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
Grandma Giffin
July 31st, 2012
12:38 am
Yicketty
Mark Bradley
July 31st, 2012
12:39 am
Kudos, GG.
daviddadams
July 31st, 2012
12:40 am
first
BW
July 31st, 2012
12:40 am
Hate to lose Vizcaino…I was looking forward to his return but the team has improved itself without gouging itself.
daviddadams
July 31st, 2012
12:41 am
when do u think maholm gets his first start?
bravesfan2008
July 31st, 2012
12:43 am
Do you see the Braves will make a trade for a RP to solidify an already good BP. An arm like Gregerson or League would be nice.
mtnrider1
July 31st, 2012
12:43 am
Hope this gives the bravos the arm strength to go deep into Oct! Good newsbreaker MB.
Bravesfan
July 31st, 2012
12:45 am
Yeah man!
Mark Bradley
July 31st, 2012
12:46 am
Maholm started Sunday. Wren says he won’t join the team until Wednesday, so I’m guessing … the weekend?
Mark Bradley
July 31st, 2012
12:47 am
Johnson will be here tomorrow, per Wren.
Grandma Giffin
July 31st, 2012
12:47 am
Maholm gonna take over Hanson’s next start?
Mark Bradley
July 31st, 2012
12:47 am
I think the Braves are still looking, but moving Medlen back to relief is kind of a trade in itself.
humpomg
July 31st, 2012
12:49 am
4th
Mark Bradley
July 31st, 2012
12:49 am
Really, Maholm doesn’t have to take anybody’s place except Medlen’s. Although Fredi’s comment about Hanson maybe skipping a turn was intriguing, wasn’t it?
IdahoBraves Fan
July 31st, 2012
12:49 am
Good move but couldn’t they have unloaded Struggla instead?
Prado Wan Kenobi
July 31st, 2012
12:51 am
Mark good to see I’m not the only one up! A career says the most about a pitcher, but I Like guys getting hot this time of year and that goes for picthers also, and Maholm is looking great right now!
Mark Bradley
July 31st, 2012
12:52 am
I’m not staying up much longer, I fear. About to head out. A long day at the yard.
Thanks for hanging around, folks.
Grandma Giffin
July 31st, 2012
12:53 am
@ Mark Bradley “Although Fredi’s comment about Hanson maybe skipping a turn was intriguing, wasn’t it?”
That’s what I was alluding to. If he wants to sit Hanson for a turn, it would be a good opportunity since Hanson would be scheduled to pitch this weekend.
Prado Wan Kenobi
July 31st, 2012
12:56 am
Good Night…….Good to have you back!!!
tjhook
July 31st, 2012
1:00 am
I wonder will there be more infield shuffling now that we have another outfielder. Will Janisch stay(I like his defense)? Also, will Hinske be strictly infield now? Or will Prado be moved around more frequently? Glad for the new additions, though.
COOPER
July 31st, 2012
1:00 am
I sure hope Medlen still gets to start on Tuesday and if he pitches 7 innings, strikes out 7 and only allows 2 or 3 hits with no walks I hope he will stay in the rotation. Hanson is the one that needs a break.Maholm can spot start for each starter but I think Medlen deserves the chance to start. It seems he is being punished for being the only reliever who can come into a game and throw strikes, but can also be a starter.
Kris
July 31st, 2012
1:03 am
Mark – doesn’t this completely contradict the blog you posted a couple of hours ago? Maholm is at best a #3 and seeing as how we are packed to the gills with #3 starters how exactly does this benefit us? Not sharing your sense of enthusiasm here – this reminds me of the trade we made a couple years ago for Farnsworth and Ankiel…this will make no difference down the stretch. Maholm is a bum.
JC Boscan III
July 31st, 2012
1:05 am
Who knows — if Medlen does well Tuesday night, and Hanson needs a break, Medlen might get another start or 2. Hanson’s become the 5-6 inning starter that Minor and Delgado were earlier, and it’s not good for the bullpen. He’s dodged a lot of bullets in his last 2 starts. Maybe a 10-day rest will help him to rejuvenate…..
