Braves trade for Cubs’ Maholm and Reed Johnson
There will be no major league postseason team coming out of Chicago’s North Side this year, but the Braves looked to Wrigley Field to find a couple of missing pieces to bolster their own playoff aspirations.
The Braves filled their two biggest needs with one trade late Monday, getting left-hander Paul Maholm and veteran outfielder/pinch-hitter Reed Johnson from the Cubs in exchange for a pair of minor league pitchers, highly regarded prospect Arodys Vizcaino and right-hander Jaye Chapman.
“It was a perfect fit for us. Let’s just put it that way,” Braves general manager Frank Wren said after midnight, nearly 14 hours before Tuesday’s non-waiver trade deadline.
“We got two real key pieces for us that we were looking for. If nothing else materializes tomorrow, we’ll be very happy with where we are right now and think our club is positioned well. And obviously we’ll keep watching once we get into the waiver period, but we feel like it positions us well.”
The Braves tried to trade for a versatile middle-innings relievers Tuesday but didn’t find a deal in the relatively limited pool of available pitchers. Nonetheless, they considered this trade deadline a success after landing Maholm, who’ll make his Braves debut Saturday against Houston, and Johnson.
Maholm is 9-6 with a 3.74 ERA this season, including 5-0 with a 1.00 ERA in his past seven games (six starts). The Braves will have the 30-year-old under contract on a reasonable $6.5 million club option in 2013 before he becomes eligible for free agency.
The Cubs also sent the Braves an unspecified amount of cash to offset a portion of the Maholm and Johnson salaries this season.
On Sunday, Maholm — it’s pronounced Muh-hollum – gave up one run and four hits in 6-2/3 innings against St. Louis to become the first Cubs lefty in the modern era to allow one or no runs in six consecutive starts of at least six innings apiece. He has a 1.238 WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched), which would be the best in his seven full seasons if he maintains it.
“We were looking for a quality starter that could give us the kind of production that we needed up and down the rotation,” Wren said. “What we’ve got from Ben Sheets has been tremendous, and now adding a guy like Paul Maholm, who’s been so consistent – after the first two starts of the season he’s 9-4 with a 3.04 [ERA] — and having control of him for next year as well, with a club option, and then getting the No. 1 guy on our board as a utility player-pinch hitter…”
Johnson, 35, has hit .302 with a .359 on-base percentage in 75 games (169 at-bats). He has 15 extra-base hits including three triples and three homers, and he’s 13-for-29 (.439) as a pinch-hitter.
The Braves have liked him for some time and tried to trade for Johnson in August 2011.
“To be able to play center and left, and he’s hitting over .400 as a pinch hitter which we sorely need,” Wren said. “He gives us a chance to rest Michael Bourn, gives us a chance to rest Martin Prado. He’s still going to produce and play good defense.”
Braves pinch-hitters rank 15th in the National League in average (.174), last in OBP (.243) and 14th in slugging percentage (.250). Johnson has a .448/.484/.586 slash line in 29 pinch at-bats. He had more than twice as many pinch hits as any other player on the Cubs, whose pinch-hitters rank second in the NL in average (.291), fourth in OBP (.351) and first in slugging (.485).
A solid defender at all outfield positions, Johnson gives the Braves a backup center fielder they’ve lacked and also the right-handed bat off the bench they’ve missed, especially since Matt Diaz was sidelined recently by a thumb injury.
Johnson has a .313 career average and .370 OBP against lefties, and a .333 average and .922 on-base-plus-slugging percentage in 81 at-bats against them this season.
The big piece in the deal for the Cubs was Vizcaino, 21, who is recovering from ligament-transplant elbow surgery and expected to be back for spring training. Baseball America rated him as the top relief pitching prospect in baseball last winter, after he posted a 3.06 ERA with 100 strikeouts in 97 innings at three minor-league levels in 2011, and a 4.67 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 17-1/3 innings in his first major league callup.
The Braves got a proven starting pitcher without giving up either of their top starting-pitcher prospects, Julio Teheran or Randall Delgado.
“[That] was important for us,” Wren said. “Obviously Arodys is a good-looking young pitcher. We gave up a quality prospect but to not give up some of the guys that have been mentioned, that was a plus for us. The Cubs are in a different spot than we’re in. They’re looking for a long-range young pitcher that they can have him hold onto for a long time and we’re in a spot where we have the kind of team that can win.
“We wanted to put ourselves in as good a spot as possible to win the division, not just to get in the playoffs.”
The Braves also got a pitcher under team control for next season instead of a rental player such as Cubs ace Ryan Dempster, who is eligible for free agency after the season and who last week blocked a proposed trade to the Braves while he pushed for a trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Maholm is making $4.25 million this year in what was his first season with the Cubs after signing as a free agent last winter.
Chapman, 25, was 3-6 with a 3.52 ERA in 40 appearances at Triple-A Gwinnett and had 60 strikeouts in 53 2/3 innings. He wasn’t considered a high-level prospect.
Maholm’s 62-79 career record and 4.30 ERA includes 3-1 with a 1.36 ERA in eight starts against the Braves, whom he beat twice this season while allowing one run in 13 innings.
Johnson is a .284 career hitter with a .342 on-base percentage and 62 homers in 3,195 at-bats over 10 seasons with Toronto, the Los Angeles Dodgers and two stints with the Cubs. He, too, has excelled against the Braves, batting .365 (19-for-52) with a .905 on-base-plus-slugging percentage in 29 games against them, including a .441 average in 17 games at Turner Field..
The Riverside, Calif., native played 52 games in the outfield before Monday including 32 starts — 15 in center field, 13 in right and four in left.
Johnson hit .309 last season with 22 doubles, five homers and an .816 OPS in 266 plate appearances for the Cubs and signed a one-year, $1.15 million contract. He’s played all three outfield positions throughout his career including 236 games in center.
— Staff Writer Carroll Rogers contributed to this report
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259 comments Add your comment
milo22
July 31st, 2012
12:24 am
first should not have traded viz
Brandon
July 31st, 2012
12:25 am
braves have too many pitching prospects, trading viz won’t hurt. i wish him the best and maybe he will be a dominant reliever in a year or so.
Great trade
Nick Nunziata
July 31st, 2012
12:27 am
Shrewd move. Wren continues to be a great strategist.
richy
July 31st, 2012
12:27 am
trading a reliever who recently had tommy john and a nobody for one of the best hitters in the league against lefties and a solid pitcher. A+ in my book
bravesfan29
July 31st, 2012
12:30 am
Dave O’brien….Do you personally feel the Braves will make a trade for a reliever? It sure would be nice to get a guy like Gregerson or Betancourt.
John W
July 31st, 2012
12:31 am
It looks like the perfect trade on paper. And you know how those always work out
I’m optimistic about this one, though! I like another LH SP in our rotation and we definitely need a solid backup for Bourne in center who can come off the bench with a RH bat. Time will tell, but I give Wren credit on this one!
milo22
July 31st, 2012
12:31 am
don’t get me wrong… this is a GREAT trade, just wish it hadn’t involved viz
TuffShhhtuff
July 31st, 2012
12:32 am
Good trade, will help the Braves in two areas that really needed help. Surprised the Cubs took a pitcher who just had elbow surgery. That’s quite a gamble!
Bravo
July 31st, 2012
12:33 am
Wren is brilliant! Great trade!!!!
the truth...
July 31st, 2012
12:34 am
Hated to see the Viz in the deal but gotta figure he won’t be back in the saddle till late 2013 or maybe even 2014…..
Looks like Big Frank got two nice pieces without the RENTAL none of us wanted….
Good job Frank !
StingerSplash
July 31st, 2012
12:34 am
So who on the 25 man roster gets sent out to make room for Maholm/Johnson?
Patti Smith on Letterman right now. Cool.
Charlie S
July 31st, 2012
12:34 am
I agree. Better than giving up Mike Minor, Randall Delgado, Julio Teheran, or Sean Gilmartin. It’s a trade you have to make if you are a buyer like the Braves that are trying to get the World Series and win it. I look forward to any more moves the Braves make before the deadline. And David O’Brien you are the man!!!!!!!!!
Braves1995
July 31st, 2012
12:35 am
It’s a good trade, and it improves us, but there are a few downsides here.
First, Wren will treat this as being “done” and we still didn’t acquire a true ACE to give us a real chance in the post season. Maholm is pitching really well in his last 6 starts but suddenly an ace? No.
Second, Kris Medlen, a high quality pitcher, was about to be given a shot at the rotation & will now stay in the pen. While I am happy to add Maholm into the five man mix, if it were me, Tommy Hanson would be the guy to take a hike. I am tried of Hanson’s mediocrity and now we’ll still be stuck with his mediocrity and who knows, Mike Minor has a chance to fall backwards as well.
So this trade is a + but the Braves needed to get an ace if we wanted a real chance to take a run to the World Series.
Bravepc
July 31st, 2012
12:35 am
Suprised vizcaino was in the deal, but still a very nice move. as soon as I saw reed johnson shaking hands I was hoping and thinking braves got him. Good move buy wren. What say the wren haters?? I’m sure they will speak up months from now if trade doesnt work out.
Matt
July 31st, 2012
12:36 am
Why do we need viz when we have o’ventbrel, medlen, Martinez, etc. in the pen?
Eddie Cook
July 31st, 2012
12:37 am
Dave, How is Peter Moylan doing? How likely is it that the Braves could sign him before August 31? Thanks.
lee maye
July 31st, 2012
12:39 am
Hope we don’t regret trading Viz but fear we will. Believe I would have rather given up Teheran instead. Chapman for Reed Johnson is a good deal but don’t know about a 1 year and 2 month Maholm for what could be an outstanding reliever.
Really no need for a reliever unless he comes cheaply as Moylan should be ready soon and the kid Avilan is pretty good. In addition, it looks like Medlen will return to the pen.
Wren will now have about 40 mil to spend for a CF and LF or 3B. Hopefully, trade Uggla and have 53 mil to spend on a 3B, LF, and CF.
BusterBrave
July 31st, 2012
12:39 am
Great trade,got to give it to Wren on this move !!
