Trade Rumors: Atlanta Braves have interest in Oliver Perez

Jul 19, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Oliver Perez (59) pitches in the ninth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Chase Field. The Diamondbacks won 9-3. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The 2014 Trade Deadline is just nine days away, and the rumors are flying around the market now more than ever. What makes this years trading deadline interesting is the parity that exists in this sport this year. Pretty much every team is in contention, and most of the division races are very close. Their are very few teams that are selling this year. After many injuries, and a bad month of April, the Arizona Diamondbacks are one of the definite sellers this season.

One name that is getting traction in the market but isn’t getting a lot of attention in the media is left handed reliever Oliver Perez. Perez was acquired by the Snakes in early March to add another southpaw in the pen along with Joe Thatcher who was traded to the Angels on July 6th.

After struggling early in the year, Perez has been a nice surprise for the Snakes. In 36.0 innings spanning 40 appearances he has a 2.00 era. He has great control striking out 40 and walking 13. He also keeps the ball in the ballpark allowing only one home run this season.

Left handed relief is very valuable in this market and there isn’t a lot of it. One team that is in desperate need of a southpaw in the pen is the Atlanta Braves who are fighting for first place in the National League East. The Braves are still without left-hander Johnny Venters and it has hurt them. They don’t have a reliable left hander in the bullpen. MLB.com’s Mark Bowman said in his column yesterday that the Braves top priority is left handed relief:

"“With the July 31 Trade Deadline quickly approaching, it still seems the Braves’ primary targets will be relievers, speceifically the lft-handed variety, and role players to strengthen what has been a rather anemic bench.”"

Multiple reports have suggested the Braves are also targeting James Russell of the Cubs, Wesley Wright of the Cubs, and Andrew Miller of the Red Sox. Oliver Perez is having a better season than all of those guys, and would be the best fit for the Braves. I think the Dbacks could get at least a B+ prospect for him. Plus, Frank Wren the G.M of the Braves, and Dbacks G.M Kevin Towers have done business before.

What do you think the Dbacks will do with Oliver Perez? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.