Friday, August 8, 2008

One chance to turn this whole thing around


I was watching the Braves vs. Diamondbacks game last night with my friend. We were both commiserating that our respective teams are in the midst of pretty disappointing seasons. That led to conversations about the future - what do the Braves need to do to get back to the playoffs next year. I think their biggest need is a feared hitter in the middle of the order. Currently, the Braves have a lineup of guys who should be hitting 1-3 and 6-8. They really need at least one of those guys who can drive the ball out of the ball park consistently and you put in the 4 or 5 spot everyday. It is possible that Jeff Francoeur can become a 5 hitter again, but he looks so lost at the plate this year it is hard to tell. And I love Brian McCann, but I have a problem counting on your catcher to be your cleanup hitter. At best the guy is only going to play 140-145 games a year. Ideally, the Braves would want this guy to play left field. My friend and I talked about a few actual options Adam Dunn of the Red, Marcus Thames of the Tigers, etc. Both are fun players and are country strong. Then we realized the perfect person for that spot is Ryan Braun - The Hebrew Hammer himself. Of course the Brewers have no intention of trading Braun. So this takes me to my point of the post - if your favorite team could add one current player from any other team who would it be? Would this be enough for your team to make the playoffs, win the WS, maybe finish at 0.500. I plan to start of list of each team's dream player from around the league. Feel free to add your favorite team and their fantasy draft pick. Remember to take into consideration the age of the person you are drafting and the current makeup of your team.

Atlanta Braves - Ryan Braun - Braun moves right into the cleanup spot and LF and the Brave lineup goes from good to scary. If the pitching can become moderately healthy next year I think this team wins the NL east.

Detroit Tigers - Jonathan Papelbon - Ok, I really wanted Tim Lincecum, but when I am honest with myself - the Tigers need a nasty closer who wants the ball in the 9th inning. With Papelbon, Zumaya and Rodney can hold down the 7-8th innings. I think with JP and a healthy Bonderman the Tigers could win the Central (maybe even a reinvented Dontrelle Willis - ok now I am really am just dreaming).

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