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Braves' Middle Infield in Flux?

Via Ken Rosenthal:

The Braves not only could include shortstop Yunel Escobar in a deal for Padres right-hander Jake Peavy, but they also are drawing serious trade interest in second baseman Kelly Johnson.

About 10 clubs have inquired about Johnson; the Cardinals could move one of their outfielders for a second baseman, and the Diamondbacks want to acquire a left-handed hitting replacement for Orlando Hudson.

The Braves could turn to some combination of Omar Infante, Martin Prado and Derek Lillibridge at one of the infield positions, but they do not want to create vacancies at both.

I've said for a while that I like the idea of moving Kelly Johnson for a starting pitcher or for a power outfield bat, but I don't really like the idea of moving both Kelly and Yunel. I think Martin Prado can do the job at second base, but Omar Infante would be a significant downgrade at short, and would take away our most versitile utility player. I'm am also not yet convinced that "Derek" Lillibridge is a legit everyday major league hitter.

One thing that we haven't heard too much about is a return of Rafael Furcal. If the Braves do trade away both Kelly and Yunel, could they use some of that free agent money on Fookey? While it is interesting, and we really haven't had a leadoff hitter since he left, he's likely to command a lot of money when our priorities should really be adding power and starting pitching. It's a fun, nostalgic thought for a moment, but it may not be a realistic scenario.

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