Justin
July 31st, 2012
12:40 am
Love the Trade. Now get us a RP Frank
richy
July 31st, 2012
12:41 am
Johnson is a huge upgrade over Diaz. Better hitter, can play all three OF positions.
jharber
July 31st, 2012
12:43 am
This Wren hater has to eat crow on this deal, Already bought tickets for today.
ijudgenot
July 31st, 2012
12:45 am
You learn something everyday I did not know that you could trade a player that was on the DL. Vizciano showed the best stuff of the three Teheran, Delgado and Viz. how ever he won’t be back until about1/3 of next year’s season is gone , so you can’t argue with the gamble. This should take the pressure off Delgado and Teheran and let them just pitch, now that they know they are not the prospect to be named later in a trade. If they can trade a player on DL then JJ must be next to an American league team. This also means either Diaz is through forte year or either he or Henski will be outright released and Jose sent back down.
jharber
July 31st, 2012
12:45 am
Enter your comments here
IdahoBravesFan
July 31st, 2012
12:46 am
This looks like a real good move. Don’t do anything else. This looks fine and I so don’t want Wren to make a stupid move.
andrew
July 31st, 2012
12:47 am
Is it just me or did trading Viz come out of nowhere. I was just talking about him to a friend the other day and we were pretty pumped for him next year. But if we can go a lot of innings for the next few seasons and lock up guys like O’Ventbrel and Medlen for a long time, I think this trade is great. And getting Maholm for two years. Definite upside. The Dempster trade was just awful.
MAC
July 31st, 2012
12:47 am
i like it. Let’s catch them Nats
ohhhhYEAH
July 31st, 2012
12:47 am
Stinger
JJ and Constanza will almost certainly be the odd men out. Constanza for sure, with Johnson coming to take his spot, and JJ…well I dont see how he stays up
Darryl Blackberry
July 31st, 2012
12:47 am
I’m digging this move by Wren. The more I look into it, the more it seems the Braves got the better end of this one.
But: now that we’ve added two new guys to the roster, who gets sent down? Assuming Constanza goes back, will the other guy be Avilan or Jurrjens?
JC Boscan III
July 31st, 2012
12:48 am
Both teams took a risk with Vizcaino being in the trade. He could become a star pitcher, or he could be as injury-plagued in the majors as he was in the minors. This injury wasn’t his first.
shawn
July 31st, 2012
12:49 am
Wren is DA MAN……………
chris
July 31st, 2012
12:51 am
whose vizciano? another “POTENTIAL” star….emphasis on potential…we need proven players down the stretch and while Viz may or may not become a superstar down the road, Malholm is a crafty lefty that we really need and Johnson will add some punch to an already potent lineup…think we will come out the winner here..and its not 4PM Tuesday YET who knows may get a few more guns…not sure if Dempster is even worth it at this point…unless we can pull off a miracle for Josh Johnson I feel we got what we need.. Let Dempster head to L.A. and lets make sure we in Atlanta let his pompous self know in August when the Dodgers come to town just how much we appreciate him stiffing us for them! This trade may be better fit for Braves long term too
braveschipper
July 31st, 2012
12:54 am
Great trade, I never like Viz anyways when he was up last year. He was way too wild. But PLEASE Fredi let Medlen start and put Hanson OUT! I hate Hanson, he sucks he barely goes 5 innings and takes two hours just for him to do that! Everyone steals on him, his fastball is terrible man oh man I hate watching him pitch lol ..
Eddie Cook
July 31st, 2012
12:55 am
Braves1995, who do you think the Braves should have targeted in the trade market for their “ACE”? I’m certainly not a Frank Wren apologist by no means whatsoever, but in my mind the market just wasn’t all that good. Better to get a fourth or fifth starter than no starter at all. Dempster rental was not worth the price especially if he was not going to be happy here. Josh Johnson price too high. He’s been good when he’s been healthy, but that’s been too infrequent. Josh Beckett price too high. It’s inexplicable why his success has gone down the last couple of years, but he carries a really big contract and he’s been off. Zack Greinke would have been great but not as a rental. I would have only wanted to trade one of our top prospects for him if the Braves had been able to resign him, and the price would have proved too daunting for the middle of the pack Braves payroll limitations. Again I’m not a fan of Frank Wren. I just don’t know what else he could have done.
kirkinga
July 31st, 2012
12:56 am
This season,Lefties are hitting .304 against Maholm, righties .240. Vizcaino showed more promise than Teheran. I hope the Cubs are picking up part of Maholm’s contract.
UGAinAL
July 31st, 2012
12:59 am
Great trade Wren. I hope you are not done…
“Tommy Hanson would be the guy to take a hike. I am tried of Hanson’s mediocrity and now we’ll still be stuck with his mediocrity…”
Braves1995 I’m just curious. Hanson is 12-5 on the year. Yes, some of his wins have been ugly, but they are wins. Should we deal Hudson 10-4 while we’re sending Hanson on his way?
TNtommyjack
July 31st, 2012
1:01 am
Thank you Lawd, for the RH bat.
I like it
July 31st, 2012
1:04 am
@ braves 1995.. I don’t think Hanson is mediocre at best. I think he’s bout a 2-3. I kno he’s had a few years, but he really has talent to bring it. Also, I’m not sure medlen will stay in the pen.. Let’s see how his start goes. They may try to balance it out as the season ends with how sheets/ minor(who has been really nice lately & unlucky @ times)/ & Delgado whom I think has been underrated @ times w/ poor D & OFF. behind him taking him deeper into innings, & now of course Maholm. There’s now several options, which will make the Pen that much better
I like it
July 31st, 2012
1:08 am
**should say unlucky & poor as far as play behind Delgado goes
richy
July 31st, 2012
1:12 am
Johnson hasnt hit below 300 against left handed pitchers since 2005
My Braves Are Back
July 31st, 2012
1:13 am
Does this mean we have to witness another Jurrjens start on Tuesday? Medlen would be a better starter than Malholm. We should have went after another bullpen arm.
dfunn
July 31st, 2012
1:26 am
This is a fantastic trade for the Braves. Super stoked by it. We give up Vizcaino – and yeah, he’s good, of course he is or else the Cubs wouldn’t have traded for him – and we give up Chapman who seems better relegated to the minors. In exchange we get a vet with several years of experience and who is sporting a 5-0 record and a 1.00 ERA on his last 7 starts, along with a 2.38 K/BB ratio on this season. Plus we get an outfielder to backup Prado and Bourn and who – oh by the way – is sporting a .307 BA on the season.
This was sheer genius. Well done, FW. Well done.
Kris
July 31st, 2012
1:27 am
Not to be a downer here, but how is this a great trade? How is it even a mediocre trade? Maholm is yet another #3 or #4 starter…it’s like getting excited over picking up Joe Blanton. His xFIP is over 4.00…I don’t get it why is everyone so excited about this guy?
I would have much rather put Medlen in the rotation and picked up a long reliever – I feel like worst case scenario Medlen puts up Maholm like statistics and there is a good chance he does much better than that.
I’m not one of those people that thinks you need to hold on to prospects at all costs so it’s not about trading away Vizcaino…I just don’t see how this makes us any better. You had Chipper talking under his breath to Wren about picking up Josh Johnson…now obviously he wasn’t going to be an easy get, but how does Paul Maholm excite anyone? What need does Maholm fill other than rounding out the back end of a mediocre rotation. This is a week move by Wren.
Bvillebaron
July 31st, 2012
1:37 am
Lee and Lirkinga:
You are entitled to your opinions and I know Teheran has struggled this year, but Vizcaino is NOT a better prospect than Teheran. Vizcaino projects as a reliever whereas Teheran as a top of the rotation pitcher. Great trade and all Wren bashes can shut up.
richy
July 31st, 2012
1:42 am
Braves got better. Didnt give up anything major. Now can put med. back in pen after tomorrow. Still get another reliever. Pen will be stacked when moylo comes back. Win win
YoungerThan ThatNow
July 31st, 2012
1:47 am
I think with the market as it is, as far as starters are concerned, that FrankW did a wonderful job on this deal. You hope Vizcaino comes back and performs at the level he was projected to perform at… but it’s a crapshoot… you just can’t be sure. Not only did Frank pick up a good starter… maybe not a number one, but a good starter… he picked up a good lefthanded starter. Extra credit for that! And then he didn’t just pick up a good bench hand, he picked up one who is arguably one of the very best pinch hitters AND a super good fourth outfielder as well. IMO, the best player available who fills all of those needs.
To get good players, you have to give up good players, but Frank didn’t give away the farm on this one, and he got maximum return in the deal. Now, let’s get them here and get a tomahawk across their chests!
Great job Frank Wren!
GO BRAVES!
bravesfan08
July 31st, 2012
1:49 am
Kris, thank you for your comment, just dont need it right now. Go Braves!
Ward
July 31st, 2012
1:53 am
I like Maholm, and Reed Joohnson. Very smart, and O’k. with not getting Dempster.
Ward
July 31st, 2012
1:53 am
I like Maholm, and Reed Joohnson. Very smart, and .O.k. with not getting Dempster.
Kris
July 31st, 2012
2:00 am
bravesfan08 – totally understand, please proceed to putting your head back in the sand.
billy bob baseball
July 31st, 2012
2:02 am
Good trade. Now, sit uggla with his sub 200 avg, move Martin to 2nd, full time, Johnson to LF full time and we can overtake the Nats. It’s too bad that the unwritten rule says if you’re paying a guy $12-13 Mil, he has to play. That money is already wasted on uggla, there is no need to also waste a chance at the pennant by trotting out a sub 200 hitter every day just because he’s being paid a 300 hitter’s salary.
Derrick
July 31st, 2012
2:35 am
billy bob baseball:
“sub 200 avg”?
He is not hitting below the Mendoza Line, sir. He is batting .211 as of right now. Nothing to brag about, of course, but certainly not “sub 200,” as you imply.
In the past two games, Uggla has been hitting the ball much better, and his defense is top-notch, as well. When he heats up in August, you’re going to take back your comments!
Derrick
July 31st, 2012
2:38 am
Dan Uggla is becoming our modern-day Rob Deer.
.220-.235 average, with pounding 25-30 HRs and 75-85 RBIs.
I agree that he definitely needs to improve, but we’re all holding out for that. We’re playing extremely well right now, even WITH Uggla struggling as he has, so imagine if/when he does pick it up and get hot. The Nats better look-out!
FireFW
July 31st, 2012
2:38 am
Terrible move. Maholm is not an upgrade over Medlen. And even with the injury Vizcaino is very highly rated by guys like Keith Law as a front of the line starter. Reed Johnson was a good pick up but probably could have got him for a dozen baseballs.
