Braves avoid Arbitration with newly acquired Cabrera

The Braves and outfielder Melky Cabrera have agreed to a one year, $3.1 million contract, avoiding arbitration. Cabrera was acquired in a deal with the New York Yankees which sent right hander Javier Vazquez and reliever Boone Logan to the Bronx.

Cabrera earned $1.4 million in 2009.
(Photo: Getty Images; source)

UPDATE: According to Baseball Tonight’s Buster Onley, the Braves are still looking for an additional outfielder, who I continue to hope is not Johnny Damon.

News&Notes: Adam LaRoche has signed a one year, $5 million contract with the Diamondbacks where he'll join Kelly Johnson who signed with the team earlier this month. LaRoche turned down a two year, $17 million deal with the Giants last week. I think I would have taken the money to join the Giants. Have you seen their pitching staff lately?

Braves to add Hinske

Sources have revealed the Braves are close to signing Eric Hinske. The utility man batted .242 with eight homers and .780 OPS for the Pirates and Yankees in 2009, but had 20 homers with the Rays in 2008. Hinske would be used primarily from off the bench.

If he’s cheap, he’s a better choice than Johnny Damon who doesn’t realize his best years are far behind him. However, this is likely the final offseason move for the Braves who are still lacking real power. If Hinske turns into the Braves' Matt Stairs, then that’s great, but where’s the every day bat? Troy Glaus, I am not so sure.
(Photo: Getty Images; source)

Your First Look At Troy Glaus

Troy Glaus was officially welcomed into the Braves family on Tuesday. Atlanta finalized a deal with the first baseman for $1.75 million, which was less than I was reading. For $1.75 million, I think he’s a risk worth taking.

News&Notes: Kelly Johnson has landed with the Diamondbacks.
(Photo: AP)