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Braves Acquire Reed Johnson, Paul Maholm

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The Cubs have traded left-hander Paul Maholm, outfielder Reed Johnson and cash considerations to the Braves in a four-player trade that provides Atlanta with reinforcements for the season's final two months and bolsters Chicago's minor league system. The Cubs obtain right-handers Jaye Chapman and Arodys Vizcaino in the trade, which the teams have announced. 

Paul Maholm - Cubs (PW)

Maholm has a 3.74 ERA with 6.1 K/9, 2.5 BB/9 and a 49.9% ground ball rate in 120 1/3 innings for the Cubs this year. The 30-year-old has never thrown particularly hard; his average fastball checks in at 87.6 mph this year, according to FanGraphs. He earns a $4.75MM salary in 2012 and his contract includes a $6.5MM club option for 2013. The Royals and Pirates appeared to have interest in Maholm earlier this month.

Johnson, 35, has a .307/.361/.452 batting line in 180 plate appearances this year. The right-handed hitter has played all three outfield positions for the Cubs and owns a career .313/.370/.469 line against left-handed pitching. He's signed to a one-year, $1.15MM contract and will hit free agency after the season. Four teams made offers for Johnson today, including the Pirates and Tigers, according to Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com.

Vizcaino, who entered the 2012 season ranked by Baseball America as the 40th-best prospect in MLB, had Tommy John surgery this spring. The 21-year-old posted a 3.06 ERA with 9.3 K/9 and 2.6 BB/9 in 97 innings for three Braves affiliates as he made his way through Atlanta's minor league system in 2011. The right-hander reached the Major Leagues last year, posting a 4.67 ERA with 8.8 K/9 and 4.7 BB/9 in 17 relief appearances.

Chapman, a 25-year-old right-hander, has a 3.52 ERA with 10.1 K/9 and 4.9 BB/9 in 53 2/3 innings of relief for Atlanta's Triple-A team so far in 2012. The Braves selected him in the 16th round of the 2005 draft.

Maholm joins a Braves rotation that includes Tim Hudson, Tommy Hanson, Mike Minor, Ben Sheets and, as of tomorrow, Kris Medlen. The Braves nearly traded for Ryan Dempster this month, but the sides don't appear to have obtained the right-hander's permission. 

Geovany Soto has been traded to the Rangers in a separate move.

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com first reported that Johnson had been traded (on Twitter). Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports first reported Maholm's role in the trade and first reported that the Braves were the other team involved (Twitter link). ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick first reported that the Cubs were getting two minor league pitchers, including Chapman. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported that the Cubs were getting Vizcaino. Photo courtesy of US Presswire.

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Comments

  3. Now Soto has been pulled from the game and is giving hugs and shaking hands.. looks like he is no longer a cub also

      • if anythiing it will be a C level highA pitcher who has no future in his current teams plans, might be a “project” type of player, more than likely he will never put on a cubs jersey, at least not a chicago cubs jersey, might put on an Iowa cubs

  8. I remember when I thought Soto would be one of the premier catchers in the game, what happened?

    • honestly a solid trade for the sox, they could use another back up outfielder to pair with Danks, and we have plenty of C level guys the bench players tend to go for

  13. Cubs top prospect Jackson getting called who just got pulled from the game in Iowa.

  14. Told #Cubs have made separate deals with Soto and Johnson

    – Ken Rosenthal

  16. Wait. Reed Johnson is still alive? And in the big leagues? Well how about that.

    • Not doing too bad either. He has .307/.361/.452 batting line in 180 plate appearances this year.

    • someone has no funny bone, there are a bunch of negs on the funny/ dont take me seriously comments…

    • he is watching everybody leave……..WREN thanks for not waiting on dempster cause we got the better trade this time….

  20. David D.Jeff Baker,Paul Maholm,LeHair next to get pulled from Game.

    • David, Baker,Paul yes LaHair doubt it, he is cheap and his stock is pretty low right now, plus he is playing the outfield just fine for the cubs to keep him

  21. Brett Jackson has been called up as a result of the Johnson trade according to Doug Padilla.

    • soto to the rangers via tim brown and twitter, nothing official on the rangers website though

  29. It’s obviously the Brooklyn Nets. Trying to wake up from the Dwightmare.

  30. Oh, the suspense is killing me! I’m also kind of laughing because it’s ironic that a web site that deals in trade rumors, can’t seem to find out about a real trade.