GT Alum
July 31st, 2012
1:09 am
IdahoBraves Fan -
Uggla probably has about as much trade value right now as JJ, which is virtually none.
luvthosedawgs68
July 31st, 2012
1:11 am
Love the trade…. Adds a lot of depth to two places that certainly needed it!!
southgabrave
July 31st, 2012
1:12 am
@DOB
Any rumors of another move to add more bench help? The pen will be fine with Medlen going back to the pen but we still need some bench help. Hinski is not exactly killing the ball.
luvthosedawgs68
July 31st, 2012
1:12 am
Uggla will turn it around…. At least he doesn’t pout or let the offensive struggles affect his defense.
Columbus
July 31st, 2012
1:15 am
Thanks Mark. Is this the REAL Mark Bradley? I do not know where you went and what you did on this vacation but please do it again next year…..I kinda like this side of you!
Dirty Dawg
July 31st, 2012
1:17 am
Don’t do that to Medlen…move him back before he’s given a legitimate chance to show that he can be the forth or fifth, maybe even the third, starter behind Hudson and Sheets, then Maholm, Minor or Medlen or Hanson. The final lineup will be based on performance between now and September, but I believe the odd man out will ultimately be Hanson. Of course if they end up short in the bullpen I suppose Medlen would be the logical choice but give the kid a chance to be a starter first. JJ who?
NorCal Brave
July 31st, 2012
1:20 am
A shot in the arm, for sure. Johnson, whom the Braves were sweet on in years past, is a solid bat who can play all outfield spots. Malholm, a proven veteran, will shore up the rotation, plus give us another Lefty! Plus, we don’t give up Delgado or Teheran. Should be a fun stretch run.
DawgDad
July 31st, 2012
1:31 am
This is a trade the Braves had to make, even if it hurts to watch Vizcaino down the road. Johnson is a good fit, perhaps a better Diaz than Diaz because he should be better defensively. Maholm adds a solid veteran to the rotation, though he hasn’t done anything approaching “ace” statusn and with Delgado still in-hand he adds sorely needed starting pitching depth to the organization.
The past two days Uggla has shown even a .250 average down the stretch would be a huge boost. Not quite what he’s getting paid for, but at least he wouldn’t be hurting the team.
pruss
July 31st, 2012
1:38 am
Hey Im fine if Uggla waits to get hot until mid August then stays hot through October…. P.S. Good trade
Bvillebaron
July 31st, 2012
1:42 am
Let’s not be so quick to trash Hanson folks!
Bill
July 31st, 2012
1:51 am
Great job mark..
great trade, we needed that southpaw and Johnson. Braves also got cash back from Cubs per MLB.com. Wren is still talking to Rays and Fish so look for more moves by 4pm Tuesday.
Mark Bradley
July 31st, 2012
1:59 am
My first thought was that the Braves didn’t need to get another No. 3/4 starter because they have a slew of those already, but the more I see of Hanson, the less impressed I am. The middle of the rotation needed bolstering, too, and the Braves believe Ben Sheets is more than a three-game wonder. They think he can be, if not quite a No. 1, then a No. 2.
In sum, I kind of changed my mind as the night went on. As I said, it was a long night.
Left Coast Dawg
July 31st, 2012
2:08 am
MB – what took so long to post this article? It was all over TV shortly after the game was over tonight.
jdawg
July 31st, 2012
2:24 am
I can’t believe we traded one of our big three prospects for Maholm and a utility outfielder. I had hoped Wren was hoarding pitchers in the minors for a better reason than this…
MB, what does Maholm’s contract look like?
Columbus
July 31st, 2012
2:27 am
Uggla has ALWAYS been streaky. When he DOES turn it around look out. Gonzalez knows this too and is smart to stick with him. At least for now and the team is winning so theres no urgency. BTW Uggla struck the ball differently and better tonight, which might be a great sign. Hes just getting his weight forward too soon, not staying back. If you have ever been there, you know exactly what hes doing. Foul popups, popups, strikeouts and grounders off the handle etc. They will fix that and he will be player of the month and hit 30 homers. Remember last year when he came out of it….WOW!
