Braves trade! Braves trade! And it’s a pretty darned good one!
After midnight, GM Frank Wren briefs the still-assembled media. (Photo by M. Bradley)
Well, the Braves landed a Cub after all. Two of them, in fact, neither being Ryan Dempster. But enough about him.
Just after midnight, the Braves announced they had acquired Paul Maholm, a left-handed starting pitcher, and Reed Johnson, a right-handed bat. Johnson will definitely help a bench that needs all the help it can get. Maholm can’t possibly hurt a rotation that wasn’t exactly brimming with excellence.
Maholm isn’t a No. 1 starter, but he was 9-6 with an ERA of 3.74 for a terrible team, and he has been really good of late: Over his past six starts, he has yielded one run at most. By way of contrast, Mike Minor is 6-7 with an ERA of 5.18, and Tommy Hanson, who’s 12-5, has an ERA of 4.29. Immediately after Hanson beat the Marlins on Monday, manager Fredi Gonzalez suggested the pitcher might need to skip a turn, which isn’t the most heartfelt vote of confidence.
Let’s be clear: This trade doesn’t transform the Braves — getting Zack Greinke would have transformed them — but it solidifies them for the remainder of the regular season and gives them choices should they make the playoffs, which they absolutely should. It’s not a move on the level of Fred McGriff in 1993 or even Michael Bourn last season or (gulp) Mark Teixeira in 2007, but it’s a needs-based trade made by a determined general manager whose first choice (Dempster) wouldn’t sanction the transaction.
Give Wren credit. He went back to the Cubs and found Theo Epstein willing to keep talking. (”We never blamed them for [Dempster's demurral],” Wren said.) Getting Dempster would have cost Randall Delgado. Getting Maholm and Johnson cost Jaye Chapman, which is no big deal, and Arodys Vizcaino, who has been the most tantalizing of the Braves’ four prized young arms. (The other two being Minor and Julio Teheran.)
Vizcaino, who’s 21, throws the hardest of all, but he underwent Tommy John surgery and is out for the season. And yet: Before Monday’s game, Gonzalez was speaking of Ben Sheets actually gaining velocity after the TJ treatment. “Guys usually do,” Gonzalez said. “Can’t wait to see Vizcaino.”
The next time the Braves see Vizcaino, he’ll be a Cub. It hurts to lose an arm like that, but you that’s the price of doing business. The Braves had clear and immediate needs. Their GM has moved to fill those needs. Maybe this will work. Maybe it won’t. But it was a trade that had to be made.
“This was a perfect fit for us,” Wren said, and also this: “We wanted to put ourselves in as good a position as we can to win the division — not just make the playoffs.”
For sure, the Braves are better positioned today than they were at 7 p.m. Monday. Their rotation is deeper and better, and their bench is longer. They got an outfielder Wren called “the No. 1 [utility] guy on our board” and a starter who should push Kris Medlen back to the bullpen and perhaps ease the underwhelming Hanson out of any October starts.
Wren again: “What really pushed us [to make such a trade] is the way we’ve played the last three weeks.”
The season’s first half ended with the Braves feeling they hadn’t played to capacity. They’ve gotten closer since, and Maholm and Johnson should push them closer still. This is not a team to dismiss, ladies and gentlemen. This is a team that can get to October and stay there a while.
By Mark Bradley
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170 comments Add your comment
DetroitBraves
July 31st, 2012
9:57 am
With Hanson, his K% isn’t really all that out-of-line with what he’s done in the past, and his walk% is up slighlty, but probably not significantly. The big difference is that he’s given up a lot more homers than before. What’s intersting, is he’s getting about the same % of ground balls, but when he gives up a fly ball it’s much more likely to leave the park than in prior years. Actually, this isn’t a one year thing. His HR/FB% is nearly double the last 2 years compared to the 2 years prior. If you believe a pitcher really has influence over 3 things – strikeouts, walks and homers – then Hanson does one well, one so-so, and one not so well at all. Which is to say, he can pitch in the rotation but he’s not the front end guy he appeared to be a couple of years ago.
GoVawls
July 31st, 2012
10:00 am
Reed Johnson a big get. No throw-in here.
norman wolfe
July 31st, 2012
10:01 am
nice try, frank, but i would have preferred uggla for mike trout.
Jordan H.
July 31st, 2012
10:02 am
http://pickens.fetchyournews.com/archives/2007-Braves-Make-Move-for-Maholm-and-Johnson.html
Peter R.