    Anyway, Reed is a nice spare part for __________.

  32. Anyone else seeing minor leaguers pulled from starts? Tigers had a prospect pulled early. Could be them?

  35. It’s not George, not Abe, nope, not Teddy. Crap, it’s Tom again.

  43. johnson to the orioles? they are looking for corner outfield help

  45. It’s gotta be the Braves, right? They’re gonna run out of teams to deny he’s been traded to soon.

      • Could be b/c they are up by 10 and don’t want him to get hurt… Not sure. I don’t think he is in the dugout though.

        • there have been a ton of reports saying that they are trying to move him and willing to eat almost all of his contract to do so, my guess is because the bench is so think as is, he may have just been traded, with only about 18 hrs to go till the deadline he has been traded

      • In years past when he was a complete defensive liability and they only had a 1 or 2 run lead, but this year he has been at least average defensively and the Cubs were up 10 runs. Like I said, it may mean nothing, but with all the activity going on tonight and the previous rumors of a Dempster/Soriano trade to LA…. He may just have played his last game as a Cub.

  47. johnson to orioles? they have been looking for corner outfield help

      • I actually wouldn’t be surprised. Maholm isn’t quite as good as Dempster (though he has been AMAZING recently) but he does have an option for next year, and of course Johnson on top, for a player the Braves obviously thought they could part with? I could see it.

  55. Maholm is the steal if this is accurate. The way he has pitched recently it is a solid move depending on the return.

      • Al Yellon says same package as Johnson. Most likely moved up though, that would make more sense….

    • He is being called up b/c the trade of Reed Johnson leaves an OF spot for him. It’s also possible that Soriano was traded as he was pulled from the game in the top of the 8th, but that could just be b/c the cubs are up by 10 runs and they don’t want to risk him getting hurt.

  57. solid trade for the bravos, Paul has been very under the radar this year

  58. This trade might pull in a couple of decent prospects. Not anything big, but could be very solid

  64. Nice to see the Dempster to the Braves fiasco didn’t stop the two clubs from talking.

  65. gah, need info on the outgoing players…hoping delgado’s not one of ’em.

  66. Wow! That seems so random. The Braves were the last team I thought he’d be going to.

    It will also be interesting to see how Maholm does with the Braves.

  67. I love the pickup of Johnson…though I feel that Medlen would be better than Maholm. I hate parting with Delgado. He has so much upside.

    • Is Delgado in the trade? I haven’t read/heard that anywhere. Seems a high price to pay for Maholm and Johnson…

      • if theo turned maholm/johnson into delgado, that’d be an absolute fleecing.

  68. Hearing whispers of a Dempster/Soriano deal to Dodgers for prospect package.

  69. Johnson was a joy to watch in Toronto… haven’t seen any footage of him recently, but if he plays with even 1/5 of the effort he used to put out… solid pick up.

    • ”
      #Cubs are getting two minor league pitchers in Maholm-Johnson deal, source says. Not in the Minor-Delgado-Teheran-Gilmartin group.”

      so no, they didn’t.

  72. Braves are giving up 2 minor league pitchers but they do not include Teheran, Gilmartin, Minor, or Delgado so we are good Braves fans!!! solid move

  76. Once that mystery team headline came out, I knew it would be the Braves. Though Maholm isn’t Greinke, i’m not entirely disappointed.

    • What ya mean you ain’t entirely disappointed?Paulie has been lights out recently,and all the Braves give up were a couple low level minor leaguers + you got Reed Johnson? You ought to be dancing in the streets.Cubs got hosed.

      • Well if I didn’t make it clear enough…

        Maholm isn’t Greinke, but i’m not entirely disappointed. Meaning this whole month it was speculated that the Braves were out looking for an ace. Maholm is definitely not an ace, but he’s not bad. Which is why i’m not entirely disappointed.

  77. When they stated all the prospects that aren’t in the deal, I thought that was saying they WERE in the deal. I almost peed my pants. LOL

  78. 2 minor league pitchers, none of them top prospects. Nice haul for the Braves.

