As we all know by now:-The Braves need a big bat to compliment Brian McCann and Chipper Jones in the lineup. They have a surplus of starting pitchers to part with because of the emergence of Tommy Hanson and would love to get rid of Derek Lowe and the $45 million owed to him over the next three years. Many have said Lowe's contract is untradeable.
-The Cubs want to get rid of the headcase that is Milton Bradley. Oh yeah, the Cubs still owe Bradley $21 million over the next two years. Both sides need a new beginning and moving Bradley elsewhere would be a great start. Many have said Lowe is untradeable because of his attitude.
With those needs in mind, let's make a deal.
Here is the (hypothetical) offer on the table:
Braves trade SP Derek Lowe (and cash) to the Chicago Cubs for OF Milton Bradley
Why the Cubs would do it:
-get rid of Milton Bradley!
-acquire a battle tested starting pitcher with playoff experience
-Teams could do a lot worse than Derek Lowe at the back end of the rotation
-If the Braves eat between $6-$9 million of Lowe's contract over the next three years, Lowe's salary becomes more reasonable for the Cubs.
Why the Braves would do it:
-get out from under the 3 years/$45 million owed to Derek Lowe
-acquire an impact bat to solidify lineup
-save money in the long run
-less commitment: Bradley is only signed through 2011, while Lowe is signed through 2012
Why the Cubs wouldn't do it:
-Derek Lowe could be on the decline
-Do they really want to be locked into a 36 year old Derek Lowe for $12+ million annually through 2012?
-Decrease payroll flexibility
-How much payroll can the Cubs take on this offseason?
Why the Braves wouldn't do it:
-Milton Bradley is crazy
-Milton Bradley is injury prone
-Would you want Milton Bradley on your team?
-Derek Lowe still has potential for a solid 2010 and beyond (right?)
Conclusion:
Even though the idea of Lowe for Bradley might make sense to some (like me), I doubt that the Braves would be willing to take on Milton Bradley even though they'd be saving money in the long term and adding a potent bat to their lineup.
Thoughts?
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