July 31st, 2012
10:04 am
I like this trade for the Braves! Yay! Now we don’t have to do something drastic to acquire a bullpen arm with Medlen inevitably going back there. The acquisition of Johnson is big for us. Looks like a smart move on Wren’s part. Who knows if Vizcaino will fully recover from TJ surgery. Just look at Sheets’ career for an example. I’m additionally happy about keeping all our young starters. They have so much promise.
Heisenberg
July 31st, 2012
10:05 am
Thx @DetroitBraves. Johnson could be insurance against Bourn leaving.
@Delbert D, Hanson would be a pitching upgrade for Bosox. But that trade would shock me.
Blind Squirrel
July 31st, 2012
10:21 am
Wren, I take back all of those bad things I posted about you.
TB
July 31st, 2012
10:27 am
Greg Maddox & Tom Glavine used to win games 2-1, 1-0, etc., but they also lost a bunch of games with similar scores. Who cares how Tommy Hansen wins games as long as he is winning? Do you not agree? Even though his ERA is high, he has virtually the same record as Cole Hamels!.
Delbert D.
July 31st, 2012
10:28 am
Heisenberg – I agree, but I can’t see anybody else on the current Red Sox roster that would make sense for the Braves. Not Big Papi, perish the thought.
Casey Stinkle
July 31st, 2012
10:33 am
Don’t worry Rev Al, Hanson could shipped today.
kevin
July 31st, 2012
10:41 am
I think everyone needs to understand that the Braves need enough pitching to WIN THE DIVISION, and they have it. Who cares WHO joins the rotation with Sheets, Hudson, Maholm? If it were me, I’d say Minor based on recent performance, and let’s see about Medlen tonight before I make the call.
Use a mixture. Spread the guys out. Do whatever is necessary for the best chance to win the division.
But in the playoffs, START THE GUYS WHO HAVE PITCHED THE BEST AND SIT THE OTHERS/PUT THEM IN THE PEN. Don’t run Hanson out there just b/c “it’s his turn.” If Minor or Medlen, or even Delgado, are pitching well, LET THEM START.
Todd A.
July 31st, 2012
10:45 am
We thought that about last year’s team, Mark. Then September came along.
Curt
July 31st, 2012
10:51 am
one of the best things about this trade is the options it opens up.
To me Maholm becomes your number 2 or 3 pitcher and that leaves Delgado, JJ, Minor or even Hanson as options to be packaged together in a deal for an ace. I know there are those who might suggest that Hanson is one to keep but to me Hanson is no better than a number 4 pitcher. Hanson has grown very inconsistent and gets stolen on far too often.
I also think that the addition of Johnson allows the Braves options for this year and next year to sign Bourne (or replace him with Johnson if Bourne does not re-sign. Should they re-sign Bourne, Johnson remains a decent possiblity for left field when you move Prado to 3B.
One deal that I would like to see (if they cant deal for a pitcher) is to package pitchers together with Uggla for a 2nd baseman who can hit for average (Utley comes to mind here). I know this is somewhat far fetched but something like that would put the Braves in a position to overtake the Nats. Uggla just has been the worst hitter in baseball lately.
So to me this deal gets an A and if they do a deal for an ace or a great hitter then this is an A+.
Sweet trade for 3 reasons
July 31st, 2012
10:52 am
1. another good lefty in the rotation (his low ERA at wrigley should be lower in ATL)
2. keeps us from starting Hanson in postseason (has been painful in past years)
3. strong bench player was desperately needed
Larry
July 31st, 2012
11:05 am
I’d trade the soon to be free agents Hanson and Jurrjens in a heartbeat.
We’s instantly upgrade our starting pitching with Hudson, Sheets, Minor, Medlen and Maholm (three RHP aned two LHP).
Techmate
July 31st, 2012
11:05 am
Nice work, Mr. Wren. Truly under the radar and fills a real need. I am sure Vizcaino will be missed but you left two other great arms in the organization and have Maholm for another year.
Larry
July 31st, 2012
11:06 am
Next season, we get our #1 starter back in Beachy!
lanier
July 31st, 2012
11:14 am
Maholn is a dog . this is his 1st year with a winning record and he has been around about 7 years
Time
July 31st, 2012
11:26 am
Thank you lanier. Finally someone on this blog that doesn’t think we just got Cy Young. Maholm is a #5 starter AT BEST people.