      • Well, you’re gonna have to give up SOMETHING. But I doubt Frank Wren would do this deal for any big time prospects.

        • Except he’s not just SOMETHING. If you have seen this kid pitch you would know how good he is. Mid 90s sinkerballer don’t grow on trees.

  79. At this point, if everything that is out is true (not giving up one of our young pitchers we covet so much), this trade was masterfully completed. Add’s depth to our starting rotation, and a really solid OF who can play all the spots and swing a decent stick. Good Job Frank Wren.

      • personally I didn’t, Viz to me would translate to a closer….Kimbrel has that locked down pretty much. Frankly, You cant keep every prospect you have, and for every promising arm that makes it…you also have one’s that dont.

  80. Just move Medlen into the rotation and pickup a reliever. Stupid wash of a trade.

  81. Please not JR Graham!!! I’d rather give up Gilmartin than Graham!

  83. Graham would be a nice returning piece after losing Cashner in the Rizzo deal.

  84. Frank Wren was fired from the Orioles for a reason. He makes trades that make no sense. Why wouldn’t you just stick Medlen in the rotation and pickup a reliever?

    • I like the Idea of Medlen in the rotation as much as the next guy, by Joe Simpson and Tom Glavine brought up a good point during the game. We all seem to forget that Med has never thrown over 110 innings in a season, and he is coming off of Tommy John Surgery…and last I looked, Wren has put a product on the field that is 58-44, one of the best records in baseball.

    • Oh yeah because the Orioles were SO Much better in the 13 years after Wren was fired. Personally I like to look at what Wren has done during his time here in Atlanta, which is generally pretty good.

  87. apoligize for previous comment apparently m keyboard is going lol

  88. The best part about this is Malholm has only a $6.75 million option for next year. That’s not bad for what will most likely be the 5th starter next year. Or we could even trade him in the offseason or next trade deadline once Beachy is back.

    Either way getting a solid pitcher and an OF that can play all OF positions without giving up much is a steal.

    • believe Teheran will be up here next year. Wren needs to bring him up becuase thats two deadlines that he hasn’t been traded. Time to give him more than one start everyone 2-3 months

  90. Dam i hope Reed has a great shot for a playoff run this year, and gets to return to the Cubs in the off season. Also good luck Maholm you have been better then expected this year. i wonder what we got in return…

  91. I always wanted to read on here that ________ has been removed from game and is getting hugs in the dugout. I got my wish..sorta.. good job frank wren!!

  92. braves fans who are upset you do realize youre getting a 4th OF who is hitting .300 with a .360 OBP compared to hinske who is hitting.202/.285/.294 and constanza at .222/.222/.250…reed can play all 3 ofs, and paul maholm has a 3.74 ERA and it didnt mean getting rid of any of your top prospects, why you so mad?

    • A much needed OFer too since Heyward hasn’t as much practice in CF and Diaz got hurt. We really needed that RHB off the bench.

    • just so you know, there’s a huge difference between “true braves fans” and “doomsday prophets who post constant whining on dave o’brien’s blog” — the problem is that the latter group is much more vocal.

        • I don’t post there — way too much negativity. his followers make me want to throw myself off a bridge. he’s a pretty good and fair writer, though.

            • you get a very sad and disappointed upvote from me — i’m one of the rare natives that grew up wearing a braves cap at pretty much all times. leo mazzone also taught me how to throw a straight change. :)

            • Don’t be hating on the real Braves fans in Atlanta. I’ve been going to the games every since I was four. I remember getting the binoculars to see Dale Murphy bat.

  94. Sports radio in SanFran has reported that Soriano has refused a trade to the Giants.

  96. David O’Brien
    ‏@ajcbraves

    One of the 2 relievers going to #Cubs, lJaye Chapman was in big-league camp with #Braves and looked overmatched.

  97. Yes yes yes….Im just glad dempster not a brave plus we needed a righthanded hitter against Lefties….he owns lefties and paul is good and can teach minor a trick or two

  98. I hope that Ryan Dempster enjoys watching Paul Maholm in the playoffs.

    • hes praying the dodgers save him from a trip on the couch watching the braves do the chop

  104. Terrible trade by the Braves. Viz was a top prospect before he was hurt.

    • Can’t get guys for free. Viz has a great upside and could have been a great 7th inning guy for us, but he has TJ before even getting the the Majors and could be a starter for the Cubs. Wouldn’t say terrible trade, wouldn’t say great.