Hanson has won 12 games and still the 2nd best pitcher on the staff. Only gave up one run tonight I think(thanks to Prado’s great throw)If Prado made an awesome catch, he wouldnt have gave up any maybe. I agree he can use a rest. Its a long season and hes not long off surgery. But thank goodness for Hanson and Hudson this year! It wouldnt hurt my feelings to see both of them get some breaks down the stretch. Let Medlin start one Tuesday anyway.
The staff suddenly looks MUCH better if Minor and Sheets keep doing anything close to what they have been doing. Hanson getting some rest would be wise for his sharpness and for down the stretch. VERY WISE to give him rest. Sheets too. Heck all of them.
Hudson, Hanson, Sheets, Minor, Maholm. Medlin in long relief. Not bad at all. Then we got the old vet in the minors who might can help out too if needed.
HATE to lose the kid Vizcaino but a move for a quality starter HAD to be made and only a fool would not have. Got a quality starter AND a RH bat. VERY good deal. Now Schultz and the rest of the critics can stop hatin’ when every trade rumor didnt happen.
Got to respect Wren for holding to his guns and not giving up the farm to make a deal for a likely rental and to appease the haters! Wren is sharp and came through again. I knew he would.
Some idiots on here wanted to trade half the team and build for next year….ROFL! I mean Bourn and Prado and Uggla and Minor and Hanson. A playoff team should fold….why even be in the game then? Yeah we have a great shot but lets just forget it and play for next year! If that guy was GM, never mind, He never would be. Crazy.
Thanks for staying up and breaking the news Mark….
ACE
July 31st, 2012
2:28 am
Spot on with your review of the trade.
Kwajbraves
July 31st, 2012
2:33 am
Delgado and Teheran will get their shot next year on the starting rotation. I’m feeling sorry for Meds because I think he can be a good 4 or 5. Hanson and JJ will be gone either via trade or free agency. I don’t see the Braves going overboard with an offer to Hanson.
chris
July 31st, 2012
2:47 am
Any chance Dempster has attitude remorse and tells Theo to send him here after all?
Kwajbraves
July 31st, 2012
2:47 am
This how ESPN reported this trade: “Cubs trade Soto and two other too” LOL
BTR
July 31st, 2012
3:19 am
Did wren go for a GM to be named later ??? I sure wish so !
Chipper Why(Have you been so good)
July 31st, 2012
3:24 am
I am surprised at anyone not seeing this as an incredible coup.
This is the first left handed pitcher to make 6 starts in modern Cubs history with one run total. This guy had a below 4.0 ERA for the Pirates last year in a complete season. Look at his other seasons with the leagues worst team.
The Braves have received a pitcher, in my opinion, that will put up a better win loss percentage than Dempster.
Johnson could be nothing more than a bench player, but considering what happens when we have to put Prado at 3rd, I love the move. We will probably see him playing multiple positions, and resting our players.
Frank Wren I dont want to get your hopes up, but you may of made the moves needed to make us forget Texeira.
Mark do you see this being beneficially better than the Braves trading for a Dempster or a Greinke? Especially considering Medlen going back to the bullpen effectively being a pickup, a new left handed starter, and the better than average outfield sub we picked up?
Bradley Curse
July 31st, 2012
3:26 am
“This trade doesn’t transform the Braves”
I’ll get back to you 1) when the season is over; and then on as needed basis 2) once the playoffs are under way and then 3) once the world series is over. Then we’ll go over this statement again.
Najeh Davenpoop
July 31st, 2012
3:35 am
This is a great trade if they already had an ace starter and were struggling with back of the rotation depth. But it’s hard to win in the playoffs without a true ace, especially if the Braves are going to get caught up in the new one-game playoff for the wild card. Unless Wren thinks either Maholm or Sheets is going to continue pitching this way for the rest of the year I don’t think this vaults the Braves to true contender status. A bunch of solid #3 starters isn’t quite good enough for that.
