Brewers Contacted Braves About Acquiring Javier Vazquez

According to ESPN.com Jerry Crasnick, the Milwaukee Brewers placed a call to the Atlanta Braves about the possibility of acquiring starter Javier Vazquez.

However, it doesn't appear the two sides will be able to complete a deal unless Brewers GM Doug Melvin is willing to part ways with one of his best prospects Mat Gamel or Alcides Escobar. Melvin has balked at the idea of trading either prospect in the past. Here is what he recently said about the idea of giving up Gamel or Escobar.

"Highly unlikely, it's almost impossible, you never say never but it's not my focus at all. Those young players are very valuable."

Yesterday Brewers all-star Ryan Braun publicly criticized the teams starting pitching.

 "No matter who is in there, we have to find a way to throw the ball better for us to have success. I think when you're constantly behind in games, its' not easy and it's not fun."

The Braves are only four games out in the NL East, and Vazquez has been one of the most dominant starters in baseball with 130 strikeouts and 23 walks, so Atlanta GM Frank Wren isn't going to make a deal unless he's overwhelmed. Vazquez gives him a huge chip in a weak trade market for starters.

Unlike what happened with CC Sabathia last year, Vazquez would represent more than a rental for Milwaukee. He is signed through the end of next season, and would be owed $11.5 million in 2010.

The Brewers, like a lot of teams I believe are going to be patient and wait out the next few weeks to see how the market develops. As of today there is a plethora of contending teams, but as we approach the July 31 deadline expect several teams to drop out. The market is bare right now, but given the likely hood that several teams will drop out, more players should soon become available. It doesn't seem like anybody wants to make a deal for a pitcher until the market begins to open up. The price for any elite starter is just out of control right now, but as always it tends to decrease, as we get closer to July 31.

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