Braves Continue Pursuit Of Renteria
Atlanta would likely send two prospects to Boston in deal
By Mark Bowman / MLB.com
December 07, 2005
DALLAS -- Edgar Renteria was still a member of the Red Sox organization late Wednesday night. But there remains a chance he could soon find himself as the Braves' new starting shortstop.
The Braves and Red Sox again held discussions on Wednesday afternoon that focused on a trade that would bring Renteria to Atlanta in exchange for third-base prospect Andy Marte and potentially another high-caliber prospect.
Braves sources have confirmed they are close to completing the deal. But the main sticking point is the amount of money the Red Sox will provide. Renteria is owed $26 million over the next three seasons. His contract includes an $11 million option or $3 million buyout for the 2009 season.
Closer Trevor Hoffman's decision to re-sign with the Padres on Wednesday afternoon may have increased the chances of obtaining Renteria. The Braves met with Hoffman just a few hours earlier and were hoping to have the financial resources necessary to land both him to fill their closer role and Renteria to be their shortstop.
There was previously some thought the Devil Rays would also be involved in the deal. But their continued insistence on asking for too much in return proved to turn off the Braves and Red Sox, who at one point Wednesday declared they would make the trade work without Tampa Bay's involvement.
"We're working to get a shortstop on all fronts," Braves general manager John Schuerholz said. "Every place we can look, we're looking."
As Braves manager Bobby Cox addressed the media on Wednesday morning, Atlanta still hadn't located a shortstop, leadoff hitter or closer. Still, the always-upbeat manager was speaking as if he had the utmost confidence that he and his team would win a record 15th consecutive division title in 2006.
"If things go right, I think we can be as good as we were last year, if not better," Cox said.
While not specifically stating that "things [going] right" means obtaining a front-line shortstop like Renteria, Cox knows he needs someone capable of filling the void Rafael Furcal's departure left at both the top of the lineup and the shortstop position.
Cox would love to have a player of Renteria's caliber to serve as Furcal's replacement as the starting shortstop. But the ever-loyal leader also has confidence that Wilson Betemit could very capably fill that role.
"Wilson has never been given a chance to play on a regular basis," Cox said. "He's developed his game to the point where he needs to play every day. He's earned it."
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