Braves rumors: Pence, Willingham, and Jeff Francoeur?

The Braves are starting to twirl around those trade rumors and it seems they have their eyes set on making a trade for an outfield bat. Let’s run down through some of the players that the Braves have been linked to:
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• Dan Mennella, MLBTradeRumors.com, links Ryan Ludwick to the Braves as a possibility for outfield help.

Ludwick is due to make $6.8M this year. Ryan’s stats are below and I don’t really think he’s that much of an upgrade. If we can get him for nothing, then OK I guess, but not for a good prospect. My take: Pass.

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• Jayson Stark, ESPN.com, said the Braves have checked in on Josh Willingham and Hunter Pence!

Josh was signed for 1 year, $6M and has displayed a little power this year. His BA and OBP are horrendous and look too close to most of the Braves lines. I do not know why we are looking at him. The Phillies are also in the running for Willingham.

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Pence on the other hand has been having a nice season so far. Pence is at $6M and is locked up until 2014. Pence would obviously fill the void that the Braves will have next year when they decline Nate McLouth‘s option this winter. I’m sure the Astros will demand quite a haul for him though.

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• Rustin Dodd, Kansas City Star, says that Jeff Francoeur will probably be available this summer.

Francoeur, as Dodd puts it, would be a good addition to a team as a fourth outfielder. His stats are good and what seems like a resurging Frenchy. With Moore and Frenchy having a history and good relationship, I really don’t think they will trade him. I’m sure Jeff would be very unhappy if he got traded again.