John
July 31st, 2012
3:44 am
Anybody think the Braves will make another trade before the 4pm deadline on Tuesday? I’m wondering if Wren has something else brewing…just saying.
Moorman
July 31st, 2012
4:18 am
The braves traded for who?
superiorblogman
July 31st, 2012
4:42 am
Good trade all things considered
T-Bone
July 31st, 2012
6:10 am
Yawn
Screwball
July 31st, 2012
6:23 am
Not a block buster but two solid building blocks. I agree with MB on two points. 1. There is something missing with Hanson. 2. The Marlins are awful. The Astros are next. The Braves might go 10-0 on this home stand with their Double A starting arms. A great opportunity.
Pooter
July 31st, 2012
6:25 am
YAWN!!!!!!!!
GaryinBham
July 31st, 2012
6:25 am
I like the trade and it was a good move for both clubs. Hate losing Vizcaino, but we have a window this year and this was decent and strengthens the club on the field THIS year without, as they say, “giving away the farm”
RA
July 31st, 2012
6:43 am
“Maybe this will work. Maybe this won’t…” Gee, you really went out on a limb there Bradley;)
Longtimefan
July 31st, 2012
6:50 am
You can’t please some people with a pleasing stick. Some people for reasons I can’t fathom just don’t like FW and will poo poo anything he does. He could sign a former All-Star for nothing and have the guy pitch lights out and they wouldn’t give kudos. Oh, he did that!
ToeMeetsLeather
July 31st, 2012
6:50 am
Good move by Wren. Gives us a little better shot this year without affecting next year’s team to any extent. Wren’s legacy in Atlanta will be defined by this next off season. Lowe’s and Chip’s money becomes available to put toward a #1 starter and a big bopper for left field(Prado back to third). Those two moves can make Atlanta the best team in baseball for the 2013 season and beyond. Next year should be fun.
clay
July 31st, 2012
6:50 am
Good trade considering not a lot out there and what is out there cost the braves little.
Harry
July 31st, 2012
7:29 am
This trade suggests that the days are numbered for ‘an old’ Jurrgens as a Brave.
Johnny Vaught
July 31st, 2012
7:32 am
Not a bad trade – but you media guys don’t get it. For the last 40 plus years, Braves management has always brought in the has beens, wanna bes, and never been players … In other words, they settle for second best. Let’s bring back Neikro from the Yankees, Glavin from the Mets, or some re-tread and hope they’ll play like they did 10 years before. This trade fails to bring a star, something the Braves need either traded for or signed as a free agent.
I’ll love the day the AJC quits the homer spin “his is not a team to dismiss, ladies and gentlemen. This is a team that can get to October and stay there a while.” That, dude, remains to be seen. We have yet to factor in injuries, collapses, and some stupid Fredi moves not to mention monumental collapses such as Uggla, Hanson and who knows who is waiting in the wings. One Chipper Jones injury could make this team without a leader and the only real star it has ….
Buggs Bunny
July 31st, 2012
7:39 am
Hanson hasn’t exactly been dominant but giving up 2 to 4 runs per game isn’t that bad if you have an offense. He’d be a king and ace in the American League where every team averages about 5 to 6 runs per game.
I think the Braves got Reed Johnson in case they can’t resign Bourn. He gives them a CF option. He definitely is an upgrade pinch hitting over Hinske,Pastornicky,Diaz,and Ross.
G
July 31st, 2012
7:40 am
Mark…. Don’t you still think they need another starter? I mean you have 2 guys, Hanson and Sheets who can’t make it past 5-6 innings. You can’t continue to tax the bullpen like that. Just not enough I’m afraid
robdawg08
July 31st, 2012
7:42 am
Now trade Jair Jurggens for a LF power hitting prospect.
I think they got Reed Johnson as possible replacement in CF if Bourn doesn’t resign.
jeffrey d
July 31st, 2012
7:43 am
Aw man…glad to see a move, but I hate to give up Arodys. I was hoping we’d get something for nothing like last year (Bourn)
Chip and Chipper
July 31st, 2012
7:58 am
Hanson can sit as long as possible, maybe even unitl 2013 when they can fix his delayed delivery. Maholm and Medlen in the rotation are so much better than a 12-5 overrated pitcher that can’t go 6 innings anymore. Anyone really want Hanson going against a solid club in the playoffs??
