The names have been thrown around: Jake Peavy, Ervin Santana, Bud Norris and Yovani Gallardo. With Tim Hudson becoming the latest Atlanta Braves' pitcher on the shelf, the rumor mills have been churning as many believe the team will now hunt for starting pitchers. However, with Brandon Beachy set to make a return, do the Braves really have to chase after the starting pitching available on the market?
I'll say no only because these guys might be overpriced. You look at their numbers and they're not eye popping. The Braves are in need, but they still have to worry about solidifying their bullpen with a quality reliever.
If the Braves do go after somebody on this list, Santana, who is now with the Kansas City Royals, is the best option. He's 6-6 this season with a 3.06 ERA accompanied by a 1.08 WHIP and is averaging seven strikeouts per nine innings pitched. Santana might come costly, but rather than trading a touted prospect, the Braves could get away with throwing money at the Royals, though that's not really their style.
Norris might be the cheapest option, but his ERA is at 3.93 with a 1.41 WHIP, which is clearly higher than Santana's and Peavy's. Though Peavy's ERA is at 4.19, his 1.16 WHIP and 8.5 K/9 Ratio are nothing to laugh at. Peavy has surrendered 11 home runs, proving he is vulnerable to the long ball, but those can be reduced in Atlanta since Turner Fields' gaps are deeper than those at U.S. Cellular Field.
Now, if the Braves decide to keep their focus on relief pitching, they can have Kris Medlen stay in the starting rotation, as Beachy is expected to return to the team next week. Odds are, he made his last rehab start, going six innings, allowing one earned run on two hits, with four walks and three strikeouts. Of course, if Beachy isn't expected to return next week, then the Braves should make a move in order to prevent taxing their starting rotation.
Alex Wood will take the hill at noon on Thursday at Citi Field, as the Braves will look to close out their four-game series against the New York Mets. it will be interesting to see if Wood can claim a permanent spot in the rotation, as the following week before the trade deadline, which expires on July 31, should be very interesting for Braves' Nation.
Voice your opinion with no fear. Do you think the Braves should go after starting pitching?