      • I agree with you, this is a great trade, but Viz did already pitch in the Majors… last September (August too, IIRC)…. he had a chance to join pen this year if not for injury

  105. Arodys Vizcaino is a good one, possible closer, just get him healthy…that one hurts but Maholm and Johnson are not bad players, and Arodys had TJ surgery this year

    • So what? TJ success is like 95% these days. Just gave up 5.5 years of a guy with top-end stuff for a rental bench bat and #5 starter who will cost 6 million next season.

      • It’s still a risk, the question is will he be a starter or reliever, he has good stuff but he isn’t a sure thing even if healthy

    • Agreed, Vizcaino has been injured a few times, but he is only 21 and his stuff is good. Was 97 on baseball prospectus’ top 100 prospects in 2011 until he got hurt,

      • Apparently he was 40th coming into this year, which is pretty impressive! Top 50 prospect for Johnson and Maholm? Good deal!

  107. Wow Vizcaino! I like Vizzy but I’m just glad we didn’t trade Graham!

  108. Vizcaino?! Seriously?
    Jed pulled a rabbit out of his hat, there.

    • We’ll see on that. I wonder if they’re going to use him as a starter or a reliever. If it’s as a reliever, it’s nothing special, but if he’s able to come back and start, this might end up than the failed Dempster trade.

  109. Wow the Braves traded Vizcaino? Lucky for them that the dempster deal didn’t go down or that would’ve been adios Delgado too, making it two of their top pitching prospects to the cubs.

  110. Vizcaino hate to lose him but needed the depth this year. Next year once Beachy gets back Malholm will be most likely be swapped out for prospects if not even dealt in the offseason. The Braves have a stable of arms and could afford this type of trade.

  111. why does one team have to get fleeced…good move by wren getting solid major leaguers who fill big holes…good move by the cubs getting viz who has real potential if he comes back from his injury

    • I’m a Cardinals fan and I don’t want to compliment anything the Cubs do….but this is a HUGE win for the Cubs.

      • Agreed they got two solid pitchers for two guys that are solid but not top prospect worthy in regards to a trade. Good haul for the Cubs. My thing is though is that the Braves yet again need to make a big move for like a starter and don’t do it again lol. Stuff like that is the reason they don’t get far in the playoffs because they are clinging to much to prospects and not trying to build a winner now.

        • Not trying to build a winner now? Open your eyes. That’s what this trade is about. We get one of the top bench players in the league (Reed Johnson) that’ll allow Prado to 3B to fill in for Chipper if anything happens and Maholm can be a steady innings-eater that can allow Medlen to go back to middle relief, if so they choose. Maholm is one of the 6 best starters in July and while he’s trending up, the man we didn’t get – Dempster – is trending down.

          You say, once again, we didn’t make a big move, but this move – like getting Bourn from HOU without giving up any top prospects – is major. Sorry you don’t see that. We’ve added depth, which is absolute for going deeper into the playoffs. And all we gave up are 2 RPs with high upside. This trade was for right now, but because Maholm has an option for 2013, we can pick it up if we absolutely have to. We have an option if for some reason Delgado, Minor, Medlen, etc. aren’t ready for next season.

      • Not a HUGE win, but a decent trade. Each team got what they were looking for.

        Perfect trade in that respect.

  113. Theo fleeced Wren again… good thing Dempster blocked the first mistake. Still
    Arodys Vizcaino for Maholm is kinda crazy. Guy has like a 4.11/4.19 FIP/XFIP this year

  114. I hope Wren was able to get some cash back in the deal for Maholm’s salary, considering he gave up Vizzy

  115. Wow. Maybe Theo/Hoyer actually know what they are doing! This just may be a better return, relatively speaking, than the Demp/Delgado fiasco.

  116. Nice for the Cubs to get Vizcaino out of this. Who can tell me something about Chapman?

    • Career minor leaguer. This trade was basically Johnson and Malholm for Vizcaino with Chapman just being thrown in.

