Braves Talking to Cubs about Sosa, Farnsworth

Braves talking to Cubs about Sosa, Farnsworth (AJC)

The Braves continued waiting for a decision on a possible trade for Oakland Athletics ace Tim Hudson, who could cost the Braves at least two top prospects but would provide them a second elite starter to team with John Smoltz.

Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston and possibly Los Angeles are considered the leading candidates to land Hudson, a 29-year-old Georgia native who will become eligible for free agency after making $6.75 million in 2005. The A's may be waiting to see if the Red Sox raise their offer for the right-hander after watching how high the bidding for free agent Matt Clement is going.

The Braves also have had discussions with the Chicago Cubs regarding not only right fielder Sammy Sosa, but also hard-throwing reliever Kyle Farnsworth, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Sosa and Farnsworth had clashes with Cubs manager Dusty Baker late last season.

A deal for Sosa still seems unlikely, unless the Cubs are willing to pay almost all of the $17 million he's owed in 2005, or perhaps pay part of his salary and also take Mike Hampton's large contract. The Braves owe Hampton a total of $43 million during the 2006-08 seasons.

Sosa is past his prime. Getting him makes no sense.