Braves seeking starting pitching by deadline
The odds seem stacked against the Atlanta Braves' wishes of acquiring a top-notch starting pitcher by Tuesday 4 p.m. ET trade deadline.
Chicago Cubs right-hander Ryan Dempster prefers to be dealt to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Zack Greinke went to the Los Angeles Angels and the Miami Marlins only seem willing to trade Josh Johnson within the National League East for a steep asking price.
MLB.com reported that Braves general manager Frank Wren
and his staff are still evaluating their options in seeking a starting pitcher, but they are also interested in strengthening the team's bench and bullpen.
"Frank and I talk all the time and keep in touch all the time about stuff," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez told MLB.com. "You can't help it this time of year when you watch MLB Network to notice a rumor out there or a tweet. But I'm to the point where whoever gets here, gets here."
Even though Dempster blocked a trade that would have sent him to the Braves this week, he has reportedly not ruled out going to Atlanta.
The Braves are also interested in the San Diego Padres' Edinson Volquez and the Tampa Bay Rays' James Shields.
Tampa Bay may be willing to part with either Shields or, more likely, Wade Davis, in exchange for pitching prospects, according to MLB.com. Davis' $2.8 million salary for next year and $4.8 million for 2014 is much more appealing than Shields' $9 million option for 2013 and $12 million option for 2014.
Davis, 26, has not started a game this season but does have 64 career starts.