    • Very good FB can reach mid 90s but sits 90-92 but his CB is very inconsistent.

    • Career minor leaguer with high KS and high BBs. Middle relief at best. Viz is a great return for just two average MLBers like Maholm and Reed

    • chapman = live arm, high k rates, but walk prone. 5 year minor leaguer would project as a bullpen arm.

    • Also-ran in Braves prospect rankings the last two years. Somewhere in the 25 to 40 range. Probably closer to #40.

  117. This was a good trade. Wren DID NOT get fleeced. Have to give a little to get a little.

    • No, but he will still be in the pen
      Edit: It really depends on how well Hanson pitches, Paul pitches and if Sheets can keep this up. I really miss BB…

      • Yeah, I can see Johnson being a bigger help. Still, Braves didn’t upgrade their post-season rotation while giving up a nice piece.

        • We traded from a surplus (albeit none available this year) to address an area of need. Paul will be solid enough, while still having an upside. Reed as you said will be the biggest help and is something we needed for the post-season and regular season.

          Wren didn’t get that Ace he wanted, but he helped the time while not mortgaging the farm.

    • No he’s not. I don’t even think he makes the playoff roster

    • hanson was sitting 87-89 with his fastball tonight. could just be a bit of fatigue, but he has past shoulder issues. there’s enough cause for concern in my book to make maholm worthwhile.

  120. Rosenthal is reporting a Garza to Reds trade is in the works. Sorry if this is a double post

  121. Loved this trade till i found out arodys involved. He has electric stuff. I think tommy john will help his durablity. they played with fire when they didnt get it done a couple years ago

  122. None of those guys will bring the Braves over the top. Frank Wren sucks again.

    • okay, we get it. you hate frank wren. it’s duly noted. you don’t have to post the same thing 500 times.

  123. all you guys need to stop criticizing Wren we are looking for a short term fixture to do something in the playoffs and catch the nationals.We are def. not thinking long term for vizcaino which will be a gamble on how good he really comes back from tommy john, so be happy BRAVES COUNTRY! we are going to October to mess $$$$ up!!!!!! lets do this! we got a good deal! lets go get em!

  124. How is this a horrible trade?

    Vizcaino is hurt, who knows how he’ll rebound? Even if he heals and becomes a very good player, he’s pretty much blocked anyways. Kimbrel > Vizcaino. And to boot, Braves still have Delgado, Teheran, ect…. and they have gotten a very underrated and solid #3 starter along with a pretty good bench option.

    Wren DID NOT get fleeced, it was a smart deal. And this isn’t a rental trade either. I think complaining about this trade is just complaining for the sake of it really.

    • Uh… Why would we pick up the option on Maholm… guy is pitching as he always does with a career 4.20 FIP. In what world are the Braves going to pick up a 6 million dollar option on a fringe 5th starter. When they have cost controlled young players who could put up similar numbers and already have.

      So yes not sure what to think of this trade. I would rather have Delgado in the rotation the rest of the way than Maholm. Unless you expect him to continue his streak of nice starts.

      Theo did the right move and sold high. Sadly Wren was the buyer

      • I’d rather Delgado go back to AAA this season whether we traded for Paul or had Kris pitch the rest of the way. This move was purely to help the Pen and Bench like Wren said he would, not to get a starter.

        But you are right, we wont be picking up the option unless he decides to pitch differently with us than with Cubs and Pirates.

        • Sadly Delgado and Maholm have almost pitched to the same results so far this year. So why trade for Maholm at all.

          Delgado vs Maholm 2012
          Delgado/Maholm
          4.12/4.11 FIP
          4.19/4.20 xFIP
          4.36/4.16 SIERA

          • Rookie versus experience. Paul’s been doing well in a limited number of starts and He is left handed

    • Vizcaino could have been a great 8th inning man, or starter. I understand why the trade needed to happen- I’m ok with it, just wish it could have been a slightly lower grade of prospect traded.

    • I think everyone’s point is… If you’re going to give him up, do it with a few more pieces and get the top tier starter.

