This is from Jayson Stark's article, published earlier today.

Citation:

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/page/rumblings110730/atlanta-braves-shopping-outfield-bat

"The Braves feel as if they need a bat -- preferably one who hits right-handed, plays center field and can lead off. But do they HAVE to trade for a bat to win the World Series? No -- because they still run out there a pitching staff that can shut down any team's offense, in October or any other month.

So teams that have spoken with Atlanta, even in the wake of the disappointment in losing out in the Pence bid-a-thon Friday, say the Braves have no plans to do something this weekend that they wouldn't have done last week or last month -- just because Rumor Central readers everywhere think they need to make a deal.

Are they frustrated over seeing Pence go to their division nemesis, the Phillies? Oh, yeah.

Are they aggravated that the price tag Houston asked them for -- reportedly four of their top pitching prospects, two from their "untouchable" tier and two from the next tier down -- seemed as if it was steeper than what the Phillies paid? You bet.

Would they love to find exactly the right fit at exactly the right, affordable price before this deadline? No doubt about it.

But as the deadline draws closer, teams that have spoken with the Braves don't have the feeling they're close to any deal for any of the bats on their list.

They took a run at Marlon Byrd of the Cubs. Not going to be traded."

I am sure I am just ignorant and poorly educated when it comes to such matters, and I apologize if this has been discussed here already.  As always, I appreciate all of your input.

Why on earth would Marlon Byrd be untradeable?  Isn't this exactly who you would WANT to trade if you are the Cubs? The team is terrible, and is unlikely to be a contender next year.  This is one of the few players who has any value, and the Braves have an excellent farm system.  I would think this would be one of the few players who might yield something useful in a trade.

I am sure I am missing something here, but I just don't understand.

Thanks again in advance for all of your input.