Javier Vazquez to Be Trade Bait?

He won't be Montreal good, but a change of scenery to an NL park should help considerably.

According to Joe Cowley, trading Javier Vazquez will be the top priority for GM Kenny Williams this off-season. Vazquez was really bashed in the final weeks (by his coach and opposing bats) and has gained a reputation for not being able to pitch under pressure. He followed that up by pitching poorly in the playoffs. So, does anyone want him? Should the Braves go get him?

Well, he'll be 32 next season, which isn't too old, and he is under contract for $11.5M the next two seasons, which isn't terrible. He is extremely durable as he's always made over 26 starts (the 26 starts was in 1999). The big problem is his 4.67 ERA from this season and his relative weakness pitching in the AL, so a move to the NL would be the best option for him. Looking at last season, his K/9 was 8.64 (he's consistently in that range), his BB/9 was 2.64 (a little high for him but really good overall), and his BABIP was .328 (quite high meaning he should come down next year). Further stating he was better than shown is that his FIP was 3.74 (FIP- Fielding Independent Pitching; what his ERA should have been essentially). However, his .92 GB/FB isn't very good, and it doesn't translate well in Chicago.

I think he's a better pitcher than most give him credit for, and a return to the NL will most likely bring his ERA back down. If I were the Braves, I would consider trading for him to fit in that no.2 slot. $11.5M isn't a lot of money, and it's essentially a short-term contract allowing the minor league pitchers to continue developing. I think it would be a good idea for the Braves to put together a deal for him, but I wouldn't give up a major prospect for him.