Braves Target Padilla?

According to Jon Heyman, the Braves have expressed interest in Rangers pitchers Kevin Millwood and Vicente Padilla. The Braves are still pursuing Jake Peavy, and have expressed interest in Derek Lowe and A.J. Burnett. However, their shot at landing one of the three remains slim. Talks between the Padres and Braves are moving very slow, and probably won't get serious again till the Winter Meetings. A.J. Burnett and the Blue Jays are making strides in their negotiations, and they could strike a deal within the next week or two. As for Lowe, the Red Sox and Yankees are battling for him now, but don't rule out a surprise team like the Tigers making a big offer to bring him in.

That leaves the Braves with very few options. They could go after Jon Garland or Randy Wolf, but they will be battling it out with several other desperate teams on the market, driving up the price. Going after someone like Vicente Padilla, who went 14-8 in the hitter friendly Rangers Ballpark with a 4.74 ERA, would be an inexpensive move. Not to mention he only has one more year left on his contract. Another solid option for the Braves could be former Brave Jason Marquis. Marquis has averaged thirteen wins over the past five seasons, and is coming into the last year of his contract. He saw a sports psychiatrist and improved his second half numbers, which he has struggled with in years past. He could be in for a big year.