Braves rooter
July 31st, 2012
11:28 am
Guess that means that once more Medlen will be screwed. Get rid of Minor and let Medlen pitch. This is really getting tough on him and he deserves to pitch. He is so much better then Minor.
MfG
July 31st, 2012
11:28 am
You Hansen detractors are all idiots! This guy just wins! He’s not going anywhere! As for JJ, you couldn’t get a bucket of balls for him, and Wren knows this! This is likely to be the only trade we make, because if a top pitcher is still out there, it will take toooooo much to get him! P M is not a dog, he’s far from it! He’s a tough lefty, with terrific stuff. Hudson is still our number 1, Hansen 2, PM 3 RD 4 anyone but JJ in the five. It wouldn’t suprise me, if JJ is dfa.
Time
July 31st, 2012
11:30 am
4.30 1.41 .280
Those are the career ERA, WHIP and Batting Average Against stats respectively. Terrible K/BB ratio. Fact is, Braves just got fleeced out of one of their big 4 young arms that were so untouchable last year for a career scrub in the middle of a scrubby career year.
Delbert D.
July 31st, 2012
11:35 am
“You Hansen detractors are all idiots! This guy just wins! He’s not going anywhere!”
Who, then were the Red Sox scouts evaluating last night? I don’t think they were looking at hitters.
southgabrave
July 31st, 2012
11:43 am
I wouldnt mind seeing Hansen traded this off season, but if he is traded now, it needs to be for an impact player/pitcher. I know it would take a package deal, so I doubt much happens with Hansen now. Why deplete what pitching we have during the stretch run? This off-season yes, Many of you are correct, we do not have a true#1 starter.
He will be in his last year on his contract next year and Boras is his agent. Next year IS his last as a Brave.
I dont see much else happening unless it is a bench player.
dw
July 31st, 2012
11:44 am
“Getting Maholm and Johnson cost Jaye Chapman, which is no big deal.” Ouch, wonder how Jaye Chapman is taking it. Tough game.
southgabrave
July 31st, 2012
11:46 am
Dont see anyone taking JJ since they will get him for nothing this winter, if anyone takes a chance on him
OneRyder
July 31st, 2012
12:03 pm
Not a blockbuster but Maholm is a Braves type of SP. A SP that relys on the defense behind him. Reed Johnson is a hustler. He’s going to add alot of energy to the bench.
terry
July 31st, 2012
12:46 pm
well victorino and pence are gone so expect no help from philly when they get swept by washington the next 3 days
DaculaJones
July 31st, 2012
12:47 pm
So, who gets bumped from the 25 man roster for these 2 new players?
My Homes
July 31st, 2012
12:48 pm
Time to send Jurrjens back to Gwinnett…………..Boo Hoo!
terry
July 31st, 2012
12:48 pm
also to the cry babies ripping wren not liking the trade last night, remember he doesn’t have the leway shurholtz had, liberty is not gonna allow the braves to spend much of nothing, maholm will still be here next year also, it’s better than a dumpster rental, pun intended
DawgDad
July 31st, 2012
12:49 pm
“I think the Braves got Reed Johnson in case they can’t resign Bourn. He gives them a CF option.”
Oh, how I hope you are wrong.
Jack Off Team
July 31st, 2012
12:50 pm
When Simmons is ready to return, Jack Wilson will be designated fo Assignment!
Big Johnson
July 31st, 2012
12:54 pm
Reed swings a Big Stick………..ESPECIALLY AGAINST LeftHanders!
Tami
July 31st, 2012
12:56 pm
I’m good with the trade, for sure! But…does Medlen pitch tonight or not? You can’t put Maholm in tonight. He may not even be in Atlanta yet. Does Medlen spot-start tonight, and then be returned to the bullpen? What will be done versus what should be done?
Should be an interesting 3 more hours until the Trade Deadline today….
Toot Your Horn
July 31st, 2012
1:05 pm
Brave’s Rooter………………U R Fricking Crazy……Get Rid of Minor???……..Have U watched him pitch in his last 4 games?………I watch every game either at the Ballpark or on FoxSportsSouth and he has finally started to come around and reminds me of a young Glavine…….nothing taken from Medlen…he is back to his form of pre-Tommy John when he started the Season out 5-0 in 2010…..I would say get rid of Hanson instead……his fastball velocity is down to 89-91 mph,his breaking balls have been in the dirt and he has been giving up alot of hits/walks and stolen Bases!