  125. To me it seems like a pretty big risk to take on VIZ here by the cubs. High High Reward but he is going to come with some risk as well. He will need another season under his belt before he shows his true ability. and I say someone post that there is like a 95% recovery rate for the surgery. Well, I was one of the 5% who lost velocity and had to give baseball up, no matter how small the chance is, it could still happen.

    Good Trade however for both clubs, Brave fans tend to pump up their prospects, just like any fan base. Viz will be a solid piece, but I dont think we traded a future cy young winner and a ace. I feel like we gave up a guy who would be a solid back end of the bull pen guy.

  126. Again I would have much rather just did nothing at the deadline. We are playing very well right now and if we did deal trade for a bench bat and a BP arm.

  127. Reading these comments, you would think, by the fans reactions, that the Braves gave up Jason Heyward. Woah is me, we gave up an unproven pitcher who just had Tommy John. Now we’re finished. There’s no hope…

    • Not to mention had an injury while with the Yankees, but you will always have complaints when someone with a high ceiling is traded. I did want him for our pen in latter years, but we do need to sure up our pen and bench this year.

      • But thats what you need to get a pitcher. If I were a Braves fan, I’d be happy they didn’t give up someone with good success in the minors right now like Spruill or Graham. Plus you have Venters and Kimbrel, who are just monsters in the pen, and will be for years.

        • As i said somewhere in the jungle below, I wanted Viz to be our 7th guy for the future, but I’m fine with this trade. Wren said he wanted to sure up the pen and bench and he did just that. I will miss Viz, but this will help us this year for sure.

          • Exactly. I agree through and through. You have to give up something in the future for a good arm. Also I will be cheering for the Bravos. I love Reed, and it would be hilarious if Dempster watches the Braves win a WS.

  128. I think overall this is a solid deal for both teams. I was SO looking forward to seeing Vizcaino back in the ‘pen, but hey… He doesn’t help us in the short term. Reed Johnson and Paul Maholm will. Cubs got a good one.

  129. man, you guys need to stop complaining… this way medlen can continue to own in the bullpen, we get a decent, reliable starter and a guy to pinch hit better than anyone on our team… with awesome lefty splits! vizcaino will probably just be a set up man or closer so not a big loss.

  130. love this time of the year hope the cubs gut 90 percent of the team and let the kids play, is jackson coming up
    now?

  131. even SOTO go traded and dempster was the best player and still there…..hes so loyal….2 the CUBS

  132. Good gamble I guess. Maholm needs to pitch like the stud he has shown lately to really justify giving up Viz. Thought Viz had the makeup of a #2 guy once he came back. Reed obviously helps offset the deal in our favor more though, so im not disappointed at all. Maholm has a cheap option as well.

    • So, Maholm just needs to maintain a 1.00 ERA the rest of the season and this trade will be ok? Hmm….

      • Never said he had to post a 1.00 era. Would be nice though. Like I said, Viz had high upside and probably could have helped net a better pitcher imo. I’m not complaining though. I liked the move. Just felt the cubs got the better half of it.

  133. A lot of reaching for reasons to bash this trade here.

    I’m a Braves fan true and true and logically this is a good trade.

    • i think people are getting lost in the vizzy for maholm exchange and forgetting what a HUGE upgrade reed johnson represents over the diaz/hinske platoon (especially with diaz facing potential season-ending thumb surgery).

      it’s not a blockbuster, but it’s a solid trade that does upgrade the team somewhat.

      • The Braves could get the same results out of Delgado as Maholm projects. So why make the deal to just get reed Johnson

        • Because Delgado wasn’t getting it done. He needs a little more time to develop. Maholm has pitched pretty well this year. This is a good trade for the Braves. They deepen their bench and increase their pitching by not having to take Medlen from the pen. Guess JJ will be let go now.

  134. Braves can easily pick up Maholm’s cheap option for next year and trade him in the offseason for great value. There isn’t too many top pitching free agents this season and he could have real good value in the offseason once the tops arms are off the market especially if he continues to build his value.

    If not he’s a solid 5th option for the rotation.

    • I agree they could do that, but he’d have to pitch well here on out for the Braves to pick up the option and then trade him.

  135. WREN is the best at finding a plan B without giving up alot….U gotta like WREN cause hes always giving the BRAVES a chance with these type of trades………..and kris medlen can be a setup guy again……win win win……..