BravesFanInNashville
July 31st, 2012
2:39 am
Kris….. Totally agree.. Maholm has a 4.30 lifetime ERA and has pitched in the NL Central. Not the AL East. That ERA is terrible.. He’s 17 games under .500 for his career and his fastball tops out at 87MPH which leads to a lot of home runs. I’d trust Medlen with an important start long before Maholm. I don’t know what everyone is so excited about on this trade. Trading Viz is not the problem to me, the problem is we didn’t improve the team. IMHO.. I just hope this gives us one more pitcher to trade tomorrow in case Frank Wren has a real ace lined up. I’d rather have a reliable reliever for the pen and give Medlen that ball every 5 days. I think we’d be far ahead with a guy that has a career record of 14-4 as a starter.
Murlock
July 31st, 2012
2:42 am
LOL @ Derrick! UGGLA is back, becaue he has played good in his LAST 2 games. Put the kool-aid down!
BravesFanInNashville
July 31st, 2012
2:42 am
FireFW ……..agreed Maholm is NOT an upgrade over Medlen. This move doesn’t make sense. Glad we got Johnson but it was expensive since it cost us Viz…
STEELY DAN MAN
July 31st, 2012
3:02 am
I’ve been checking out Reed Johnson for a while ….. Dude is pretty solid. Poor Constanza he’s like a yo-yo …. up & down, up & down. I thought I was the only one who flinch every time Hanson delivers a pitch. It’s getting uglier w/ each pitch. And to think 2 or 3 years ago this guy was projected to be our ace, & JJ had so much upside …. my,my how times do change
Terry B.
July 31st, 2012
3:02 am
Good job, Frank Wren. Reed Johnson is a good fit- and Maholm is steady. Both will figure in post-season plans more than Matt Diaz (love him just the same) and Jurrgens (bad luck). So, the roster has been upgraded, and thats all we can ask. Go Braves! Thanks, Frank!
Derrick
July 31st, 2012
3:07 am
Murlock:
Oh, lighten up! Talk about jumping to conclusions. I never stated that he “was back.” However, he HAS been hitting the ball much better, which I suppose is, you know, a good starting-point, no?
The pessimism never ceases to me amaze me with some people.
Derrick
July 31st, 2012
3:08 am
When Dan Uggla goes on a hot-streak, everyone will be on his jock again, as per normal.
Ueeediot
July 31st, 2012
3:25 am
Ok, so youre not going to trade for a #1/2
You still need one.
I guess they plan to make a big off season signing.
Either Delgado and Tehran are both starters next year or moved to the bullpen or you should have traded them.
Its very simple, youre either being groomed for the starting rotation, improving, or trade bait.
Ueeediot
July 31st, 2012
3:30 am
As long as Uggla keeps playing defense like he has been any production burst in September and into October would be awesome.
Columbus
July 31st, 2012
3:34 am
Better to trade a reliever than a starter….
Kris this makes us better in several areas of weakness AND keeps Medlin available as a long reliever and he is a lefty and we got the perfect RH bat/pinch hitter that plays ALL outfiled positions. This HELPS on about 4 or 5 ways. Maholm has a 3.04 era after his first 2 starts this season and has just gotten better and better, plus mows the Braves down.
I believe a 3.04 ERA might just make Maholm our 2 startert not a 3 or 4 starter…capeesh? Add in Sheets Hudson Hanson and Minor, thats a staff many teams would LOVE to have. We can go to 4 man rotation if somebody needs some time off or throw Medlin in to spot start etc. If Wren can find some bullpen help, Medlin might get to the rotation if someone tires. But Medlin is aweome out the pen and nobody else is since Livan got wore out… this makes the team so MUCH better. He is a solid 2 starter and the way he has pitched recently….he is bucking for #1. You would rather have Dempster than this guy? He is not a rental either and like they said this was “a perfect deal for the Braves” And it was…Hudson, Sheets, Maholm, Minor Hanson Medlin…..Pretty darn good. Lets just hope Minor and Sheets keep going like they have been the last 2-3 weeks….I think Minor has turned the corner. Good thing we didnt listen to all the haters that wanted him gone back in May…..growing pains. Delgado too. Most all young pitchers got to learn to pitch, instead of throwing and its mostly mental…..Go Braves…
Spud
July 31st, 2012
4:18 am
I hope Malholm’s first start isn’t on TV at the same time as Olympic ping-pong! I’d hate to be switching back and forth. I think I’ll head down to the Meebo Bar to catch Malholm on the big screen.
GoBravos
July 31st, 2012
4:21 am
Smart trade. I like it a lot. Losing Viz is a loss, but we got 2 great players who can play tomorrow.
Well done Mr Wren!
PHIL
July 31st, 2012
4:55 am
GREAT DEAL NO RENTALS THAT ARE OVERPRICED AND THEN GONE.
Darryl Blackberry
July 31st, 2012
5:00 am
Gotta look at what Maholm has done for his team lately. Been AMAZING. Based on the last couple of months’ worth of work, this trade was a darn good one. Viz wouldn’t have been able to help us for quite some time, and even then, it would’ve been in the ‘pen (read: logjam of starters).
Plus: the Braves can pick up Maholm’s club option next year if he pitches well! This guy’s not a rental, in other words…
Reed Johnson allows us to sit Chipper, move Prado to third, and plug in a guy who isn’t quite so all-or-nothing a player as Juan Francisco. Also, Fredi can use him in situations where Matty used to pinch hit. (Wouldn’t be surprised if Diaz is done for the year.)
Kris
July 31st, 2012
5:34 am
Columbus – you aren’t familiar with Sabrmetrics are you? Not trying to be a jerk or anything, but while you keep going on and on about what he has done lately and using his ERA as proof, you are overlooking some very important and worrisome details. His xFIP, which is the most reliable indicator of a pitchers future performance, is above 4.00, which is consistent with his xFIP throughout his career. That means that in 2012 he has been performing at a level that is above what his numbers suggest and makes it highly unlikely that he will sustain this level of play.
What is more likely is for Maholm to perform at levels closer to his career average, which is an ERA above 4.00….excuse me while I yawn….look maybe he does continue this unlikely run, but it is not something I would bank on. Maholm is just not someone I am excited about having on my team.
Picking up Johnson was a great move, but adding Maholm is a real head scratcher and frankly I’m disappointed that Wren is talking this up like its a real win for the Braves.
bravesgood
July 31st, 2012
5:50 am
at least we are not have to look at reed Johnson facing against us, it seemed that obtained porcupine always beautiful impact against us Braves
Notso Fast
July 31st, 2012
5:51 am
Great trade for now. We never know what the future will show but for the Braves our future is now so a good deal for the Braves. We are better now and that is what is important when you need to win ballgames.
Regular Season Links – 7/31/2012 - Goodsportsart Blog = Baseball news
July 31st, 2012
6:07 am
[...] Braves trade for Cubs’ Maholm and Reed Johnson [...]
Brave Decisions
July 31st, 2012
6:07 am
Breakdown and analysis of the trade here http://wp.me/p2lqJ1-bG
All Chipper but Wrensing sometimes
July 31st, 2012
6:12 am
Wow. Must be a good trade. I’ve never seen so many positive comments!! I still wish the Braves would get past beating up the bad teams but lose so much to the better teams. Drives me nuts.
NickGranite
July 31st, 2012
6:20 am
I’m glad Maholm is on OUR team because he always beats our brains out. 1.36 in 8 career starts. I knew we were bad against him, didn’t know it was that bad. Talk about a ripple effect, Reed Johnson gets rest for darn near everybody, particularly after spelling Prado for rest, Prado can spell Chipper or Uggla and keep a good bat in the line-up. Can also spell Bourn. Beautiful. Good friggin trade.
WTF - the original
July 31st, 2012
6:29 am
If trade we must – and I’m not convinced we MUST, but I’m not a GM like some commenters – this seems to follow the MD’s prescription – ‘First, do no harm’.
We’ll see – like always. If Vizcaino becomes the next Gibson or Feller, boy was this a mistake. If we make the playoffs, it was ‘ok’.
If we win the WS, it is a good trade.
Any bets?
Paddy
July 31st, 2012
6:33 am
Braves 1995………sorry, but your posts dont make much sense. At least to baseball fans.
Moneyball
July 31st, 2012
6:34 am
This is the deal they should’ve made in the first place. Duck Fempster.
Bob the Blogger
July 31st, 2012
6:39 am
Maholm may be pitching well right now, but his lifetime ERA is 4.30 and his lifetime WHIP is 1.4, which is fair at best. Hopefully, he’s maturing into a better pitcher, and playing for a contender may help. I was hoping for Medlen to move into the rotation, and to find a real strong reliever. Still, we’re a better team on paper today than we were yesterday. Johnson is a definite upgrade over Diaz, who is on the decline. I would rather have Constanza than Hinske at this point, as I think Hinske’s productive days are waning.
longtimefan
July 31st, 2012
6:40 am
The FW haters can’t stand it. Wren has shown a way to get talent without giving up our best prospects. The Wren haters won’t even mention the Sheets steal. This guy is a proven ML pitcher- I believe 4 time All-Star and Wren gets him for nothing. Sub 1 ERA in 3 starts. Give FW his due. Just like the Chipper and Heyward haters that have been shut up, if you come on hatin’ you just look stupid and obviously have an ax to grind.
Willy
July 31st, 2012
6:42 am
I’m really excited about Maholm. It is good to have an old Mississippi State Bulldog on the team. I didn’t even know he was an option. I don’t know much about Johnson but he sounds good too.
59bulldawg
July 31st, 2012
6:49 am
This is a much better trade for us than giving up Delgado for Dempster. Still a little ticked that Wren even considered giving away a top prospect for a 2 monthe rental. Only Dempster saved Wren from himself!
The Braves Blog » Blog Archive » Braves trade for Cubs’ Maholm and Reed Johnson | Atlanta Braves
July 31st, 2012
7:01 am
[...] the rest: http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/07/31/braves-trade-for-cubs-maholm-and-reed-johnson/?c…. [Comments [...]
BravesFan79
July 31st, 2012
7:02 am
Great trade, i dont know if i want Maholm in my playoff starting rotation, but he should help us get there!. Overrall great trade, the utility guy being a good hitting against lefties is a plus.
