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!