The Atlanta Braves are dangling Rodrigo Lopez and Kenshin Kawakami out on the trade market. Kawakami has been dangling for a few months now. Lopez is a new addition to the trade market.
The reason why they are available, is due to the surplus of quality arms on the team. Kawakami lost his job last July and never was able to reclaim it. He has witnessed the depth of the Atlanta Braves’ starting pitchers first hand.
Meanwhile, Lopez was signed to a deal in January with an invitation to spring training and an opportunity to compete for either a bullpen spot or 5th starter spot. The problem is Bradon Beachy and Mike Minor have been stellar this spring. They have solidified the perception that it is a two person race for the final rotation spot. The Braves’ bullpen has one open spot and there are about six pitchers competing for that final bullpen spot.
Lopez is on the outside looking in. He is a quality arm that teams could use. He is durable and piles up innings. He pitched over 200 last year.
Kawakami is expensive, costing more than $6 million per year. Lopez is a bargain that could be worth a deal.
There are teams that could use depth and have question marks. The Braves are definitely in an enviable position headed into the regular season.
Original Story:
http://www.tomahawktalk.com/2011/03/p...