Chip and Chipper
July 31st, 2012
7:58 am
Hanson can sit as long as possible, maybe even unitl 2013 when they can fix his delayed delivery. Maholm and Medlen in the rotation are so much better than a 12-5 overrated pitcher that can’t go 6 innings anymore. Anyone really want Hanson going against a solid club in the playoffs??
STEVE
July 31st, 2012
8:07 am
Decent move, isn’t going to propel them to a world championship… but perhaps will stave off a late season collapse like last year.
Keith
July 31st, 2012
8:18 am
Great move by WREN!!!
Go BRAVES
John
July 31st, 2012
8:27 am
Not the move I was hoping for! But not bad! And I’m not sure we are done! We still need a #1 or a 2!!!!
timbo2589
July 31st, 2012
8:30 am
Hey; Mike Bilecky and Damon Berryhill did a good job here. I’m hoping for the same results from these two former cubbies.
DetroitBraves
July 31st, 2012
8:33 am
Probably makes the Braves better this year, but I doubt by much. I do, however, share Mark’s concerns about Hanson. As for what the Braves gave up, if they feel Vizcaino is destined to be a bullpen arm then the deal is much easier to understand. If it turns out Vizcaino can stand up to starting, and deliver on his status prior to the TJ surgery (which pitchers come back from pretty well these days) then the Braves traded a lot of upside for a back-end starter. Obviously, they don’t have benefit of hindsight so evaluating this trade hinges quite a bit on their projection. This is something Frank Wren and his staff should have a better handle on than do I (and if they don’t, it’s probably time to go looking for another GM). Either way, it’s a good risk for the Cubs. Maholm wasn’t going to be part of any team of significance there.
Time
July 31st, 2012
8:37 am
Bad trade, for a mediocre pitcher that’s not going to help this team at all. Hope the idiots at the AJC and all the whiners are happy as they’ve just gotten this pitcher they’ve been so desperate to get. Nevermind the fact that Mike Minor has pitched well. Nevermind the fact that for all this supposed pitching woes, the Braves were only a few games off the best record in baseball.
Terrible deal. Great job wasting young talent on old scrubs Wren.
Jfreak13713
July 31st, 2012
8:37 am
I would put Hanson in the bullpen and Medlen in the starting rotation! Not a bad trade that should help.
1. Hudson
2. Maholm
3. Sheets
4. Medlen
5. Minor / Hanson
Probably not going to win World Series but might give Washington a run for their money.
bring back blauser
July 31st, 2012
8:45 am
bad trade? how do you see that? here we are getting major league for prospects. until they make it to the majors they are only prospects. you got to give presumed quality for quality. from what i have seen from some of these bloggers if the braves got trout and pujols from the angels for a minor leaguer drafted in the 15th round in draft they would still say braves were taken
BUGGSY
July 31st, 2012
8:53 am
Damn good TRADE….I know Arodis was a good upan coming pitcher but after having TJ surgery there is no way to tell if he will every be the same pitcher..I dont think the BRAVES are done!Also just let Chipper take over this TEAM an run it(he’s been doin lately anyway)…Im so pumped about my BRAVES right now..
bring back blauser
July 31st, 2012
8:57 am
i have always thought that maholm was a quality pitcher. his problem has been that he never had anything behind him. kind of reminds me of glavine his first couple of years here in atlanta
DetroitBraves
July 31st, 2012
8:57 am
@Jfreak13713, you know when I look at that rotation a couple of things jump out at me – one the Braves had better hit and two they had better not go down the stretch having exhausted their bullpen like they did last year. Not that the rotation is bad, it’s just that the #1, #2, etc. are ranked as such because somebody has to be. I don’t think at this point Hudson is anyone’s idea of a true #1 or Mahlom a #2 (we can quibble about your rankings but any re-rank and the fact remains). Since at no point of the rotation is it truly bad it may, in fact, get them to October but I don’t see it matching up after that. Hudson vs. Kershaw? Maholm vs. Gonzalez? Where they do match up is in the bullpen, where they may need a significant number of innings in a postseason series to win. So yeah, those pen guys need to stay fresh. And having said that, Maholm can return really good value by simply eating innings between now and then.
moboman
July 31st, 2012
8:59 am
Yeah, Hanson needs to skip a turn because he’s burning out with his terrible mechanics. What happened to the “new delivery”. Same old all arm delivery.
