Have you heard enough Shelby Miller trade rumors to last you until, like, 2087? Well, get ready for four more days' worth because, despite those protestations in Atlanta that the Braves aren't really looking to trade this man, other teams report they'd hit that EJECT button in a millisecond if they were offered the right young, controllable bat in return.
But the kind of names they're said to have asked for -- Joc Pederson, A.J. Pollock, Jorge Soler, etc. -- tells you all you need to know about the Braves' definition of the "right" bat. They're not looking for prospects in the Florida State League or guys who have a chance to hit. They want high-ceiling thumpers who are ready to mash right now. But even for a pitcher with big upside and three years of control, that asking price "is really steep," said an exec of one team that spoke with them.
"They haven't given us any indication they're going to move him unless they're blown away," said another exec. "They're not just looking for bats. They're looking for major-league-ready bats. Maybe somebody will give them one eventually. But we don't have extra players like that to give away. Not many teams do."
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