Braves outright Boscan, Fish to Triple-A, Boscan elects free agency

The Braves have announced that catcher J.C. Boscan and pitcher Robert Fish have cleared waivers and will be outrighted to Triple-A. However, Boscan has refused his outright assignment and will elect free agency.

Boscan hit .200 with 2 RBI in a brief stint with the Braves in 2012. Fish did not pitch in 2012, and last played with the Angels' Double-A affiliate in 2011, posting a 3.26 ERA in 24 appearances.

Analysis: Well Boscan isn't really a great player-catching depth at best. Fish wasn't healthy but is probably a bullpen arm at best when healthy, so neither of these moves will make a big impact on the team.

Braves outright Cordier to Triple-A

The Braves have outrighted pitcher Eric Cordier to Triple-A.

Cordier posted a 4.38 ERA in 8 Triple-A appearances in 2012.

Analysis: Cordier is really just rotation depth in case one of Atlanta's pitcher's goes down with an injury. You can pretty much find his production anywhere.

Braves claim Jordan Schafer

The Braves have announced that they have claimed outfielder Jordan Schafer off of waivers from the Astros. Schafer played in the Braves' organization from 2005-2011 before going to Houston in last year's Michael Bourn trade.

Schafer appeared in 106 games for the Astros in 2012, hitting .211 with 27 stolen bases as the team's everyday center-fielder for the most part. He spent a good part of the season on the disabled list with a shoulder injury.

Analysis: There really isn't any risk here for the Braves. They are probably just claiming him as a backup plan just in case Bourn leaves via free agency. Schafer has a boatload of talent but I believe some attitude problems, and health issues, have held back his development.  I know one thing, if the Astros give up on you, you have to really take a deep breath and think about what you are doing with your career.

Braves exercise options for Hudson, McCann, Maholm

The Braves have announced today that they have exercised the club options for catcher Brian McCann, and pitcher's Tim Hudson and Paul Maholm. McCann's option is worth $12 million. Hudson's option is worth $9 million. Maholm's option is worth $6.5 million.

McCann had a rough 2012 season, hitting .230 with 20 home runs and 67 RBI in 487 plate appearances. He recently underwent shoulder surgery that will keep him out for the first few months of the 2013 season.

Hudson had another good season in 2012, posting a 3.62 ERA in 179 innings pitched at the age of 37. He has been in Atlanta since 2006, and has 197 career wins.

Maholm started the season with the Cubs, but was dealt to Atlanta long with Reed Johnson back in July. He became a major weapon for the Braves down the stretch, and completely turned around his career. He posted a 3.67 ERA in 189 innings on the season.

Analysis: I am very surprised that they exercised McCann's club option because he was horrible with them in 2012, and I am worried about his health going forward. I understand that he is a cornerstone player for the franchise, but $12 million is just too much for a guy like him at this point. As for Hudson, he has been one of the more underrated, and consistent players in the game, so picking up his option is understandable. I know he is on the older side, but don't let that fool you, because he is a crafty pitcher who can find a way to win 15+ games and strike out 160+ batters per season. As for Maholm, he was a great pickup by the Braves, and completely changed the way I, and many baseball fans for that matter, look at him. He is an extremely crafty left handed pitcher and I think he'll be worth $6.5 million.

Braves extend GM Wren

The Braves have announced that GM Frank Wren has signed a contract extension that will keep him the General Manager of the Braves through the 2014 season. His previous deal covered next season, and would have expired after 2013.

"These changes are a reflection of the good work and success of our Major League baseball team and the work of Frank and his senior staff," team president John Schuerholz said in a press conference.

Wren became Atlanta's GM on October 11, 2007, and has made quite a bit of transactions. He traded for players, most notably Jair Jurrjens and Michael Bourn, claimed Eric O'Flaherty off of waivers, and signed Brandon Beachy as a non-drafted free agent. However, he did sign Derek Lowe to a four year, $60 million contract, and that turned out to be a letdown. Besides that, Wren hasn't been aggressive when it comes to the free agency.

Analysis: I definitely think that Wren has done a nice job in Atlanta and deserved this extension. If you look at the Braves' team, most of their players are homegrown, indicating that Wren and his scouts have done a great job at grabbing certain players. Wren, as mentioned, also doesn't spend big in the free agent market, and that is okay. Now he faces the tough task of filling in the hole left by Chipper Jones, who has unofficially retired from the game.

Ben Sheets to retire

After starting today's game and throwing a scoreless inning against the Pirates, Ben Sheets has retired. Sheets joined the Braves' a few months ago after missing the entire 2011 season.