CRMAC300
July 31st, 2012
7:10 am
Love all the positive comments about this trade. The Wren haters would not be happy if he traded JJ for Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. With Medlen back in the bullpen and Moylan on the way back, it is ok if Wren is done. This team is nicely positioned for a deep run in the post season. Obviously, Hanson has been struggling, but Braves are winning his starts. He is constantly in trouble, but he manages to get out of most of the spots he puts himself in. Hudson is the ace of the team, Sheets is a major surprise (thank you, Wren), Minor is close to showing his potential, adding Maholm makes this a pretty solid five man rotation. Venters looks better, Martinez has been good, O’Flaherty and Kimbrel are shut down 8th and 9th closers. Get Uggla going with a weak remaining schedule and there is no reason the Braves can’t catch the Nats. Great trade, Wren!
say what?
July 31st, 2012
7:11 am
It’s a solid deal – just wasn’t many realistic options out there for a solid SP and Reed is a great pick up. those complaining about not getting an ace aren’t dealing in reality. the brave’s were not doing another Tex deal – and shouldn’t have. Was glad the dempster deal feel apart – got lucky there
BraveDan
July 31st, 2012
7:17 am
Diaz is too one dimensional, definate upgrade.
Larry
July 31st, 2012
7:18 am
Ah, Kris likes to cite sabermetrics but doesn’t know what they mean. Cute. Maholm has a career CROSSp of over 13.5, which is very Glavine-like when pitching behind in the count. On flat counts, he’s even better at 13.86. The downside occurs when he begins a hitter with strike one, but we all know that CROSSp doesn’t apply on those balls put in play so that’s going to be over 30% of your strike ones, AND his OBP of first pitch balls put in play is actually better than Glavine’s. In other words, we just got Tom Glavine (albeit without Tommy’s proven durability) for a broken relief pitcher. Oh yeah, we also upgraded Matt Diaz big-time.
RGP
July 31st, 2012
7:18 am
Great trade and hopefully Maholm will keep JJ and Delgado out of the starting rotation.
don
July 31st, 2012
7:20 am
This is a decent trade. It could really help the Braves. If not, it was still worth making.
Wes
July 31st, 2012
7:22 am
For those who complain about Maholm’s lifetime stats – see Ryan Vogelsong and R.A. Dickey. I’m sure you’d be unhappy with those guys, as well. After all, their career numbers indicate that they shouldn’t be in the big leagues.
braveshoo
July 31st, 2012
7:24 am
I think this is a good trade.Outfield bench is better. Pinch hitting is better. IMO Maholm will also be in the rotation next year, and Hanson will be traded for a CF if we cant resign Bourn. In 2014, Maholm will be gone and Hudson too, and you will see Delgado and Tehran/Medlen/Gilmartin in the rotation. We will also have Beachy back by July of 2013 and 2014. This fills a lot of holes and makes us stronger.
Kris
July 31st, 2012
7:26 am
I don’t like this trade because I don’t see how it makes us any better. That doesn’t mean I don’t like any trade scenario or that I hate Frank Wren. The bottom line is that if you think a 30 year old pitcher, with a fastball that tops out at 88-89 MPH and a career ERA north of 4.00 is the answer then our pitching staff must be really bad in your mind.
Before you jump all over me and note that Maholm is actually having a great run – just stop and think for a minute about what you are saying. Is it possible and even likely that Maholm is riding a hot or lucky streak? How often do you see a soft tossing pitcher suddenly figure it all out at age 30? If that is not enough then how do you explain 4.20…..that’s his xFIP for 2012, which is pretty much bang on for his career. If he were truly having a resurgence ala Dickey or Vogelsong then his xFIP would be much closer to his ERA.
Wes
July 31st, 2012
7:28 am
On the other hand, trading for someone with excellent career numbers is always a sure bet, right? That Raul Mondesi signing sure worked out well.
DaveinNEPA
July 31st, 2012
7:28 am
Maholm is more than servicable IMO, plus the fact that he’s lefthanded, somethinng we have needed for sometime. Johnson gives us a strong Rhed bat off the bench.
Although some might complain because we gave up Vizcaino, I don’t think we gave up too much. Viz has had TJ surgery and you never know what will happen when he comes back. If anything the Cubs took a big chance here.
On the face of it, I think we did OK.
Kris
July 31st, 2012
7:29 am
Larry – in what world are you living in that Paul Maholm = Tom Glavine…maybe Tom Glavine circa 2009.
Wes
July 31st, 2012
7:34 am
Kris, Ryan Vogelsong has a career ERA of 4.28. I guess he wouldn’t make it on your team, would he because he doesn’t top out at 99 MPH and pitchers never get better once they learn how to pitch? R.A. Dickey has a career ERA of 4.11 and he hasn’t touched 90 MPH for years. Don’t want him either, I guess. I’ll bet lots of teams could use your insights.
Kris
July 31st, 2012
7:35 am
Wes – I beg you to actually look at Dickey or Vogelsongs stats…their stats prove my point perfectly. Prior to 2010 Dickey had an xFIP that hovered around 5.00 or higher, but then he reinvented himself and in 2010 his ERA dropped to under 3.00, but more importamtly his xFIP dropped to just a couple ticks over 3.00. Anyone paying attention in 2010 would have known that Dickey’s success wasn’t just luck and that you should expect future performance to be closer to that 3.00 mark.
MikeY
July 31st, 2012
7:39 am
I like the trade. But which starter moves from the rotation? I hate to jerk Meds around again…
Sammy
July 31st, 2012
7:40 am
Excellent move! Nothing given up except more propsects who might do well. Delgado and Teheran are excellent prospects but how are they helping this team NOW? Are they mowing down the NL hitters right NOW? Enough with the prospects. Proven major league ability is needed and Wren just got it.
Kris
July 31st, 2012
7:41 am
Wes – you don’t have to throw 97 MPH to be successful. I never said that and I’m not saying Maholm is a bad pitcher he is just not a very good pitcher. He is below average and for a team that is currently posting a collective ERA that is below average I don’t think adding another below average pitcher to the mix solves a lot of problems. I would have been much happier had we gave Medlen a shot – do you think Maholm is such a huge upgrade over Meds? Just curious because you seem wedded to this idea that Maholm is the answer to all our pitching woes.
Kris
July 31st, 2012
7:43 am
Wes – Raul Mondesi? Where did that come from?
wes covington
July 31st, 2012
7:43 am
Where is Livan?
James Cassara
July 31st, 2012
7:46 am
Does anyone here not like this trade? It seems one of the best that Frank Wren has pulled off. In terms of next year, how much payroll will be freed up when Chipper retires? And who is considered our best long term prospect at third base?
Sammy
July 31st, 2012
7:48 am
I want Maholm starting instead of Hanson who could barely go 5 against the Marlins AAA squad. Let’s not even talk about his inability to keep runners at first base. That 12-5 record is extremely deceptive. If Hanson was starting for the Marlins tonight I would certainly bet on a Braves win with Bourne stealing about 3 bases all by himself.
say what?
July 31st, 2012
7:51 am
For those unhappy with this trade – and i’m not saying it is perfect – what would have been better? please keep it real… i just don’t see great options. we didn’t get an ace but this should stop the bleeding and i don’t think anyone is unhappy with getting reed. so i guess the debate is: could we have picled up a better P and at what price
say what?
July 31st, 2012
7:51 am
For those unhappy with this trade – and i’m not saying it is perfect – what would have been better? please keep it real… i just don’t see great options. we didn’t get an ace but this should stop the bleeding and i don’t think anyone is unhappy with getting reed. so i guess the debate is: could we have picled up a better P and at what price
lee maye
July 31st, 2012
7:58 am
bravesboo: Have you forgotten about Brandon Beachy? He will be back in 2013 and 2014. Believe he will be a little better than Gilmartin.
Done
July 31st, 2012
8:03 am
I don’t like the trade one bit!
HAL
July 31st, 2012
8:06 am
johnson alone is worth the risk of trading viz who has umm potential the word i believe our sibermetrics guy used too intoduce bp hanson a few years back how has that worked out for you ohhh genius?
archie
July 31st, 2012
8:08 am
1. If Medlen does well tonight, which he will, keep him in the rotation, dump Hanson to the ‘pen. He’s been lucky to win some games, without the benefit of hardlly any quality starts.
2. Hopefully we’ve seen the last of Matt Diaz in a Braves uniform. Reed Johnson is an actual major league hitter and outfielder. Diaz is a nice guy, but has no business in the majors.
3. When Uggla begins hitting his weight, I’ll get excited. Until then, he’s a clueless hacker who will occasionally make contact when a bad pitcher makes a mistake.
BobDawg
July 31st, 2012
8:11 am
KRIS, this lines us up better for the playoffs with a left-handed starter… and if Hanson falters or doesn’t get his delivery fixed, this guy can move in his spot. The right-handed pinch-hitter was huge also as we can rest the outfield coming down the stretch…
Kris
July 31st, 2012
8:11 am
Say what – we’ll never know who was available for what, but I can tell you that I would rather see Medlen in the rotation than making a trade for Maholm.
Fastball
July 31st, 2012
8:12 am
Now trade Bourn before the deadline. Hire Chipper as Manager.
Kris
July 31st, 2012
8:15 am
BobDawg – I hear what you’re saying and maybe you are right, but I think it’s just a reflection as to how poor Hanson’s play has been rather than a stong endorsement for Maholm. Going into a best of 5 divisional playoff with Huddy, Sheets and Maholm….well I just hope Uggla turns it around soon because that is not a formidable October rotation and we’ll need some serious offense.
say what?
July 31st, 2012
8:17 am
For those that are unhappy with the trade – and I’m not sayig it is perfect – what would have been a better trade? Please keep it real. Due to Brave’s budget restrictions, there were no realistic “Ace” options without doing a bad Tex deal. I think everyone is happy with getting Reed. Maholm is not an ace, but we didn’t give up ace value in the trade. Maholm should help the pitching staff, not lead it -better than JJ and RD. To not add a solid P would have been foolish. I really don”t think we gave up too much and I don’t think ther was much else available – so what other options would have been better?
Mikey
July 31st, 2012
8:19 am
Finally a productive off the bench R/H bat that can also give Michal Bourn a deserved day off and the ability to move Prado to second if Uggla stays ugly. Love having another effective lefty starter to balance the rotation. Feel bad for Chris Medlen because you know he would love to be in the rotation, but have a feeling he may be replacing our 5 inning wonder Hansen soon.
say what?
