The Atlanta Braves seem to have all the right parts to be true contenders in the playoffs this season. However, there are certain places where the Braves lack a true threat. Jason Heyward is a true hole in the Braves lineup and Giancarlo Stanton's name was brought up as a possible replacement.
Stanton is a true power threat and would fit ridiculously well in the Braves' lineup that is full of long ball hitters. Freddie Freeman has yet to come around with the power, but he has continued to hit the ball well throughout the year. For Stanton, protection in the lineup has been a problem this year and it would make sense for him to have interests in joining a contender.
However, the chances of Stanton getting moved are highly unlikely as the Miami Marlins have made it clear that they are keeping their power hitter. After moving everybody out of Miami over the offseason, the Marlins want to rebuild from the bottom up and they would like to work around a super talent like Stanton's. Of course, the Braves have repeatedly produced some of the best young players in baseball. The aforementioned Freeman has been raking in the majors, Andrelton Simmons is being labeled as the best defensive shortstop in baseball and 3/5 of their starting rotation are straight products of their farm system.
The only reason why a move could make sense or the Braves can attract the Marlins' attention is by offering one of their young arms as Brandon Beachy is soon to make his return and unless Fredi Gonzalez goes to a six-man rotation, the Braves will have to cut down each pitchers' starts. The Braves have managed with a six-man rotation before, so it wouldn't be a first time for them.
But again, after moving players for Justin Upton, chances are the Braves will rather keep whatever top talent they have left in the roster and in their farm system. The Braves team is young, but a pitching surplus isn't a bad thing, especially when the team is at the top of the division with the chance to make some true noise in the postseason in 2013.
It will be interesting to see if the Braves use any extra chips they have to make a super trade for Stanton happen. Although, Stanton's injury history isn't the most attractive part of the youngster's resume.
