Before anyone starts saying negative things about this please understand the title of "Outside the box", so without further ado...
Braves trade:
1. Hector Olivera
2. Williams Perez
3. Rob Whalen
Rockies trade:
1. Jose Reyes (we may need to get some $$$ as well -OR- even better a draft pick)
2. Dom Nunez- C
3. Jordan Patterson- OF
4. Sam Moll- LHP
Why it works for the Rockies:
The Rockies have been said to have never been too keen on Reyes even prior to his suspension (which was for a total of 51 games) and would clearly love to get out from his contract which has roughly about $40 million left including a $4 million buyout for 2018. They would also be getting two current/future rotation pieces and one in Perez that is able to step in right away with Whalen not being too far behind. It's obvious that they have a hard time getting free agents to sign there without severely overpaying and they are always seemingly on the lookout for rotational depth. We've all seen how much Olivera has struggled to find a place to play defensively and it seems like most "experts" believe in his bat but are a little concerned about where he might play. Obviously, an AL team would be an ideal fit but I think he would make a nice 1B in Colorado where his offensive numbers should only improve and he could probably turn into an average first baseman, a position he had zero chance to play in Atlanta with Freeman.
Why it works for the Braves:
I understand this is somewhat a different way to think but I figured I'd put it out there anyway. Now I also know that most people are going to say "Why would you replace one felon with another" and I get it, I truly do but I think the problem would be if we just acquired him straight up so to speak. I guess in my opinion the PR hit we've already taken in reference to Olivera is a bad as it gets for that particular type of crime. Now onto the pieces we'd receive... Obviously, Reyes would be an upgrade over Aybar and gives us a potential leadoff or #2 hitter and would also allow us to be even more cautious with Ozzie and Swanson. Reyes could also become a viable trade asset if both Albies and Dansby are both deemed ready prior to the start of next season and I think his value would be higher than it currently is as it pertains to the suspension since I feel we (the Braves) would have taken the PR hit and most people/clubs would look past that after one trade already. Dom Nunez would instantly become our catcher of the future and a pretty good one at that and if nothing else gives us some depth at a position we currently lack. Jordan Patterson would most likely be our best OF prospect and one profiles really well in RF and should be ready really soon (possibly as early as this year or next). Finally, Moll (LHP who is 93-96 with above average slider and change) is a guy that would give us a quality LH reliever that can slot into the back of our bullpen that lacks depth in that department.
Again, this is an off the wall idea I had and I understand most will probably laugh or call me an idiot but hey it's just an idea on how to make us better now and in the future while giving up pieces that don't really have a place on our team in the next couple seasons.
Let me know what you think... I'm also working on a piece about Touki that I hope to finish next week (I'm re-watching all his starts that are available and breaking them down. I am a high school pitching coach in SC)
Thanks guys/gals!!
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Originally Posted by smootness