July 31st, 2012
8:19 am
kris, skip last postig – didn’t think last poting took … Fastball is on crack…
a fan
July 31st, 2012
8:20 am
Kris
Malholm
9 6 3.74 21 20 0 0 0 0 120.1 115 51 50 12 10 34 2 81 .256 1.24 1.31
You are so stupid
JoeFan
July 31st, 2012
8:20 am
Appears to be a solid trade. Now send Hanson to the pen and keep Medlen in the rotation.
a fan
July 31st, 2012
8:22 am
Some of you would not be satisfied if we got Sabathia for JJ
Kris
July 31st, 2012
8:25 am
Nice research skills there ‘a fan’. I know it’s hard to believe, but there are far more advanced and accurate statistical analysis metrics out there. When you pull your head out of your backside you should educate yourself.
Brownie
July 31st, 2012
8:26 am
Some of you, based on your negative comments about this deal, need to get some sleep. The further into the wee hours of the morning, the weirder the comments.
In many ways, BB is all about numbers, and some of you are trotting out various indices to support your case either for or against Maholm. I will tend to overlook his relatively mediocre career stats, and focus more on what he’s done lately, because this is likely what he’ll give the Braves NOW. Plus, he’s put up very good numbers on a lousy team – even more impressive. We’ll find out how he performs in a pennant race – I expect good things.
Here’s one great thing about this trade (considering BOTH Maholm and Johnson) – we now have OPTIONS…..we didn’t before.
Wren wins another one.
Kris
July 31st, 2012
8:31 am
A fan – don’t be mad just because I don’t think this particular trade is an amazing win for the Braves. At the end of the day it’s just my opinion and it’s based on factors which I think are indicative of true performance. Maholm could be the next Tom Glavine as some have suggested, but I just think that he will be closer to the below average pitcher he has been his entire career as opposed to the savior of the Braves pitching staff. Agree to disagree mate.
Randal Patrick McMurphy
July 31st, 2012
8:33 am
Wow… this is actually quite a good deal, and under the radar as it were. Now if only Havana Fats can keep himself from screwing this all up, things are looking better for Chipper’s Boyz…
Kris
July 31st, 2012
8:34 am
Brownie – id just like to say you’ve done a heckuva job with that post. As to being tired, I live in Australia mate so your time zone doesn’t apply.
Hawes
July 31st, 2012
8:35 am
Vizcaino has no third pitch. He won’t be throwing again until the spring. His command will take time to return, and if he is to be a starter, he will need time to develop that third pitch.
Which strongly suggests that he would be a reliever if he stayed here. And they just aren’t that valuable. The Cubs have the luxury of letting him develop into a starter.
By the time Vizcaino is starting in the majors (if he ever does) Teheran and Delgado will be fixtures in our rotation.
Carl Farvman
July 31st, 2012
8:39 am
“When Dan Uggla goes on a hot-streak, everyone will be on his jock again, as per normal.”
You’re right. The fan base in the ATL market I’ve found to go from one extreme to the other…..and this goes for the radio/TV nitwits, who are the worst I’ve ever seen. A winning streak and we’re printing WS tickets and a few games into a losing streak and the fans are firing the GM/Coach and the radio/TV nitwits are blaming Cincy’s field dimensions. Really weird behaviour…almost as annoying as home fans ‘booing’ when the opposing team’s pitcher attempts a pickoff move at first more than once during a game.
flagger
July 31st, 2012
8:46 am
f… the dumpster we came out smelling like a rose on this trade.. go braves
ijudgenot
July 31st, 2012
8:59 am
Reed is a definite upgrade over Diaz. Now the question is who do the Braves keep as the lefthanded power hitter off the bench, Henski or Francisco? Henski had a good two year run with the Braves but Francisco seems to be able to fill that role and also back up Chipper. I think Henski still has value as a DH in the American league so why not package him with JJ and lower tier prospect pitcher for Shields.
Let Constanza stay and be Bourn’s backup rather than Johnson. Let Johnson play left and right field.
archie
July 31st, 2012
8:59 am
1. Dempster: enjoy being a Cub. You’ll have a longer offseason vacation for the rest of your career.
2. Why is Jurrjens still on the Braves roster? They didn’t even use him last night in a blowout.
RLG
July 31st, 2012
9:01 am
Good move FW. For those who like to sling mud all they do is remove ground.
cts
July 31st, 2012
9:02 am
Anyone saying not a good trade isn’t digging below the surface. Young pitcher who appears to be hitting a different gear in July. Would be one thing to take a risk on a pitcher with 2-3 great starts in the midst of mediocre career, but he has a 1.23 ERA in July in 6 games w/ 6 wins and 5/1 SO to BB over those games including against very good team in Pitt, StL, and Atlanta. Low 3 ERA when take out 1st 2 games of year which clearly could make him a # 2-3 pitcher if he keeps up his July production.
Love it. Does anyone know if he is good friends w/ Dempster?
Frznp
July 31st, 2012
9:05 am
Want to give the team the final piece that’ll insure a slot in the playoffs? Remove the uncertainty and sign Bourn to a new contract now. He is critical if we’re to be a playoff contender beyond this year… Boras has been a pain but this is business and the business of winning.
urban redneck
July 31st, 2012
9:07 am
did i just read what i thought i did? did someone actually call frank wren brilliant? what a difference a day makes!!
does this push medlen out of the rotation? that’s bullsh*t.
Kashi
July 31st, 2012
9:07 am
I liked the idea of giving Medlen a shot and moving JJ to bullpen. We would still have Viz in line for next year. I don’t see a upgrade from Medlen to Maholm but I like the Reed Johnson in our team. I’m still confuse is this a good trade to win the DIVISION (we are not a team to win WS)?
Frodo
July 31st, 2012
9:08 am
Wren hater here. Don’t care. He still blows. When 90% of your GMs trades suck up payroll for years on the books and the players involved turn out to be complete duds, you suck. You guys are forgetting what he almost did last week. He almost traded for a 2-month rental all the while giving up Delgado and god know who else. This was a last resort deal. Don’t get me wrong….I love the fact that he stuck to his guns on other offers and held our young guns, but that’s only because he has a lot of pressure following the past debacles (i.e. Tex). I wouldn’t doubt if this is actually a Schuerholz trade. Hope Viz has a successful return from surgery.
a fan
July 31st, 2012
9:14 am
for all the dooms day guys & gals
Maholm has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this month, with a 5-0 record and 1.00 ERA over his last seven games. Johnson, 35, is an experienced platoon outfielder in the midst of a solid season (.813 OPS in 75 games).
a fan
July 31st, 2012
9:17 am
Hey Fredo, Tex deal was not Wren’s JS did that one
henry tn
July 31st, 2012
9:19 am
best trade wren has ever made some of these yoyos on here would not like the trade no matter who wren traded for….
GRAPHITE
July 31st, 2012
9:19 am
i hope these 2 know how to BUNT…… ROLL ON
Frodo
July 31st, 2012
9:22 am
“Experienced platoon oufielder”. We’ve had a few of those over the last 5 years, but dumbo has either traded them or chosen to not to make a renewal offer.
What a difference a day makes is right. Typical public opinion flip floppers. Come on people. Now you all love this dufus???? Love the earlier comment from Farvman earlier. Sunday’s crowd was frightening. The screaming and yelling on a foul tip with 2 strikes. Odd reactions you don’t hear at other ball parks.
Uggla_ishorrible.com
July 31st, 2012
9:22 am
Getting Reed to rest Bourn & Prado…Yeah right, nice spin LOL….Reed is here so Prado can play 2nd. and Dan “not the man” Uggla can go ride go carts with Mike “i stiffed the braves” Hampton.
a fan
July 31st, 2012
9:24 am
Enter your comments here
Maholm has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this month, with a 5-0 record and 1.00 ERA over his last seven games. Johnson, 35, is an experienced platoon outfielder in the midst of a solid season (.813 OPS in 75 games).
jt
July 31st, 2012
9:24 am
How many of us really thought Wren would get quality players? I said a month ago he would go for cheap, and no help to team, I still say these two will not add anything to what we have at present. The only thing good is he traded a guy with T. J surgery, and no one knows if he was or would ever be a good pitcher.
My opinion, is the owners again called the shots on trades and today will come and go with nobody traded that will lend anything to the race for 1st place. Just wait and See.
a fan
July 31st, 2012
9:26 am
Frodo you need help
Ralph
July 31st, 2012
9:26 am
The old Silver Fox raided the hen house last nite. Biggest loser in this trade was Chris Medlen, will cost him millions of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Turtle Man
July 31st, 2012
9:26 am
Adding a left-handed pitcher into the mix of a right-handed dominant rotation is HUGE! Maholm isn’t the greatest pitcher but he is crafty and can eat up innings without giving up too many runs, which is what the Braves need. Reed Johnson is a SOLID pickup too. Viz is supposed to be really good but how many times have Braves fans seen or heard that and the pitcher just hasn’t panned out for one reason or another. It’s better for the Braves to have “proven” talent than to wait around for another decent or bust pitcher.
Turtle Power!
jt
July 31st, 2012
9:27 am
Ok so he is 5-0 in last starts, but I remind you that Tommy Hanson has won 12, and every time he takes the field, one wonders if he can go 3 innings. Very clouded wins in last two 7-7-7 remember?
a fan
July 31st, 2012
9:28 am
JT you are so wrong. go join Frodo
Ken Stallings
July 31st, 2012
9:28 am
Wren makes another outstanding move! He is patient and for the second straight season, this patience allowed the Braves to pull off a trade without mortgaging the farm.
Now, what I hope happens is that Maholm takes over for Tommy Hanson and we give Kris Medlin a chance in the rotation.
Batcork
July 31st, 2012
9:29 am
Looks like a nice move in terms of helping get to post season. Maholm doesn’t help us much in advancing through the post season, when starting pitching depth matters little. At that stage, Johnson is the more important piece, helping out the lineup when we face a lefty.
jt
July 31st, 2012
9:30 am
“a fan” but without baseball knowledge!!!!
Furman Bitcher
July 31st, 2012
9:30 am
This was a nice trade and does upgrade this team. Maholm has a better era than our whole starting staff so what the hell are you naysayers talking about. R. Johnson is EXACTLY what we needed for those days when Chipper, Uggla & Freeman need a day off and we need to move Prado around. We gave up a pitcher that wont contribute until 2014 so what the hell are you guys bitchin about.
D man
July 31st, 2012
9:31 am
Nice to see we are trying to improve our chances to win it all this year.
