Joe Blanton?

Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors:
"Perhaps [the Athletics should] try to match up with the Braves by offering up a Joe Blanton for Yunel Escobar...The discussion for either [Blanton or Haren] would begin with two top-flight prospects, hopefully position players...[A's GM Billy] Beane should shoot for a shortstop, third baseman, and top pitching prospect."

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/09/needs-and-luxur.html

Well isn't this handy. Blanton is exactly the guy we need to fill our #3 rotation slot, and he'd do a superb job there. Hasn't even reached arbitration yet. Doesn't strike out a lot of guys, but is posting a career high in K rate this year. What's making the difference is his vastly improved control (he's down from 2.69 BB/9 to a ridiculous 1.41 BB/9). He keeps the ball on the ground (1.41 GB/FB ratio). He's an awesome talent, and could even become an ace with a move to the NL. He's a legit #2 in the AL as it is, and he's ranked 23rd in the league in VORP among pitchers.

What's best is they NEED a shortstop. They can't expect anything out of Bobby Crosby anymore, and Escobar is young and talented to fill a need there. What's also nice is that they want POSITION prospects. The Braves are strong in position prospects, but weak in pitching, and most teams want pitching, which handicaps the Braves' ability to make deals. But I'd offer Escobar (to fill their shortstop need), Eric Campbell (third base) and Jo-Jo Reyes (pitching prospect) any day of the week.

Blanton is EXACTLY what the Braves are looking for.Here's our 2008 rotation then (2007 VORP rank in parentheses):Tim Hudson (9th), John Smoltz (14th), Joe Blanton (23rd), Chuck James (77th), Mike Hampton (NR)

Three of the top 25 pitchers in baseball? Yum. Add in a Torii Hunter signing, and the Braves are the best team in the National League, hands down.

Let's do this.