In the past few days, there has been increasing chatter regarding the future of Atlanta Braves shortstop Yunel Escobar. The Braves are in need of offense as they look to finish ahead of the flawed Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets and Florida Marlins in the mediocre NL East. Escobar may not be a superstar, but he is a capable shortstop and, at age 26, would be a long-term solution for some club at the position. Would the Orioles be a good fit? One potential trade: Escobar to the Orioles for Cesar Izturis, Aubrey Huff and Luke Scott. The Braves are currently playing Casey Kotchman (.273/.340/.390) at first base and a Garrett Anderson/Matt Diaz platoon in left field. Diaz, a right-handed hitter, has solid numbers, but Anderson's best days are well past. Both Scott and Huff would be upgrades for Braves, and Izturis could replace Escobar at short. If Anderson or Diaz could play right field, the Braves could sit Jeff Francouer (65 OPS+) and improve even more. The Orioles would need to find someone to play first base, but Ty Wiggington could man the position for the rest of the season, or the club could give Nolan Reimold a bit of playing time at the position and take one final look at Felix Pie.
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