Amber Girl
July 31st, 2012
9:32 am
@Mr afan Is this all Wren will do? Will there be more.?
Abnerish
July 31st, 2012
9:32 am
These folks that say we don’t have a true ace must’ve missed the game on Sunday. During that game, FSN posted career stats of Tim Hudson and Roy Halladay and they were shockingly similar. I think Huddy is without a doubt our Ace. I think Huddy, Hanson, Maholm, and either Sheets or Minor is good enough to go far into the playoffs.
Biggun
July 31st, 2012
9:39 am
Great Value Move!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Since the Marlins are floundering, what say a Mike Dunn back to the Atlanta pen? I believe he could be the additional piece, after all he has been here and was very effective.
LawDawg
July 31st, 2012
9:40 am
Very nice trade. We got essentially a #2 starter, signed through next year, and seriously upgraded the bench while only giving up a guy who will never be a starter, despite having great stuff?
Great job, Wren.
DHD
July 31st, 2012
9:42 am
Love it!! We kept our pitchers and picked up a guy that can be really good now that he is finally on a good team. Maholm is a Braves fan and a great guy for the clubhouse and community,
Ralph
July 31st, 2012
9:43 am
ijudgenot
July 31st, 2012
8:59 am
Reed is a definite upgrade over Diaz. Now the question is who do the Braves keep as the lefthanded power hitter off the bench, Henski or Francisco?
——————————————————————————————————————————-
I think they keep both, Diaz and Constanza will be gone, my oponion.
First
July 31st, 2012
9:44 am
For all the naysayers… you give up something to get something. You don’t get a #1 starter for what the Braves gave up. These guys can peform now. Who’s to say what the future holds for Vizcaino?
BMac16
July 31st, 2012
9:48 am
Kris, I see your point. However, how long do you expect Hanson to perform like he is (which really isn’t all that bad)? He is struggling mightily with command and I think he will get that worked out. Also, it is true that Maholm is not the top of the rotation starter that everyone was hoping for but the guy is going to be a dependable starter every 5th day and I feel like we need that more than anything right now considering the inconsistencies of minor and Delgado. We have Hudson, Hanson, Sheets, Maholm, and Minor, you can now bet on 4 quality starts instead of 3 which is why I think this is definitely a good trade. Not a block buster but a good solid trade that does in fact make our team better. Not to mention we have Meds in the pen in case one of the starters can only give you 5.
As far as Reed Johnson goes, I personally think giving up Viz was worth getting him and a mediocre reliever. To give up Chapman and Viz for Johnson and a quality starter in Maholm, I think Wren has made this team better.
ChillyMutt
July 31st, 2012
9:54 am
Loved Viz. But you have to give up quality to get quality.
O'flarity's water bottle
July 31st, 2012
9:54 am
Kris
July 31st, 2012
7:43 am
Wes – Raul Mondesi? Where did that come from?
Faded from baseball…
Pierre
July 31st, 2012
9:55 am
Terrible move. No one else wanted Maholm. Other teams are trying to get Dempster or Garza. I thought Viz was a top three prospect in our system? You trade a top three prospect for a journeyman pitcher?? We are going to regret this – maybe not immediately, but we will regret this move. Also, Reed Johnson? Really? Isn’t he just a defensive replacement at this point of his career? Terible move. We could have gotten both of these players without giving up this much.
Tell It Like It Is
July 31st, 2012
9:57 am
Every year the Braves give up young talent to acquire veterans for the push to the playoffs. Until they are acquired by an owner with some big bucks to spend, they will always remain an also-ran. It would appear that the Braves organization has become a farm team for the rest of the league.
Ralph
July 31st, 2012
9:57 am
I have a whole lot of Crow to eat today. I predicted we would finish no better than 4th place this season and that was because of the “stand pat” offense, now I feel confident we can win a wild card and if Uggla gets hot or they take him out of the line-up and we get Simmons back we should be able to overtake the Nats, GO BRAVES.
CRMAC300
July 31st, 2012
10:01 am
Some of you are forgetting that Medlen is on a 70 pitch count maximum and won’t be ready to go much more than that for awhile. He could be out of the game tonite in the fourth inning. Based on salary limitations from Liberty, Wren has made a brilliant trade here to get these two players. Unless the agent for Bourn makes a ridiculous demand, Braves should have money to sign him long term. By the way, Bourn and Prado are in slumps now and Braves are still winning. They should get well against the Marlins and Astros in the next six games.
Morris Code
July 31st, 2012
10:01 am
You mad bro?
macdwolfpack
July 31st, 2012
10:01 am
Great trade! Gives Braves balance in their rotation with 2 LH’s for the first time in a while. It also keeps all the trading chips in house and potentially frees you up to have Hanson,Jurgens, or Medlen for any blockbuster if neccesary. It strengthens the bullpen by allowing your best non closer reliever Medlen to move back as a bridge. Great move and it isn’t a rental either.
If people are still focused on a no.1 starter then you still have almost all you chips left to make a deal if one was available.
Probably best trade Braves have made in a while on this one.
HOF 10
July 31st, 2012
10:02 am
Much better than a Delgado for Dempster deal. You hate to lose Vizcaino, but you can’t pick up two players like these for nothing. At one time, Vizcaino was one of our top starting pitcher prospects, wasn’t he? They needed bullpen help last year and brought him up. He had a few bad outings which pushed up his ERA, but often he was dominant. Kid can bring it. Still, this is what we needed.
CRMAC300
July 31st, 2012
10:05 am
Isn’t it nice to say your team has a chance at the playoffs every year? Would you rather be a Kansas City fan or a Houston fan? Braves management finds a way to make this team competitive every year with a limited budget. Braves record only 4 games worse than the Yankees! Many of you complainers are completely unrealistic. Get behind your team and look for positives once in awhile. Stop whining. It is fun to be a Braves fan!
Just saying..
July 31st, 2012
10:06 am
Frank Wren is a solid GM, a principal reason for the Braves’ success.
Ralph
July 31st, 2012
10:07 am
Next years rotation:
Sheets
Maholm
Minor
Delgado
Medlen
We need to sign Sheets and Bourn to an extension, should be Wren’s next project.
nelson
July 31st, 2012
10:08 am
good trade !!
Bud
July 31st, 2012
10:16 am
Overall, I like the trade, and I understand why it was Vizcaino involved. However, all things being equal, I would have kept Vizcaino over Teheran.
toby
July 31st, 2012
10:19 am
2 Good pickups imo,got a veteran lefty in a RH heavy staff,plus 5 years younger than Dempster,and under contract through next year!!!!!! Also got a good veteran utility man with some speed also in Johnson,i have nothing bad to say about this deal,filled 2 needs!!!!!!
GTSteve
July 31st, 2012
10:36 am
Ralph, don’t forget about Beachy
Mark
July 31st, 2012
10:41 am
Wow what a fleecing you guys gave the Cubs. An injured pitcher who probably won’t be close to normal til 2014 and a 25 year old Four A reliever who resembles Carlos Marmol. Yuk. These are the new Cubs geniuses huh? Add this to the Cubs getting a Double A below average pitcher for Soto and we have lost three starters and have zip to show for it. Go Braves. Reed will leave his heart on the field and Maholm just lulls other teams to sleep. Great move by your GM.
rufus
July 31st, 2012
10:44 am
Now go get Jon Lester. It could be the time. He has the talent and needs a change from the sox.
aburtch
July 31st, 2012
10:46 am
Gotta say, I like Frank Wren’s moves as a GM. This was a good trade that improved our club without giving up too much. I also like how we were looking long-term as well and it wasn’t just a one-season rental.
Erik
July 31st, 2012
10:47 am
I absolutely hate this Trade.
Arodys has always been a higher regarded prospect than Delgado OR Minor. He is a slight shade below Tehran.
Arodys was ranked the 14th prospect in all of baseball and #2 in the Braves system by ESPN’s Keith Law before the season. Baseball America also had his as #2 in the Braves sytem he was not as high as 14th overall.
Keith Law said it best. “Atlanta gets marginally better for this year with the additions of Maholm and Johnson, but the Cubs land the best prospect they’re likely to obtain in this year’s trade market in exchange for two players they didn’t need….
The price for Atlanta, however, was too high. I had Vizcaino ranked as the 14th-best prospect in baseball coming into 2012, but an elbow ligament he partially tore in 2010 flared up again in March, leading to Tommy John surgery that ended his season, although he should be back for spring training.”
With the struggles of Tehran recently I would rank Tehran and Delgado as even or close to it in terms of future value.
This move IMO made us a first round playoff team and we gave up a legit shot at the WS in three years.
With a core of players like Simmons, J-Hey, Freeman, Beachy, Tehran, Viz, Minor, Delgado, Kimbrel, Venters we certainly would have been WS contenders. Consider all of those players would have been at below market value contracts due to service years. The braves would have had money to put a couple of pricey veterans in there for balance.
We will regret this trade. Viz will turn into a Dan Harenesque pitcher for the Cubs.
wait til next year
July 31st, 2012
10:48 am
Braves got a solid utility OF with a history of clutch hitting. Maholm’s last 6 games less than one run allowed and at least six innings pitched.
Morris Code
July 31st, 2012
10:56 am
@LawDawg…although I like the trade, he’s not a #2 starter. He’s a #3 at best…just because he’s a #2 for our team doesn’t constitute him being a #2 guy.
Tumbledown
July 31st, 2012
10:57 am
My two cents (maybe three with inflation discounted by a cent or two because I am not all that smart):
(1) The trade makes the Braves better this season. We get two proven ML players at the cost of two prospects.
(2) Nobody knows if the two prospects sent to the Cubs (especially Vizcaino) will pan out in majors. If you do, I want your stock tips.
(3) The Braves did not mortgage too much of their future to upgrade the pitching staff and bench this season. Remember, we still have Delgado, Minor, Teheran, Gilmartin, Graham, and hopefully a healthy Beachy returning for next season and maybe beyond.
@RPollardRealtor
July 31st, 2012
10:58 am
This is a good trade, I think. I don’t like giving up Viz, however we do have a surplus of pitchers that we need to deal to make our team Today better. However, this still doesn’t give us what we needed and that was an Ace of the Staff. We have plenty #2 and #3 guys. Look at the Angels Rotation. What guy on our rotation would you take over their rotation? Answer = Zero!!!!!
