Braves acquire Maholm, Johnson from Cubs

The Atlanta Braves have statisfied almost all of there needs via trade. 2 hours ago, first reported by Jon Morsi, the Braves acquired Lefty Starting pitcher Paul Maholm, and outfielder Reed Johnson. Atlanta now has found their starting pitcher in Maholm, who has only given up 5 earned runs in his last 7 outings. The Braves also acquired a solid bench bat in Reed Johnson, who can play all 3 outfield spots, and will give Bourn a day off at any given day, or Prado. The 35 year old veteran is hitting .307 this year, and is up for free agency at the end of they year. Maholm on the other hand, has a option for 2013, unless Atlanta wishes to dump him which is not likely. The Braves rotation will now look like this: Sheets, Hudson, Minor, Hanson, Maholm. A very solid rotation. The Braves have reportedly given up minor leauge pitchers Jaye Chapman, and Arydos Vizcaino will go to the Cubs. This is a great deal for a contender in Atlanta, and also the Braves are still looking to add a bullpen arm by the trade deadline at 4 PM tomorrow.

Trading deadline 5 days away, Braves going to buy

With the MLB Trading deadline coming fast, the Atlanta Braves made a trade that was going to bolster their starting pitching rotation. Only thing was, the player rejected that trade. The Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Cubs agreed to a trade that sent Randall Delgado to the Cubs for Veteran Ryan Dempster. Dempster does have a 10/5 trade veto which allows him to reject a trade to any team. The Braves were his second choice, as he told fellow Braves he wanted to come to Atlanta. So Frank Wren pulled the trigger only to found out Demp rejected the trade, hoping to be traded to the Dodgers, his first choice. The frustrated Braves have moved on from this deal, possibly for better as Dempster would have been a rental for a steep pitching prospect in Delgado. The Braves now are looking at other options. At the top of their wish list is Brewers starter Zack Greinke. The ace is a free agent to be, but is said to love Atlanta and would like to sign with them long term. Atlanta would have to offer up Julio Tehran along with another prospect which is steep, but its worth a World Series run. Greinke is most likely for Atlanta, but other options are James Shields from Tampa Bay, and Josh Johnson from the Marlins. The Braves are almost surely to add a Starter, along with a bullpen arm and a right handed bench bat. With a front line Ace along with an arm in the bullpen, and a veteran utility man, Atlanta has a shot to make a deep run in the Playoffs. More neews and rumors to come so stay tuned.

Braves still looking for Consistency in Starting Pitching

After having a monumental comeback, and beating the Nationals 11 to 10 in 11 innings, the Atlanta Braves are still looking for answers in their pitching. The only 3 consistent starters since the All-Star break have been Tim Hudson, Ben Sheets, and Mike Minor. Jair Jurjjens only lasted 2 innings and a third in a embarrasing 9 to 2 loss to the Nationals. With pitching in worry, Atlanta has been rumored to be the front runners for Cubs Starter Ryan Dempster. Dempster likes Atlanta, and could very well resign in Atlanta. If not Atlanta can use him as a chip to the playoffs, and then using the extra money to resign Center Fielder Micheal Bourn, and go after Brewer's ace, Zack Greinke, who is rumored to like Atlanta. The Braves and Nationals are the only 2 teams battling for a divison crown so far in the NL East. Its almost 100% true that Atlanta will acquire a pitcher at the deadline. Also the Braves are looking for bullpen depth, and a much needed bat for their depleted bench, with the loss of Matt Diaz, and struggles of Eric Hinske. Rick Ainkel was DFA by the Nationals. The Braves have intrest in the veteran, but prefer a right handed bat.

Sheets makes brilliant first start back, Braves sweep the Mets.