  136. Hudson
    Hanson
    Sheets
    Maholm
    Minor
    Delgado
    Medlen
    Jurrjens

    What does this mean for Delgado? he’s been pitching pretty well… (obviously Medlen will be back to the bullpen, and Jurrjens will be there too…)

    Edit: I see now Delgado was sent down… my bad.

    • Depends what they do with Avilan. I have to think they would rather have Jurrjens in the minors again to try and build up his trade value for the offseason.

      • there’s nowhere near enough time for jurrjens to recover value, unfortunately. he’s completely lost whatever he had last season. he’s a sure non-tender and even a possible dfa at this point.

        • Jurrjens will never have the value he had last year at the allstar break but he could still bring in a decent prospect in return. If he’s sent back down like he should be he’s going to pitch his heart out to try and get out of atlanta.

          • Who will trade for that contract? I doubt the braves will tender him a contract just to pay part of it in a trade.

          • like @NL_East_Rivalry:disqus said, you’re not getting anything for jurrjens without eating money since he’s arb-eligible. he’s past the point of being a “change of scenery” guy…this is one of those sad situations where you waited too long to pull the trigger, and now you just non-tender and move on. too much talent waiting in the wings to give jurrjens more rope.

    • nah. he’d go to gwinnett before going to bullpen. nothing good could come from taking a non-bullpen guy (especially a young one with mid-rotation potential) and throwing him in there. let him make his starts in the minors if he’s not going to be in the big league rotation.

  138. Oof, don’t know if I would’ve rather kept Viz or Delgado. I guess since Arodys may not come back full health he’s the better choice.

    So
    Hudson
    Hanson
    Maholm
    Sheets
    Minor

    Not bad, I imagine Sheets would get a playoff spot before Maholm though. Love having two lefties in our rotation. Paul’s peripherals have been awful consistent the past two years which is what the Braves need more than an ace IMO.

    Now Atlanta needs one more consistent middle reliever and we’ll be great for a playoff push.

    • medlen/martinez can hold down 6th-7th innings no problem. o’flaherty/venters have the 7th-8th covered. and you’ve got durbin in between. the bullpen is really pretty set, barring catastrophe.

      • Pen looks great right now but thats also what everyone said this time last year too until Venters and Kimbrel wore out down the stretch. One more righty who can work the 7-8th would be nice. Perhaps a Matt Belisle or a Rafael Betancourt? Neither of whom should command a high price in return.

  139. Ben Nicholas-Smith do you guys get any sleep over the next day or two? honestly curious…

  140. with Jason Heyward in the 3 hole… stealing bases and getting big hits,then simmons on the way back…..wow this teams can go far with the talent it has…..chipper mite have a John Elway type off ending…..leaving on top

  141. Arodys was a little much i think, especially after being an untouchable last year. The way the Joe Simpson and Chip Caray talk about Maholm has alway led me to think the Braves as an organization are pretty high on him.

    • I think it’s about right for two years of an MLB starter. Maholm might not blow you away but he’s a serviceable back end of the rotation guy, plus lefty-masher Reed. Is it really that much of a stretch to think those two are worth a high-upside but injured prospect and a minor league arm?

      • The more i think about it the happier i am with the move. This gives the Braves a lot of options this offseason and could lead to an even better prospect coming back.

  142. With Viz on the DL all year, he will have burned nearly 2 years of service time before throwing a pitch for the Cubs

  143. maholm can go 6-8 innings, good for down the stretch and against the pirates if they make the playoffs. would the commisioners office have to approve this deal since it involves and injured player?

  144. I don’t understand what the problem is here with Braves country , FW just got two good players to help out for the final two months. Yeah he gave up Vizcaino but you have to give to receive and I bet if FW would of traded for ZG , JJ or shields the prospects that those three would have cost would have been much more that we gave up . Then most of you would of been criticized FW even more. Good job Wren!

  147. great give up one of our top prospects for a gy ehos having a career year with a 3.74 era…maholm was not the amswer and now viz is gonna destroy the Braves the next 5-6yrs

  149. I think this is a great trade for the Braves. Thought for sure when this first came out that we’d given up tehran and/or delgado along with viz. Good job Wren, for once

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