Some additional Trade ideas

Another bat that can hit lefties would be nice, here are a few more names:

Franklin Gutierrez  Indians - has what you would want if his bat develops, probaly not quite ready for us at this time

Josh Willingham  Marlins - just coming back from injury and could fit in good for us but we have never done well in dealing with the Marlins FO

Nelson Cruz  Rangers - is he putting it all together now or is he just a AAAA type player that grabs your attention in the minors but struggles in the show?  He might be worth a try especially since he won't cost much.

Now comes my favorite dark horse gamble of all time:

Jeff Francoeur  Braves - This year his hitting has been so weak that he was recently sent down to AA Mississippi to try to get his act back together (was only there for 3 days before recalled due to a 25 man injury and his clearer head)  Since he was demoted it seems like his love for the Home Team Braves has been tarnished to a certain degree and until this year it was virtually impossible to imagine that he would ever play in his prime anywhere but Atlanta.

Cons: He is maybe 15 pounds too heavy this year resulting in less outfield range, his hitting has been quite the struggle with a noted loss of power, his mental approach to the game has been talked about in that this is the first time ever that he has struggled at baseball but that has been mitigated some with the time in AA to get his focus and mental rest restored, he is revered in Atlanta and would the Braves even consider making him available even though they have alot of needs to get back in the race this year.

Pros: He is young and is a power hitter corner outfielder that when on is a young stud that can rake with the best of them, he is an above average corner outfielder on D and has one of the best arms in the NL, He is a model citizen, loved by his teamates, does more community service than anyone on the Braves and is loved by his hometown fans, since he is so young and has just faced his first bump in the road maybe he becomes even better as he works through this first challenge, his attitude so far has been good and reasonable (he voiced disapointment but did not make any personal attacks when sent down) considering his frustrating year. Could he be acquired because of his current situation?  who knows for sure but I think he would be worth the gamble.  The Braves have alot of outfield talent that is coming up and may want to move a fan favorite for pitching when the outrage would be tempered by his struggles this year.

None of the above may be possible or advisable but it looks like this years market is shaping up to be an expensive one so maybe a surprise is in store?