If there is anything the Atlanta Braves possess, aside from numerous National League Divisions without championships to match, it's a farm system loaded with talent.
Currently, their catcher, first basemen, third basemen, left-fielder and right-fielder are all from their farm system.
Chipper Jones was bred in the Braves' farm system, same as Brian McCann, Martin Prado, both Tyler Pastornicky and Andrelton Simmons, Freddie Freeman and Jason Heyward.
They also have Tommy Hanson in their starting rotation and a wide variety of bullpen relievers, priomordially 24-year-old flamethrower Craig Kimbrel.
The Braves have been rumored to have interest in Chicago Cubs' ace Ryan Dempster.
How will the Braves approach this trade deal?
They could use the starting pitching, similar to how they needed offense in 2008 as they were striking distance from first place when they traded for Mark Teixeira.
Now, Tex is in the New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers have three of those four players the Braves gave up from their farm system starting in the majors.
Neftali Feliz was lights out as a closer, Elvis Andrus is developing into one of the brightest young stars at shortstop and Matt Harrison is shutting down opponents.
The Braves, well, they could use a consistent shortstop and a leadoff hitter, which Andrus would have provided. They have Michael Bourn, but he is likely to move on as he becomes a free agent in 2013 and a Scott Boras client. ($)
Now with Dempster available, the Braves are one of the favorited teams. They could end up losing in this deal, however, since Theo Epstein is a savvy general manager.
A disciple of moneyball, Epstein sees talent where few teams can.
If I were the Braves I would evaluate any potential deals. Epstein is not building the Cubs to win today, meanwhile, the Braves are trying to claim the NL East title once again and hopefully get back to the World Series. They have not been to the Fall Classic since 1999.
Without a doubt Chipper is not trying to go out as a loser. The Braves have make sure they do not simply hand over talent.
Granted they were able to rebuild their farm system after the disastrous trade in 2008, they should be very careful when dealing with Epstein.
Possible trade options the Cubs might look at is young third baseman, Edward Salcedo, who was sought after a few years back by the Cleveland Indians. Julio Teheran and Aroldis Vizcaino are likely out of commission for big league clubs, but the Braves have a couple of other young arms coming up in ther farm system.
The trade deadline is 11 days away.
If really interested, the Braves will have plenty of time to create a package for Dempster.
The Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers are also interested in Dempster.