My question from the other day still hasn’t been answered.. If we don’t win the NL East, and get a Wildcard spot, Who are we going to pitch against Matt Cain, or Kershaw? I don’t feel confident in that pitching match-up.
doug
July 31st, 2012
10:59 am
Good trade, get a lefty starter who is proven in the NL, that right handed bat that has some pop and the Cubs throw in Cash towards both players saleries. What more could we ask for?
Yes we give up some prospects but as of yet they are unproven and with pitchers you never know on the young guys.
If Vizaino becomes the Cubs ace and a great ptcher so be it, we kept Minor, Terahan (sp) & Delgado and that is a huge plus. This time of year contenders looking for help can really get fleeced by teams looking for pacages of prospects.
Give Frank Wren a solid B+ on this trade.
Tumbledown
July 31st, 2012
11:02 am
Just to be clear, I think Vizcaino is the far better prospecrt sent to the Cubs. My previous post was not clear on this point. We may indeed regret trading Vizcaino as we did with trading Wainwright. Nobody knows for sure, however.
Tumbledown
July 31st, 2012
11:02 am
Prospect
@RPollardRealtor
July 31st, 2012
11:03 am
@Erik,
your 10:47 post, was spot on. That’s the same way I feel. Kinda sick to my stomach. It does make our team better especially with Johnson being part of the deal. However, that kid Viz, throws some real nasty stuff out there. I liked him a lot watching him in spring training. This still doesn’t give us what we needed in a #1 pitcher who will pitch the wildcard game and also will be counted on two times in a series in the playoffs.
Speedy Gonzalez
July 31st, 2012
11:08 am
Good move, Maholm is an upgrade & Johnson can take Diaz spot, very limited in what you can do when owners dont want to spend, FW just has to work with what he has & hope for the best, he doesnt write the checks!
Stump O Kelly
July 31st, 2012
11:15 am
All Hail Mr.Wren…………….Could be the trade that pushes us into the World Series. This pitcher is hot right now . Makes sense on paper anyways Welcome to Atlanta, Maholm and Johnson
Tumbledown
July 31st, 2012
11:15 am
Erik – How can you say we “certainly would have been WS contenders” in the future with the core players you mentioned? I think your points are very reasonable up until you talk about being certain. There is no way of knowing how prospects will turn out. There is no way to know about injuries and future trades, and a host of variables along the way.
It does seem that reasonable people are disagreeing about this trade. Let us see how this all unfolds. Maybe in time, this trade will be seen as pure folly, or pure genius, or something in between.
AdirondackDave
July 31st, 2012
11:15 am
Looks like a very positive move to me. Maholm brings (1) lefty, (2) experience, (3) ‘13 option (4) value as a trading chip if needed. Reed Johnson is an obviously good pick-up. Only possible negative is Medlen brain getting scrambled. His role will need to be clearly and firmly defined this winter.
I also think this move sets up a winter Hanson deal this winter for a proven power outfielder or 3B. Tommy will win probably 3-4 games in the last 2 months of the season finishing something like 16-8 with a career era 3.50-3.70. A valuable chip.
Call it wishful thinking but I’m getting the feeling that Uggla is beginning to straighten himself out.
bring back blauser
July 31st, 2012
11:17 am
Erik
viz is damaged goods who may not be the same as he was. Maholm has never been on a team that gave him support. You gonna see some beautiful results from him. GREAT trade fw
Braves fan always
July 31st, 2012
11:21 am
Ralph
You left out hudson and beachy
Keith
July 31st, 2012
11:21 am
Like the trade for obvious reasons:
1 – Got a LH starter:
2 – Signed through next year
3 – Set a cubs record for last 6 starts (hot hand)
4 – his current 3.74 ERA puts him our #3 best starter
5 – Bat off the bench who is hitting well this year
6 – He can play the OF to give bourn/prado days off
7 – We didn’t give up our 2 best prospects
Good job, Frank!
Braves fan always
July 31st, 2012
11:25 am
Ralph
July 31st, 2012
10:07 am
Next years rotation:
Sheets
Maholm
Minor
Delgado
Medlen
you left out hanson,hudson,beachy
You must think atl.does not pick up option for hudson,and trades hansen
beachy is back in mid 2013
Braves fan always
July 31st, 2012
11:29 am
the real rotation hudson
sheets
hansen
mahcolm
minor
beachy is out till mid 2013,if they fail have medlen
personally i trade hansen now,or in off season
Braves fan always
July 31st, 2012
11:33 am
diaz lost the pics he had on wrenn
t god he is gone
Braves fan always
July 31st, 2012
11:33 am
diaz lost the pics he had on wrenn
t god he is gone
Furman Bitcher
July 31st, 2012
11:33 am
Keith = 100% right
hoping as always
July 31st, 2012
11:33 am
Looks good.
The Brave Californian
July 31st, 2012
11:35 am
Great trade. No, Maholm will never morph into Sandy Koufax, but he will spruce up our staff. Now, let’s go out there and swat those Gnats!
DOB Needs To Ask TOUGHER Questions
July 31st, 2012
11:39 am
You just have to Tip Your Cap to Franky for pulling off this trade. Who else can bring back a retread instead of actually going out there and spending bucks, eh? So, to that I say ATTA BOY FRANKY!
And one more Tip of the Old Capper to Vizcaino. He came from the Yankees farm system and was probably used to luxury and amenities that only come from being on a team that spends money. Then he gets traded to the worst sports town on one of the cheapest teams in MLB. But he figured it out and blew out his elbow and BOOM, right he goes to a big market team with a GM that spends money and still only 21 years old! GENIUS! To that, I say….ATTA BOY, Vizky!!!!
JSD
July 31st, 2012
11:41 am
Why don’t we get Dale Murphy to pitch all them games?
You’re welcome.
Kendell Jones
July 31st, 2012
11:45 am
Surprise, surprise. It was justr yesterday that everyone was cursing Mr. Wren and today they are all praising him for making such a wonderful trade. This is trhe most fickle, flip flopping bunch of venters that I have ever seen. I am happy that Wren made a move and picked up a couple of guys who could potentialy help the club. But we will just have to wait and see what they can do under the Mgr. that we have. Up to this point, he hasn’t shown me very much. Just hope that he can call the old master from time to time and get his advice on what he should do in order to keep on winning.
Braves fan always
July 31st, 2012
11:46 am
I gurantee you Hansen is trade bait this winterwitth medlin in the rotation
NEXT YEARS LINEUP BOURN CF
PRADO LF
HEYWARD RF
FF 1B
BMAC C
UGGLA 2B
FRANCISCO 3B
SIMMONS SS
HUDSON OPENING DAY STARTER
BRAVES 2013
IMO
Braves fan always
July 31st, 2012
11:47 am
less than 300ab francisco has 8hr,dont laugh could happen
Braves fan always
July 31st, 2012
11:49 am
how many did dplay diaz have?heinske?
francisco has 8
sirluciouscp
July 31st, 2012
11:50 am
Stupid move..just put the kid Medlen in the freakin rotation already..if I was him I would be pissed off.Reed johnson is not an upgrade over Matt stinkin Diaz. Dumb freakin trade.
Braves fan always
July 31st, 2012
11:54 am
sirluciouscp
its obv.u r diaz brother or related
lay off the pipe will ya
Long time fan
July 31st, 2012
11:56 am
Getting Johnson was what was needed for the bench since Hinske is batting .202 and Diaz is out. ALso, Franscisco is normally the incredible strikeout machine. As for Maholm, I have mixed feelings because this was Meddie’s chance. I hope he is in the mix next season. Hanson reminds me too much of Russ Ortiz.
BBQ MAN
July 31st, 2012
11:57 am
GOOD GRIEF you just can’t please some Braves fans. some of the ones whinning about trading “viz” were complaining earlier about wren doing nothing. c’mon folks
Clyde
July 31st, 2012
12:02 pm
The Braves should trade Buzz Capra, Ralph Garr, Hal King & Sonny Jackson for the playoff run.
bring back blauser
July 31st, 2012
12:04 pm
vitrorino traded to dodgers
Scoots
July 31st, 2012
12:10 pm
Hard to complain about this trade – solid dealing by The Wren.
Even if Vizcaino turns out to be a great relief pitcher, the opportunity cost is much less than the possibility of trading Delgado or Teheran with the chance they could be quality starting pitchers for years to come.
Would be nice to play some games with Johnson in LF and Prado at SS until Simmons get back so we don’t have Janish in the lineup.
bring back blauser
July 31st, 2012
12:13 pm
hey scoots if you don’t like janish in lineup why not try david ross and bmac there for the bat when the other is catching?
Scoots
July 31st, 2012
12:16 pm
blauser – great idea skippy
bring back blauser
July 31st, 2012
12:19 pm
when wren traded for janish he traded for his glove…….not his bat. i think it was a good deal he can play short defensivly almost as good as simmons. till simmons comes back i am very happy with him there
bring back blauser
July 31st, 2012
12:25 pm
pence traded to giants
Scoots
July 31st, 2012
12:32 pm
Oh, I know he traded for his glove – that’s the only thing he could have been trading for. You do realize he was in the minors before joining the Braves and he’s batting sub-.200, yes?
So if you can have Prado fill in for him at SS from time to time – where he can play – we wouldn’t have a hole in the lineup those days.
bring back blauser
July 31st, 2012
12:34 pm
no hole in lineup with janish there ask the pitchers what they think. janish is worth his below mendoza line avg but his glove makes up for it. i want him there, hitting or not hitting
bring back blauser
July 31st, 2012
12:36 pm
phils having a fire sale and noone wants the real ones the phils are trying to offload
hank57
July 31st, 2012
12:37 pm
Please tell me I am not just dreaming, and Wren did pull this steal, err trade off. Getting a quality left handed starting pitcher, and a good hitting outfielder, for a guy who just had major surgery is a great, great move. Yes Viz has potential, but he is being groomed to be a closer, and in case you are not aware, we have a young fellow who is the best closer in baseball, right now. Way better than renting Dempster for 2-3 months, then he goes to L.A. anyway, and giving up Delgado. Just hope the commish doesn’t step in and reverse this one, because it’s not in the “best interest of baseball.”
Play him now
July 31st, 2012
12:39 pm
Why not move Prado back into shortstop until Simmons is back and put Reed Johnson in Left? Or Prado to 2nd and let Uggla get his head straight…how can pick up a utility guy with over 150 at bats batting over .300 and only use him to rest guys and pinch hit? Are we going to really have a guy batting over .300 on the bench while these guys who are .190 to .220 play every day?