Sheets made eight starts for Atlanta this season after missing the 2011 campaign due to flexor tendon surgery. He posted a 3.47 ERA in 49.1 innings for the Braves, and reestablished himself as a capable MLB starter.

The Brewers selected Sheets with the 10th overall pick in the 1999 draft and he spent the majority his career in Milwaukee. He put together several great seasons with the Brewers, and was very highly thought of. Over his ten year career, he has posted a career 3.78 ERA in 1596.2 innings pitched while striking out 1,325 batters.

Analysis: Ben Sheets has had a career similar to those of Kerry Wood, Rich Harden and Mark Prior. He came up with a lot of hype, and fu-filled that hype during his first few years. Injuries have really derailed his career, and I was very surprised when he signed a one year, $10+ million contract with Oakland. He'll probably remembered as yet another "what could have been" player, but when he was healthy he was dominant in Milwaukee.

Tigers, Braves, complete Baker trade

The Tigers and Braves have completed the Jeff Baker trade, sending pitcher Greg Ross to Detroit as the player to be named later.

Ross has spent most of the 2012 season in Single-A, posting a 4.60 ERA in 131 innings as a starter. He was selected in the 18th round of the 2011 draft by Atlanta.

Baker has appeared in ten games for the Braves, being mostly used as a pinch hitter off the bench. He has a career .295 average against left-handed pitching.

Analysis: Eh. I thought that the Tigers would get more for Baker, considering that he is a solid bench player that can play multiple positions. Ross has some upside, but the numbers aren't there, and when a player has a 4.60 ERA in Single-A, you need to be concerned. However, he is young and Detroit could try to figure him out. We'll see.

Braves not calling up Jurrjens this month

The Braves have announced, according to Aaron Gleeman of NBC.sports.com, that they will not call up pitcher Jair Jurrjens this month. Jurrjens has spent the last few months rehabbing from a groin injury.

Jurrjens has had an awful year, dealing with constant injury issues and terrible performances every fifth day on the mound. He has made 12 total starts in Triple-A this season, posting a 4.98 ERA with 39 strikeouts in 72 innings. In his 10 starts with the Braves, he posted a 6.89 ERA in 48 innings.

Jurrjens is being paid $5.5 million this season, and is arbitration eligible for the 2013 season.

Analysis: I'm not a big Jurrjens fan, but I'm surprised that they aren't calling him up. I'd give him a shot because he does have a track record of success, and the Braves sort of need some pitching depth right now. I understand that everyone has pitched well, but I don't have faith in Ben Sheets and his formerly damaged elbow. I would also assume that Atlanta will non-tender Jurrjens now, considering that he is expendable. Man, remember last year when the Yankees offered Nick Swisher to get Jurrjens? Me neither.

Braves acquire Baker from Tigers

The Braves have acquired infielder Jeff Baker from the Tigers in exchange for a player to be named later. Detroit designated Baker for assignment earlier today to make room for prospect Avisail Garcia.

Baker appeared in 15 games with Detroit this season, hitting .254 in 181 total plate appearances. He has hit .298 in his career against lefties.

Analysis: Not a bad move by Atlanta here. Baker is a nice bench player to have and provides some spark with the bat. Assuming that the player to be named later isn't anything special, this deal is pretty good for the Braves.

Braves release Jack Wilson

The Braves have released shortstop Jack Wilson. Wilson has been on the disabled list since July 14th and Atlanta has relied on Paul Janish and Tyler Pastornicky at shortstop.

Wilson has hit .169 in 77 plate appearances for Atlanta this year, and will be eligible for free agency after the season. He has a lot of experience at shortstop and second base, and is a career .265 hitter in 12 total MLB seasons.

Analysis: Feels like it was just yesterday when Wilson was one of those top prospects emerging from Pittsburgh's farm system. I remember one year he even got 201 hits. Anyway, I guess this is the right move by Atlanta. Wilson has had a rough year, but is still a tremendous defender. I'm sure he'll sign with another team, perhaps on a minor league deal, next month. It's not time for him to retire just yet, and I hope he ends his career on the high note.

Revisiting the Michael Bourn trade one year later

Last summer, the Astros shocked the baseball world by trading their star center fielder Michael Bourn to the Braves in exchange for a bundle of prospects. Before acquiring Bourn, the Braves were desperately looking for a lead off hitter. At the time, Bourn was one of the best, if not the best, lead off hitter in the game. Let's take a look at how this trade has impacted each team this season. 