DaculaJones
July 31st, 2012
1:08 pm
Constanza goes to Gwinnett for Johnsons spot
Avilan has options to go back to Gwinnett for Maholms spot
Or JJ is DFA
If Diaz can stay on the DL until the Sept 1st expanded roster date, he’s safe
If not, DFA for Diaz.
Delbert D.
July 31st, 2012
1:24 pm
Maholm went 8 innings in 3 of those games that Jeff mentioned.
Mike S.
July 31st, 2012
1:33 pm
This is just another trade where the Braves are being cheap again. Why go for the big guns on the market, when we can get some more bargain players that likely wont give this team a boost at all. In fact, recent history in this for the Braves has shown they usually dip in production when they get into a more playoff pressure environment.
jerry
July 31st, 2012
1:36 pm
Is it a World Series winning move? No.
DetroitBraves
July 31st, 2012
1:41 pm
One thing to consider when trying to project Maholm’s results in Atlanta as opposed to Wrigley is that he’s not really a ground ball or fly ball pitcher. Really an even split for him in recent years. Whatever benefit he gets from moving to a tougher homer ballpark (though it should be noted Wrigley is below average in allowing homeruns, as well) with a good outfield defense may be mitigated by playing in front of a brutal infield defense. One that has been especially brutal without Simmons playing shortstop. The defense would be a little easier to take had Uggla not stopped hitting entirely or if Chipper’s bat could be in the lineup everyday but here we are……..
Nate in SLC
July 31st, 2012
1:45 pm
I don’t like it. We trade the top young relief pitcher for a #3, #4 starter and a bench player? Neither Maholm or Johnson are the difference, most likely, in us making the playoffs or winning it if we get there. So, most likely we just gave up a guy that will have a good-great 10-15 MLB career for 2 guys that don’t put us over the top.
Bonehead move.
HUH?????????????
July 31st, 2012
1:45 pm
UGA wins the 2008 national title!!!!!
Brock
July 31st, 2012
1:45 pm
Don’t know what you guys are bitching about. Maholm beat the Braves the only 2 times he faced them this season. If you think Atlanta is a good team wouldn’t you want a pitcher that a good team couldn’t beat?
David
July 31st, 2012
2:05 pm
This is where the big boys are separated from the little ones. My Braves are still missing a piece or two. Wanted something good but this is the best we could do. Should squeak in the playoffs, but exit early, unless Uggla and/or a few others get hot at the right time.
Tumbledown
July 31st, 2012
2:35 pm
The Braves have to be cost-effective (cheap for those naysayers) because they do not have unlimited funds to spend due to corporate ownership and an unfavorable TV contract. Wren is trying to navigate the difficult terrain of upgrading the roster for a playoff run while not mortgaging the future by giving away too many rising prospects who are relatively cost effective.
Hopefully, Wren and the powers that be will be better at not paying out a large pecentage of their payroll to underperformers like Lowe and Uggla.
James Cassara
July 31st, 2012
2:38 pm
I honestly don’t understand all the bashing of Tommy Hanson. Sure he’s not been overpowering and his ERA is higher than we’d like. But he’s 12-5 and pitches well enough to win. I think with a bit of rest he’ll be fine.
gcs
July 31st, 2012
2:39 pm
Maybe with the addition of Reed Johnson we could see more Prado at second base!
James Cassara
July 31st, 2012
2:42 pm
I like this trade, even with having to give up Vizcaino but the two players we got are both going be with us next year. Why trade for a “rent a player” such as Dempster?
sheeesh
July 31st, 2012
2:43 pm
A lot of stat and prospect-ranking clowns on this blog are blasting this trade. Accurately projecting the impact of any transaction is impossible, but I assume the Braves decided to make this deal based on scouting Maholm very closely for at least the last month+ (probably longer). That far outweighs the opinions of all the bozos who say they know what kind of pitcher Maholm is right now based on this career stats or that giving up Vizcaino was too much based on where he ranks among prospects. I doubt most of the clowns espousing opinions based on numbers and rankings have not seen Maholm pitch more than one or two times, if that. And even if they have, they wouldn’t know what to look for in a pitcher’s performance without a stat sheet in front of them.
But be of good cheer, clowns. The world still needs clowns to make us laugh.