JK
July 31st, 2012
12:43 pm
Just for a chuckle, try singing “Luis Avilan” to the tune of the song “Feliz Navidad”
andre
July 31st, 2012
12:47 pm
Great trade. There are plenty of teams that have an ace and nobody to support him. This move is about creating depth. We only have two dependable starters Hudson and Hanson. The jury is still out on Sheets, but so far he’s been awesome in his last 3 starts. JJ, Minor, Delgado have not been consistent. If things don’t work out we still have Medlin available to pitch as a starter. Johnson is also a much needed addition that gives us a lot of flexibility on platooning whether giving Prado or Bourne a day off or allowing us to shift Prado to the infield when Chipper or Uggla need time off.
bring back blauser
July 31st, 2012
12:47 pm
ok play him now as i said earlier you can rotate reed johnson, david ross and bmac at shortstop if you only looking for a bat in that position
bring back blauser
July 31st, 2012
12:50 pm
if i am not mistaken baltimore had a pretty good shortstop that could not hit his weight and they still went to the world series. remember mark belanger?
Jay Dubu
July 31st, 2012
12:50 pm
Maholm will be in JJ’s salary spot next season, so JJ is out after this year. Hope that JJ has a good off season, and gets back to form.
Scoots
July 31st, 2012
12:50 pm
So be it Blauser – you want what you want for whatever reason, but I’d rather have a major leager than a minor in the lineup. Call me crazy.
Bottom line – great trade that adds depth and creates opportunities for subbing and giving guys rest, and taking minor leaguers out of the lineup. Also, using Prado at 3B when Chipper’s out is another possibility with Johnson.
Scoots
July 31st, 2012
12:52 pm
Comparing Prado’s ability to play SS with Ross/McCann’s ability to play SS is ridiculous by the way
Blue
July 31st, 2012
12:52 pm
Billy Bob Baseball: about Ugla…well said. I like the guy and LOVE his hustle…but you are right. It sucks that just because you are paying a guy like a .300 hitter, you run him out there. I agree…put Prado at second and the new-bie in left field!
Ralph
July 31st, 2012
12:53 pm
Braves fan always
July 31st, 2012
11:25 am
Ralph
July 31st, 2012
10:07 am
Next years rotation:
Sheets
Maholm
Minor
Delgado
Medlen
you left out hanson,hudson,beachy
You must think atl.does not pick up option for hudson,and trades hansen
beachy is back in mid 2013
Your exactly right, that is what I was thinking.
Casey Stinkle
July 31st, 2012
12:54 pm
Victorino to the Dodgers, Pence to the Giants……who cares!
kirkinga
July 31st, 2012
12:56 pm
All of the downgrading of Vizcaino sounds exactly like what happened with Neftali Feliz. Vizcaino is a better prospect than Feliz, so trading him for a great bench piece and another #3-4 starter is questionable. If he had not been hurt, does anyone doubt he would be in the Atlanta pen now? There is no more uncertainty about his recovery than there is with Beachy.
Picking up Johnson for lesser prospects would have been an excellent move by itself . Picking up Malholm and giving up Vizcaino is a desperate trade.I could applaud trading Vizcaino in a package for one of the Rays’ guys, or a true ace, but not Malholm.
bring back blauser
July 31st, 2012
12:56 pm
exactly my point scoots. defense is main purpose of shortstop if he can hit that is a bonus. keep janish in lineup till simmons comes back. the pitchers and others out there on defense love him there
urban redneck
July 31st, 2012
12:57 pm
we have too many #4/5 starters……and no room for medlen, who would be a 2/3 starter. next year’s rotation looks like it might be kind of a mess, as indicated by everyone’s guesses above. who knows what will happen with huddy and hanson? i like the trade except it pushes medlen back out of the rotation.
anyone want to buy a vizcaino autograph? once players leave the braves, i lose interest.
andre
July 31st, 2012
1:01 pm
Bring back Blauser, so who would you get as a pitcher that we can afford since Grienke is unavailable, the Phils aren’t giving up their pitchers, we can’t afford Josh and the other guy whose name I refuse to mention doesn’t want to come here. Our rotation is stretched thin and if we want to avoid breaking down like we did last year we need the added depth. It does us no good to have the best closer in baseball if we can’t get to him September because the starters are tired. Also, we don’t want to go to Kimbrell and Venters every day of August and September. Let’s get to the playoffs and some gas left in the tank.
Stuart
July 31st, 2012
1:03 pm
Major loss giving up Viz…
Ralph
July 31st, 2012
1:04 pm
Play him now
You hit the nail on the head!
Stuart
July 31st, 2012
1:05 pm
Medlen would be great as a starter, as he was before; just use him!
bring back blauser
July 31st, 2012
1:05 pm
andre
i have no complaints with maholm. he is the one i was hoping they would go for even before grienke, johnson, or dempsey. with maholm i am as happy as a flea on a fat dog
ijudgenot
July 31st, 2012
1:09 pm
At 12-5 Hanson looks good to a lot of teams. Why not trade him now while he has great value on paper, like JJ had last year. Last year Wren did not trade JJ when his stock was up and now team will not get much for him. Boras will play up that 12-5 record to get Hanson a contract the Braves can not afford nor should want to. So he will not be with the team next year, so make him a part of a package to get Johnson or Shields.
Ralph
July 31st, 2012
1:18 pm
ijudgenot
July 31st, 2012
1:09 pm
If they could somehow package Hanson and Uggla for something of value they should do it now, Uggla got two lucky hits in the past two games but they look like line drives on paper, maybe someone wouldn’t see the video.
Peter
July 31st, 2012
1:31 pm
Well I have been a Wren hater for sure…. if this trade works out then I will soften my position. let’s see how this impacts the club !
Tumbledown
July 31st, 2012
2:05 pm
It is interesting to read the range of opinions regarding the recent trade with the Cubs. The Cubs’ message board is also full of people for and against the trade. If I were an independent judge who had to decide the winner of the trade right now, it would take much time and anaylsis.
As a Braves’ fan, it is easy to conclude that the Braves are better today than they were yesterday. Whether they will be better off two years from now, that is a far more difficult question. The Braves’s staff with Maholm is not exactly full of aces. But, let’s remember the story of the Phillies. They won their lone World Series in 2008 with only one ace (Hamels) and a bunch of pitchers like the Braves have now compiled. In 2009, the Phillies added another ace (Lee) for the playoff run and lost in the World Series. In 2010, they added a third ace (Halladay) and lost in the NLCS. In 2011, they added a fourth ace (I will call a Oswalt an ace, sort of), and they lost in the NLDS.
The point is that having a bunch of aces is not a recipe for a certain WS win. Just ask the Phillies and the Braves of the 1990s. We can do well with the players we now have. We are not favorites by any means, but the best teams in baseball often fail in the playoffs. However we feel about this trade, I think we all can agree that this team can make the playoffs where anything should be possible.
Of course, it the team goes in the tank, I say fire Wren and the entire coaching staff!!
MyThoughts
July 31st, 2012
2:08 pm
What roster moves to accomindate our newest players ?
North Cobb Fan
July 31st, 2012
3:00 pm
This is one darn good trade. Viz gone doesn’t hurt us that much when you think next year we have O’Flaherty, Venters will hopefully be dominant again, Kimbarel. Moylan will be back. Thats 4 solid relievers with Medlan back in the pen after his start today then next season. our pen is going to be strong next year. If we can add one extra reliever for this year, then more power to us. So to the people who are looking at this trading hating we traded Viz, look at the relief we will have next year. thats 5 solid relievers.
North Cobb Fan
July 31st, 2012
3:11 pm
Kimbrel, not sure how that messed up. I do like the idea of getting Johnson in left and Prado at short for a while until SImmons gets back. Maybe even put Prado at 3rd on Chippers off days and Johnson in left. Or Prado at second and Johnson at left to give Uggla a couple days like last year to get his head straight. Johnson was a huge pick up in which we can do so many things with.
Braves’ trade for Maholm and Johnson was strong | Atlanta Braves
July 31st, 2012
3:42 pm
[...] those who’ve asked – and even those who haven’t – I like last night’s trade for Paul Maholm and Reed Johnson. A lot. And here’s [...]
the truth...
July 31st, 2012
3:47 pm
@North Cobb Fan
If you don’t know that Prado does NOT play SS and why then you need to do some research before you make such statements…..that is why we got Janish
HOF 10
July 31st, 2012
3:48 pm
I won’t be able to sleep tonight worrying that Vizcaino will become Dan Harenesque.
Maholm is at the age where a lot of pitchers finally figure it out. He is pitching now, not in the past, and he is pitching very well. Great to have another lefty in the mix. And Reed Johnson is going to see a lot of playing time. This is a really good move.
bring back blauser
July 31st, 2012
4:42 pm
true happiness is reading the ajc in the mornings and opening the sport section looking at the standings and glaring back at you seeming to be in neon lights saying “and in last place, the Philadelphia Phillies”
the truth...
July 31st, 2012
5:15 pm
Hanson to DL !!!! Great now Meds gets his chance !!!
Around The Horn
July 31st, 2012
5:56 pm
FRANK’S UNWISE TRADE
I don’t like Frank’s trade and here’s why:
Wren had a reasonable and workable solution staring him in the face for the rotation ills by putting Medlen into the starting rotation.
But he didn’t ultimately choose this solution!
Had he done so, surely then Frank could have found a right handed bench bat and another bullpen piece without giving up a quality arm and a potential long term star like Vizcaino.
But instead he foolishly and unwisely traded away Vizcaino.
You don’t trade away potential stars — unless you’re getting a star caliber player in return! You simply don’t do it!
But Frank did so — again, foolishly!
I’m having a very difficult time thinking positively about Frank Wren these days — in spite of what was a good decision in signing Ben Sheets.
For every good decision, Frank seems to make two terrible ones.
IhateLeyritz
August 1st, 2012
12:05 am
Get over yourself, around the horn. This was a great trade and you’re just ticked off that your hatred during the first half of the season was a waste of energy. GO BRAVES!!!!
Maholm makes much-anticipated debut for Braves | Atlanta Braves
August 4th, 2012
11:22 pm
[...] for Maholm, acquired in Monday’s trade from the Cubs, he’s in perhaps the hottest stretch of his career — which came directly on the heels of [...]