Braves acquire:

Michael Bourn- .289 batting average, league-leading 34 stolen bases, 9 homers, 52 RBI, 10 triples

Astros acquire:

Brett Oberholtzer- Triple-A stats: 5.00 ERA, 13 starts, 75.2 innings pitched, 10.8 H/9

Paul Clemens- Triple-A stats: 6.73 ERA, 20 starts, 101.2 innings pitched, 12.8 H/9
                      Double-A stats: 4.11 ERA, 5 starts, 30.2 innings pitched, 8.2 K/9

Juan Abreu- (In Blue Jays organization)- Triple-A stats: 0.00 ERA, 1 appearance

Jordan Schafer- .216 batting average, 26 stolen bases, 23 RBI


As you can see, its clear that the Braves have probably won this trade. Bourn has been fantastic for Atlanta this year, and is making former Astros GM Ed Wade look like an idiot for trading him away for practically nothing. Bourn is a free agent after the season, and even if he leaves Atlanta, and I still think that the Braves got the better end of this deal. Oberholtzer and Clemens do not look good at all, considering that they are really struggling in the minor leagues. Both of their hits per nine innings really startle me as well. Abreu is in the Blue Jays organization now after being claimed off of waivers by them a few weeks ago. Schafer was supposed to be the center fielder of the future for Atlanta, and many fans were worried when they traded him away. He was looked horrible this year, and has gotten into some trouble off the field.

Braves sign Lyle Overbay

The Braves have signed first baseman Lyle Overbay to a minor league deal. Overbay was released by the Diamondbacks earlier this month, and will report to Triple-A today. He will be eligible to join the Braves once the rosters expand in September. 

Overbay will earn $1 million this year, but Atlanta will only have to pay him the MLB minimum salary.  He hit .292 in 110 plate appearances with Arizona this year, and Manager Kirk Gibson platooned him with Paul Goldschmidt, exposing Overbay with more right handed pitching. 

Analysis: Not a bad signing here by GM Frank Wren. Overbay is still a pretty decent bench player and he'll serve as a nice backup once September comes around. I expect him to remain the backup unless Freddie Freeman gets hurt or needs a day off. 

Diaz to have surgery, out for season

The Braves have announced that outfielder Matt Diaz will be out for the season following a thumb surgery that he is about to undergo. Diaz has been on the disabled list since July 21, and was playing through the pain for a few weeks before that.

Diaz has hit .222 with 2 homers and 13 RBI in 51 games this season with Atlanta.

Jurrjens hits the 15 day DL

The Braves have placed pitcher Jair Jurrjens on the 15 day disabled list with a strained right groin. Manager Fredi Gonzalez told reporters that Jurrjens injured his groin during his last start against the Marlins.

Jurrjens has struggled this year, posting a 6.89 ERA this season. He was actually sent down to Triple-A by Atlanta earlier this year.

Hanson hits the 15 day DL

The Braves have placed pitcher Tommy Hanson on the 15 day disabled list with a lower back strain.

Hanson has a 4.29 ERA in 126.0 innings this year. He has a 12-5 win loss record, and has also gotten 114 strikeouts.

Analysis: Typical Tommy Hanson. This is why he is a risky pick when people draft him in fantasy baseball.

Braves acquire Reed Johnson, Maholm

The Braves have acquired outfielder Reed Johnson and pitcher Paul Maholm and cash considerations from the Cubs in exchange for pitchers Arodys Vizcaino (pictured) and Jaye Chapman. Johnson was removed early from today's Cubs-Pirates game.

Johnson has hit .307 in 180 plate appearances this year. He has played all three outfield positions for Chicago and owns a career .313 batting average against left handed pitching. He signed a one year, $1.15 million deal with Chicago prior to this season and will hit free agency after the 2012 campaign.

Maholm has a 3.74 ERA with a 49.9% ground ball rate in 120 1/3 innings for the Cubs this year. He will earn $4.75 million this year and his contract includes a $6.5 million club option for the 2013 season. The Royals and Pirates showed interest in acquiring him earlier this month.

Maholm will join Atlanta's rotation that includes Tim Hudson, Tommy Hanson, Mike Minor, Ben Sheets, and, as of tomorrow, Kris Medlen. The Braves tried to acquire Ryan Dempster from Chicago earlier in the month, but the veteran used his 10-5 rights to veto the deal.

