Hot- Stove

The Braves are still widely considered a frontrunner to land Jake Peavy, the 2007 Cy Young Award winner, but might have to part with shortstop Yunel Escobar and a few prospects to get a deal done. Frank Wren’s primary goals this winter are to acquire two proven starting pitchers and a power-hitting outfielder, and one enticing possibility is St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Ryan Ludwick, who finally stayed healthy in 2008 and hit .299 with 37 homers and 113 RBIs in a career-best season. Negotiations with the Cardinals could be held up by the Peavy situation, because the Cardinals want Escobar or second baseman Kelly Johnson, and the Braves won’t trade both of them this winter. — Atlanta Journal-Constitution