The Atlanta Braves were briefly in the mix for Carlos Beltran but now that he is likely off to join the San Francisco Giants, they are looking at some other options. They have been mentioned before in connection with Oakland Athletics outfielder Josh Willingham and now Ken Rosenthal is tweeting that Willingham is back on their post-Beltran radar.
The A's have reportedly been underwhelmed by most offers for Willingham and their other veterans. Willingham could be a Type A free agent, which means solid draft pick compensation if he walks in the offseason. The A's could very well re-sign him, but draft picks could be more valuable than low level talent they might otherwise receive.
Willingham has had a solid July hitting .278/.403/.500 with three home runs and would make a solid right-handed bat for the Braves, or any contender. He has been part of an A's offense that has seen a bit of a resurgence since the All Star break. The A's have been considered sellers, but if they continue their current winning streak into the weekend, maybe they consider standing pat and rolling the dice with what they've got on a late season run.