Analysis: This is a great trade for both sides. Atlanta is getting the right handed bat they have been looking for in Johnson. Johnson has been very good for the Cubs over the past few years and definitely deserves to get everyday playing time. However, he will probably be used as the Braves' fourth outfielder. Maholm is a nice addition also. He is a nice number five starter for Atlanta and he will definitely have success with them. It's nice to have pitching depth considering its only a matter of time until Ben Sheets gets hurt again. As for the Cubs, this is a somewhat risky deal for them, but I still like it. Vizcaino will miss this season due to Tommy John surgery he underwent earlier in the year, but he is an excellent prospect. He has some electric stuff and it will be interesting to see if he bounces back from this surgery. As for Chapman, I really don't expect that much from him. He's put up decent numbers at the Triple-A level. He could turn himself into a nice middle relief man, but that's really all he would become at the big league level.

Pirates acquire Marrero from Atlanta

The Pirates have acquired outfielder/first baseman Christian Marrero from the Braves in exchange for infielder Brian Friday. Both players will head to Triple-A.

Marrero has hit .248 with 5 home runs at the Double-A and Triple-A levels this year.

Friday has hit .232 with 25 RBI in Triple-A ball this year.

Braves sign Miguel Batista

The Braves have agreed to sign veteran pitcher Miguel Batista. The Mets released Batista yesterday after they designated him for assignment.

Batista posted a 4.82 ERA in 46 2/3 innings for the Mets this year. Batista joined the Mets on a minor league deal last summer.

Fantasy talk: Welcome back to the show Ben Sheets

Ben Sheets was drafted in the 1st round (10th overall) in the 1999 draft by the Brewers. He put up great numbers in the minors and Milwaukee didn't hesitate to call him up to the show. Some believed that they rushed him, because he had a tough rookie season, posting a 4.76 ERA in 25 starts. The next two years were rough for Sheets. He didn't really get any run support from his offense and his ERA was getting higher. 2004, however, was a completely different story.

In 2004, Sheets finally lived up to his hype, and made his first All-Star game in the process. He posted a 2.70 ERA in 237.0 innings pitched. He also had 264 strikeouts, which is unbelievable. The only problem was that he didn't get run support. You would think that a 2.70 ERA would net you about 20+ wins, but it didn't. He finished the year with a 12-14 record in 34 games started. The 2005 season was the beginning of the downfall of Sheets' career. He pitched well, but couldn't stay healthy. He posted a solid 3.33 ERA in 22 games started, but a series of ear infections that caused dizziness forced him to miss a chunk of the season. 2006 was very similar. Sheets started the year on the disabled list, making only three starts until his next stint on the DL. Shoulder tendinitis was his main issue that season. The 2007 season was successful, but a hamstring injury caused him to miss the final two months of the season. 2008 was a bounce back year for Sheets. He proved that his body could last for a full season by pitching in 31 games and posted a respectable 3.09 ERA. There was one issue, however. At the end of the season he suffered a tear in his right elbow that kept him out of the playoffs.

Following the 2008 season, he filed for free agency. Many teams were reluctant to sign him because of his injury history. He has also a "Type-A" free agent, meaning he would cost a team draft picks if they signed him. The Mets and Rangers had interest in acquiring the hard throwing righty. However, he underwent elbow surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon, and that kept him out of the 2009 season. In 2010, the Oakland Athletics gave him a shot, signing him to a one year, $10 million deal. In July, Oakland announced that Sheets would undergo season ending surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon in his right elbow, the same injury that he got a year earlier. He finished the season with a 4-9 record in 20 starts.

On July 1, 15 days ago, the Braves signed Sheets to a minor league deal after their ace-in-the-making, Brandon Beachy, was out for the season and needed to be replaced in the rotation. Sheets recently made his first MLB appearance in two years, facing the Mets on Sunday. He pitched 6 scoreless innings, and earned the win.

I don't expect a miracle out of Sheets. His track record is extremely shaky. It may even be worse than Grady Sizemore's. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he gets injured any start now. As a fantasy player, Sheets has had most of his value sucked out him. His still can serve as a decent starting pitcher, and you could plug him in for a few starts. He is a decent buy low candidate, but don't expect him to stay healthy the entire season.

Braves acquire Paul Janish

The Braves have acquired shortstop Paul Janish from the Reds in exchange for pitcher Todd Redmond.

Janish has spent the entire 2012 season in Triple-A for the Reds this year. He has never been much of a hitter but is vastly known for his defensive abilities. Janish has a career .224 batting average at the major league level and could get some playing time with Atlanta now that Andrelton Simmons is out for an extended period of time.

Redmond is 27 years old and has never played in a major league game. He has been at the Triple-A level since 2009. He has a 3.78 ERA in 97 career Triple-A starts.