .286 average despite playing half his games in San Diegos pitching friendly Petco Park. He was the subject of rumors at the trade deadline, but fueled the Padres strong second half by hitting .308 with 23 home runs and 73 RBIs after the All-Star break. Prognosis: The Padres face a dilemma. Headley is signed through 2014, but is at the top of his trade value, meaning they can either try to keep him and build around him, or trade him. Headley is arbitration eligible, but made only 3.5 million in 2012, so the Braves could afford him if a trade happens. My view: Its tough to tell if Headley will be a one-hit wonder or if 2012 was a glimpse of the future for him. He had three years of good, if not average, numbers before this season, so the sample size is small. I would be hesitant to offer too much for him, since the Padres could potentially name their price.