Braves pick up a pitcher

It’s no secret the Braves are in dire need of pitching. Who knows about John Smoltz and Tom Glavine’s status, Tim Hudson is out until at least August and Atlanta was so desperate they offered a contract to Mike Hampton that was reportedly more than the $2 million he accepted from the Astros. Add in the fact that the Jake Peavy deal fell through and you can see why pitching is the number one priority on the Braves list this off season.

With that in mind, the Braves have traded four young players to the White Sox for veteran right hander Javier Vazquez and reliever Boone Logan. Vasquez went 12-16 with a 4.67 ERA in 33 starts for Chicago last season and has an overall record of 127-129. The righty is expected to make $23 million over the next two years.

Of the four players the Braves sent west, the White Sox are reportedly most excited about infielder Brent Lillibridge. They also received catcher Tyler Flowers, third baseman Jon Gilmore and pitcher Santos Rodriguez.

This trade is just a small step. The team still hopes to lure A.J. Burnett down south, although I don’t know if would be too thrilled if the Braves gave him the five year contract he’s looking for. Hopefully, things will begin to shake out next week during the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas, however I have a feeling this off season especially, teams won’t truly start coming together until late January maybe even up to spring training.
(Photo: Getty Images; source)