Flo- Ri- Duh
July 31st, 2012
9:01 am
Wild card at best and out in the 1st round of the playoffs – as usual. Still I’m a Braves fan – GO BRAVES!
Frank Wren -- GM Extrordinaire
July 31st, 2012
9:03 am
BOOM! How ya like me now!
I don’t think I’m done yet……
Turtsnap
July 31st, 2012
9:12 am
If Medlen has a very good showing tonight, I wouldn’t be so quick to shuffle him back to the pen. Having Maholm gives them options to go with hot hands. I wasn’t sold on Hanson since the first time I saw him live, which was against the Brewers. He gave up at least one big homer, a three runner I think to Braun or Corey Hart…… He has a tendency to give up 3 run homers. To me his fast ball looks straight, and we know what MLB hitters do to straight fast balls!
sdr
July 31st, 2012
9:19 am
So much giddy every year from mb on the braves and every year they choke. you’d think this bufoon would learn but he’s as stubborn as a mule.
Ted M
July 31st, 2012
9:19 am
Who is the guy in the photo w/Wren?
Packer Ed
July 31st, 2012
9:21 am
Only kind of trades one can make when one has little or no money
Delbert D.
July 31st, 2012
9:35 am
Were the Red Sox scouts at the game to evaluate Hanson? They desperately need pitching for the future. I would trade him for Middlebrooks.
kingdaddy
July 31st, 2012
9:37 am
Having Chipper around this last half is sorta like finishing off a really good meal. It’s soooooo good, you can’t wait for the next bite, but when you take that last bite and you realize it’s gone, you want just a little more. Man am I gonna miss all the different things he brought (brings) to this team. Every defensive play and every at bat is the end comming of an awsome feast of baseball that Larry”Chipper” Jones has brought to the luckiest of baseball fans. Do we have another “Chipper” somewhere in the farm? I’m still hungry…
all for one.....
July 31st, 2012
9:38 am
GM Wrenn, love to have 2 lefty starters. Future we can have 3, with Minor, Maholm, Gilmartin, Sheets, Delgado, Teheran as a 6 man rotation. Kimbrel, O’Flaherty, Venters, Medlen, Martinez, and best power arm from farm. Rotation set. Freddie 1B, Simmons SS, McCann C, Heyward RF, Prado 3B, 5 of 8 starting positions. Betancourt C, Janish IF, Pastornicky IF, Juan 3B, Reed Johnson OF fills future bench. So I see Braves as needing to fill 2 OF positions, and trading Uggla with 3 years on his contract this winter and finding a 2B. We have drafted middle infielders and outfielders lately. We just need a few to rise to top. Braves in great shape.
collegeballfan
July 31st, 2012
9:38 am
And as I am sure Chipper will point out, it gives the Braves another lefty starter to counter all the lefty starters they face.
Heisenberg
July 31st, 2012
9:39 am
Bosox are not gonna trade Middlebrooks after dealing Youklis. Dream on.
Heisenberg
July 31st, 2012
9:42 am
Reed Johnson is an upgrade in all ways to Diaz as 4th OF. Good pickup. Anybody know off top of their heads contract status of Maholm & Johnson?
kingdaddy
July 31st, 2012
9:42 am
Don’t believe I caught Johnson’s stats???
The rev al
July 31st, 2012
9:43 am
Wimpy move at best. Hanson not improving and/or an injury to the starting rotation and the braves will be in trouble. Clearly the ownership will never spend what it takes to get to the next level. A Greinke trade could have done that.
