I don't know why the Hairston rumors keep popping up. The Braves have a lefty-killing outfielder in Reed Johnson. Hairston just isn't a fit. I would much prefer to save the money for a bigger acquisition in-season.
Jordan Schafer's potential is pretty much gone at this point. He's a good defensive fifth outfielder, but that's it.
I agree that the Angels and Diamondbacks are both poised to trade outfielders, but it sounds like the available players are Vernon Wells, Jason Kubel and Gerardo Parra, none of whom project to be an upgrade over The Platoon. I'm sure the Braves will make a play for Bourjos or Trumbo or Upton or Eaton, but almost all the rumors surrounding those guys have involved their unvailability.
Amen. I want to see them give the kid a rotation spot and sink or swim. I'm a believer.
On the contrary, the Indians just landed a bona fide four-win player for $14 million per year. Great move for them.
I don't know how you can say with such certainty that Wren is going to make a move. In fact, by the tone of the beat writers' blog posts and articles, a trade gets less likely by the day. I do sort of agree that on the off chance there is a move, it will be for an unexpected name, though.
I just still don't see Bourn's price falling that far. Boras always seems to pull big paydays out of nowhere. Admittedly I don't see who will pay up, but I was saying the same thing about Prince Fielder last year before he got a $200 million deal. The other thing to consider is this: is Bourn enough of an upgrade to (a) give up any in-season flexibility of making a deal and (b) give up any chance of a first-round pick. The Braves lost the #25 overall pick when they signed Upton, but if they allow Bourn to go elsewhere, they get the #35 pick as compensation. If they re-sign Bourn, they don't get that pick, meaning their first selection would be at #75. Interesting to think about, though I don't think it will ever be a real possibility.