When General Manager Frank Wren signed Ben Sheets, he called it a "low risk high reaward" signing. So far the high reward has been huge. Sheets dazzled in his first start in over 2 years. Sheets went 6 innings, gave up 2 hits, walked one, and struck out 5. He did not give up a run, and could possibly slow Wren's pitching search down. Atlanta would still like to acquire a starter, but Their focus might change from Zack Grenike to Fransisco Liriano. Liriano can be at the tip top of his game,I.e stiking out 15, or underperform at times. Atlanta has scouted him numerous times, and he could sign in Atlanta for a few million less. While Wren continues to search for a pitcher, Atlanta has gone 7 and 0 in their last 7. In trade news, Atlanta has found relif for their shortsop positon by acquiring Paul Janish the Reds Triple A shortstop. He will be the starter Until Andrelton Simmons comes back from his pinky injury. He will at least be out for 6 weeks. Atlanta gave Cincinnati Triple A pitcher Todd Redmond.

Braves notes: Greinke, Sheets

With the trading deadline just weeks away, the Braves are trying to add a veteran starting pitcher to give them a playoff oppurtunity. With only 2 starters as of now that bring consistencey in every start in Hanson and Hudson, Braves GM Frank Wren knows the club could use another starter. Atlanta has made news by signing 33 year old  Veteran and All-Star Ben Sheets to a minor leauge deal. He makes his first start for  Mississipi tonight. Wren says to expect Sheets pitching in the Braves Starting rotation within the next 2 weeks. In Trade news, the Braves top target Zack Greinke was scouted 2 days back in his start against Miami. He didn't pitch exceptially well, but he got the no-decision and has not lost in 22 starts at the Brewers homepark. Greinke's old teamate and unnamed friend said he "loves" Atlanta and also has a house close to their spring training facility. If the Braves can resign Greinke, look for them to trade one of Tehran/Delgado/Minor to the Brewers. If this deal somehow dies, look for Atlanta to go after veteran south paw, 28 year old Fransisco Liriano. Check back for the latest Braves news and make sure to vote Micheal Bourn to the All- Star game!!!! GO BRAVES!

With Beachy gone Braves look to Pitching Market

The Braves were struck with bad luck 2 weeks back when Brandon Beachy found out he had a partially torn ligament and would have to undrgo Tommy John Surgery. Braves GM Frank Wren knew the Pitching Market was their best hope to maintain a strong chance at the NL East title. With the ineffectiveness of Mike Minor and Randall Delgado of late, Wren sends more and more calls out to find avaliable starting pitching. Atlanta also has to worry if Jair Jurjjens can keep his streak going, or if he will go back to his old habits from April. With Tim Hudson an Tommy Hanson the only consistent pitchers of late, here are the Braves top 5 pitching targets.
Zack Greinke: Greinke is at the top of the Braves wish list, but Atlanta only wants him if they can resign him to a 4 or 5 year deal. Atlanta would have to give up alot in return, but he would be worth it for the long run.
Ryan Dempster: Dempster has been nothing but brilliant this season keeping his ERA microsopic, but he is on the DL right now with a leg strain. The Braves still are "very" interested in Dempster if he would agree to a long term deal in Atlanta.
Matt Garza: Garza, Dempsters teammate also is high on Atlanta's wish list. He is signed through next year which is music to the Braves ears. The only concern they have is if he can control his temper and keep it calm.
Fransisco Liriano: The Braves have been seen multipule times scouting Liriano this past month, and he would be perfect in Atlanta's eyes. His run support is one of the lowest in the leauge, and coming to Atanta the wins could stack up for the southpaw.
Jason Vargas: Atlanta will not stop calling or scouting Vargas. They like everything about him, and how he is signed through 2013. The Seattle Mariners wont ask for as much as the Cubs or Brewers would, which is a plus to Atlanta.
Vargas or Liriano seem like the top 2 canidates to come to Atlanta price wise, and if Atlanta can acquire any of these pitchers  via Trade, the 2012 Season for the Atlanta Braves will be one to remember. Keep checking back everyday as the rumors pile in! Go Braves!!!
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Braves update

The Braves finally ended their dreadful 8 game losing streak tonight with a 5 to 4 victory over the Cardinals. Bourn hit his 5th homerun, and Uggla blasted his 8th. Atlanta was tied for last, but now looks to climb the leader board once again! It looks like the Braves wll browse the trade market for pitchers, but they have sent down Kris Medlen to get ready to pitch in the starting rotation. Changes are being made as the Braves fight for the NL East lead! Go braves!