Ken Stallings
July 31st, 2012
9:45 am
Mark,
Kris Medlin needs to start in the four hole and Maholm take over for Hanson in the five hole. Medlin has better stuff and control. The kid was a starter and has earned the spot in the rotation. Hanson is looking more and more like a liability. His curveball keeps breaking over the middle of the plate and it gets hit hard. Hanson’s prime positive is that he’s the luckiest pitcher in the rotation.
He gets a lot of run support. But, when he makes a mistake it rarely gets hit over the wall. Some of this is because even when his pitches break over the middle of the plate they still have movement. But, that’s hardly a vote of confidence!
Hanson’s extremely slow delivery in the stretch is another huge liability. Teams run against him with wild abandon, and while weak teams such as the Marlins may be unable to get the key hit to plate two or three runs courtesy walks and stolen bases, quality teams such as those we would meet in post-season certainly will.
The Braves have time to slot Medlin in the rotation and see if he can handle it. I believe he can and therefore he must be given that opportunity.
As far as Hanson is concerned, what to do with him is a head-scratcher. Something is not right about him. His control is terrible and his delivery is slower now than it has been in the past. At his best he appears to be a bottom of the rotation kind of pitcher. That’s what he has been this season and consequently he often goes against the weakest pitcher of the opposing team, and that helps account for his enviable run support levels. He is 12-5 primarily because the Braves lineup scores runs for him.
Delbert D.
July 31st, 2012
9:46 am
Heisenberg – Maybe they are dreaming of Hanson. Take advantage of that. I wouldn’t take less.
Casey Stinkle
July 31st, 2012
9:46 am
Correct me if I am wrong, but it seems like every game Maholm started against the Braves, he won. Awesome move IMO.
kingdaddy
July 31st, 2012
9:47 am
Diaz never caught fire this year. Don’t think he got to swing enough…
DetroitBraves
July 31st, 2012
9:48 am
@Heisenberg, Braves have a club option on Maholm next year. Not sure about Johnson.
eha
July 31st, 2012
9:48 am
You failed to mention the benefit that, if Chipper cracks (God forbid), we’ll still have a quality defensive and offensive outfield and stud Prado at 3rd. Trade is full of options, well done!
Heisenberg
July 31st, 2012
9:48 am
At some point the inability to hold runners will bite Tommy Boy. It was comical last night to watch Reyes stop at 2nd on a ball that could have been a triple because he knew he could steal 3rd with less risk than trying to stretch it out.
seabass
July 31st, 2012
9:54 am
We will regret letting Vizcaino go. I hate it. Way too young to give up on. Had great stuff.
kingdaddy
July 31st, 2012
9:55 am
Prado ruined Reyes night with that peg at the plate. I hope they never let Prado get away. Gotta love that emotion he brings. Man gives 110% every night…
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.
Joe 12-Pack
July 31st, 2012
2:45 pm
FYI, Johnson is 35 and a FA after this season. He’s making $1.15M this year.
There is a $6.5M team option on Maholm who makes $4.75M this year. 30 years old.
Curt
July 31st, 2012
2:53 pm
Tommy Hanson is probably at best a #4 pitcher. His velocity is down from what it has been and that is because he is trying to improve his location. Problem is that his location seems to be getting worse. His offspeed is decent but not consistent. Probably the worst thing about Hanson is that he can not hold runners on first. The pause he has in his mechanics allows runners more than enough time to steal and Hanson seems to be paying less and attention to runners.
Proof of all this is the game in Florida where he walked 7 and had 7 stolen bases. Yes, he struck out 7 but as we all know, Florida was and is a depleted team.
while I think he would make good trade fodder, I dont mind keeping Hanson around but I think he needs to be treated like a 4 or 5 starter until and if he can improve his mechanics
gcs
July 31st, 2012
2:56 pm
HA! The Braves killed the Phillies!
They came into ATL feeling pretty good about themselves thinking they might get back in the race. But they were swept and now they are giving up.
Hunter Pence to Giants! Victorino to Dodgers! Who is next?
