Wheeling and Dealing

One of those rare under-30 pitchers to top the 90-win plateau is Chicago’s Mark Buehrle, a guy the Braves have apparently had their eye on for weeks.
Given White Sox GM Kenny Williams’ love of big-time trades, it seems rather odd that little progress has been made on getting a deal done, however. Here’s what ESPN’s Buster Olney has to say about a potential deal:
“Everybody who deals with Kenny Williams says that he basically targets a player in your system and asks -- how can we get this done? Or, if he doesn't see a player he likes, he just won't get serious. Really, the Buehrle trade talks will come down to who KW really covets.”
So, that likely means two things:
1.) Williams doesn’t see much that interests him in the Braves’ organization, or…
2.) The Braves aren’t willing to part with the guy Williams wants. (Perhaps someone by the name of Saltala-something-or-other.)
Still, pitching looks like it’s the Braves’ top concern – both starters and relievers. The injury to Mike Gonzoles turned out to be a big stumbling block for Atlanta, which built its offseason moves around retooling the bullpen. With a dearth of quality starters on the market, another arm (or two) in the pen may be the Braves’ most likely move. One name to keep in mind: Colorado closer and All-Star Brian Fuentes.
- David Hale