Tumbledown
July 31st, 2012
2:58 pm
I think the ship has sailed on Hanson improving his mechanics much. I bet we have seen the best of Hanson. For some reason though, the baseball gods shine upon him and he is able to collect wins.
billy bob baseball
July 31st, 2012
2:58 pm
luvthosedawgs68 July 31st, 2012 1:12 am Columbus July 31st, 2012 2:27 am
You just don’t get it do you, uggla cannot hit. He’s been here 1 1/2 seasons and had one good month. That was like the proverbial blind squirrel finding the occasional acorn. You guys and joe simpson must believe in leprechauns and fairy dust, with your belief in the fantasy of an uggla turnaround. I have a 18 year old toyota tercel that barely runs, I don’t expect it is going to ‘turn it around’ soon and begin running like it did in 1994-95. Neither is uggla going to start hitting over 200. IT AINT GONNA HAPPEN!
Skeezix
July 31st, 2012
3:06 pm
I feel strongly both ways on this one. We’ll just have to wait and see how it works out. If Maholm continues to pitch like he has lately, he will be a definite plus. I decided to take a wait and see approach on Sheets and he has surprised everyone with how well he has performed. If Uggla continues to disappoint, having Reed Johnson gives Fredi more options.
Tumbledown
July 31st, 2012
3:06 pm
From the Murphy’s law file: Uggla will turn it around only after the Braves give up and trade him to another team.
Skeezix
July 31st, 2012
3:08 pm
I do think Hanson needs a rest. He’s a big guy and I think the heat wears him down.
Curt
July 31st, 2012
3:46 pm
From what I hear, Hanson and Uggla (and I’m sure many others on the team) need a rest from power drinking and staying out late. Apparently these guys don’t understand that every cause has an effect.
Kevin Chop
July 31st, 2012
3:50 pm
At the end of the day, the Braves are not a world series contender, and that should be what matters the most. Sure we will probably play in for the wild card and will probably lost the one game series to a better team. Is that really a great season???
Time
July 31st, 2012
3:52 pm
Just for that one idiot calling me a idiot for quoting stats…….
4.30 1.41 .280
Don’t worry though, I won’t remind you in a couple weeks when you’re #5 starter on a bad team savior has been shelled a few times. Great trade. Ha. It was….for the Cubs.
Kevin Chop
July 31st, 2012
3:52 pm
lose*
what of it?
July 31st, 2012
3:53 pm
a much better trade than the dempster proposition or the greinke one. I’ve never been sold on vizcaino and we addressed two needs. Our rotation isn’t as bad as stats suggest. Minor and delgado have steadily improved. Hanson has not but continues to get run support. As a typical Wren-hater, I give him props for this one. now please get us a bullpen arm for reinforcement.
Hillbilly D
July 31st, 2012
4:05 pm
As a Cub fan, Reed Johnson is a good, solid bench guy but he can’t play everyday anymore. He’s hitting over .400 this year as a pinch hitter and is a RH role player, which is something the Braves need. I think he and Maholm are good additions for the Braves.
phoenix
July 31st, 2012
4:11 pm
Glad to see Reed Johnson off the bench! Unlike Hinske, he can score from second without stopping for oxygen at third.
LawDawg
July 31st, 2012
5:45 pm
On the plus side, Vizcaino is never going to be a starter and a great reliever is still only worth about 50% of a decent starter and about 5% of an ace.
Around The Horn
July 31st, 2012
5:58 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.
ESPN's Keith Law: The Braves overpaid for Maholm and Johnson | Mark Bradley
August 1st, 2012
10:37 am
[...] belief here is that the Braves made a good trade, and not every good trade is a swindle. (The Fred McGriff trade? That was a swindle.) They [...]
sidslid
August 1st, 2012
11:09 am
Cub’s pitcher’s ERA are as much a function of long term weather patterns in Chicago as ability (see: Zambrano, Carlos).
ESPN’s Law: The Braves overpaid for Maholm and Johnson - Lawyer Net
August 1st, 2012
5:34 pm
[...] belief here is that the Braves made a good trade, and not every good trade is a swindle. (The Fred McGriff trade? That was a swindle.) They [...]